Page 66 of Blood

Michael wets his lips. “While Charlie and Samantha were upstairs, Sam got upset. She confided something.”

My eyes bulge.Oh shit,they do know.

“Cooper’s been bothering Sam. He knows about the two of you.”

I close my eyes. My heart drops into my stomach. I brace for impact, but nothing comes. Blinking, I furrow my brow. The full extent of his words registers, and any worries I had of being assaulted leave.

“Bothering. How?” I demand.

Michael clears his throat. “Texting. Taunting.” He shrugs. “Seems he took some photo of the two of you at the cabin.”

Rage rushes through me, roaring in my ears, drowning out most of Michael’s words, the odd one filtering through.

“Crying . . . scared . . . embarrassed.”

My chest heaves. It feels like I’m dragging sand through my lungs.

“I think she just needed to get it out.”

My hand shakes, and violence rages in me. The need to stab so overpowering, I do the only thing that I can . . . I give in.

Wrapping my fingers around the screwdriver on the workbench, I plunge it into the plaster board covered wall. Ripping it out, I stab over and over. When that’s not enough, I grab at anything and everything, launching objects around the room.

By the time I calm, I’m gasping for air.

How did this happen? And why the fuck did my girl not tell me?

“It’s going to be okay, Kaleb,” Michael reassures me from where he’s retreated to the corner.

“It will,” Daniel backs.

“We love you.”

I swallow at Michael’s declaration.

How?

A quick glance at their faces tells me it’s true. Taking a deep breath, I count to ten. Then twenty, then thirty.

“I need to leave,” I croak out.

“Don’t be too harsh on her,” Daniel orders, stepping aside from his post at the door. “She’s scared, but she told someone.”

I nod because it’s true. Would I have preferred Sam had confided in me? Yes, but I’m just glad she didn’t keep it to herself.

“He’s got to go,” I declare. I’ve had enough of this asshole.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Daniel slaps a hand on my shoulder. “Tonight, just focus on Samantha.”

They’re not going to disown me.

“I love you both, too,” I whisper, entering the main house.

Striding into the living room, I pick up Sam’s coat.

“Samantha, it’s time to go.” My words are short and sharp, but no matter how much I try to reel myself in, I can’t.

We need to leave.