Page 42 of Blood

“Do I need to take care of someone?” I ask carefully.

She quickly shakes her head.

Not good enough.

I catch her chin between my thumb and forefinger. I wait until her eyes meet mine. “Do you need help, Shelby?”

Her teeth chew her lower lip, and her fingers keep fiddling. “No,” she finally whispers. “It’s complicated.”

My hand drops to her collarbone. I hold her gaze captive and slip my finger beneath the chain of the necklace she’s been playing with. I pull until the locket rises out of her shirt.

“It was a gift.”

I watch her face for a second. She’s embarrassed and shy, but she’s not lying.

“Okay.” I tilt my head to the door. “Let’s go make him jealous.”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Because he wants you pregnant before you’re ready,” I say, motioning to the drawer.

She pouts her lips and squints. “And why would you help me?”

“Because I have someone of my own to make jealous.” I grin.

“Are you going to tell Sam about . . .” She motions to the drawer.

I shrug. “I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine.”

“I don’t have one, not really,” Shelby denies.

I roll my eyes. “You’re a terrible liar.” Nodding to the door, I take another look around her room as I walk behind her. “You should see a doctor about that.”

Shelby’s face scrunchies. “Are all brothers this annoying? I’m suddenly very grateful I’m an only child.”

I laugh when she shoves me in front of her.

“How was the party?” I ask, leading her to the living room.

Shelby stumbles into my back.

“Woman, have you been drinking?” I laugh, turning to help her straighten.

She gives a sheepish look. “The party was okay. Nothing special.” She waves it off, walking past me.

Now, why do I not believe that?

“What were you packing a bag for?” I ask.

Shelby sighs, closing the door behind us. I watch as she locks it, pushing the handle several times after to check and then looks up at me. “It’s complicated.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Samantha

Men, I hate them. No, I hate him.

I glare at Kaleb as he holds the diner door open for Shelby, then waits for a couple to leave before entering himself. A few of the women in the diner turn and watch him. Why does he have to be so polite and charming?No, not charming. He’s arrogant and annoying,I amend, watching him wink at Judy.