"Jesus." He looked up at the other two in the room, one looking very confused and the other very concerned.

Remaining where he was, he kept his tone cool and low. "Serena, take Jake for a walk and tell him what's going on."

"But, Austin--"

"Now," he clenched through his teeth. Panic clawed at his chest. "I'm taking her upstairs."

Austin waited until he heard the door close and then tentatively placed his hand on her back. She flinched. He briskly rubbed his face with ...