Rodeo's violent anger wasn't much but a short-lived explosion once he was forced to meet Adelaide's eyes. Those baby blues were water tossed on the flames, leaving only the smolder of ashes left behind. His grip started loosening up on her almost immediately, and he swallowed past the tightness in his throat. Maybe he should have realized that she'd have shut herself away, turned her phone off to close that link and be left with only the role she had to play. When she explained it, it made sense-- still, the anger wasn't completely gone, and likely wouldn't be until he had her back at the library. He had overreacted, but it wasn't all that surprising considering his fears. Adelaide getting scooped up by Macary and vanishing was his worst nightmare, and her lack of response had convinced him that it had already happened.
"I know," Rodeo murmured, and though he was still tensed and still irritated, he lifted his hand from Adelaide's arm to cross behind her shoulders instead, drawing her in to tuck her against his chest for a moment. "M'sorry, Shortcake. Scared me. Scared me so damn bad. Thought he took off with you, thought for sure..."
Rodeo glanced up at Cutter, shaking his head apologetically. "Dragged you along too, coulda gotten us both taken out. Wasn't thinkin'." It had been unwise and rash, but of course Cutter had come along to back him up. Rodeo had a feeling that Cutter would have his back through anything, even the stupidest of plans.