Page 87 of Cannon

As soon as I arrived, I hopped out of the whip, and rushed to the door where I knocked. I’d really been missing the boys andcouldn’t wait to see them. In a matter of moments, Reese opened the door.

“Cannon!” She threw her arms around me, her perfume choking me with its sweetness. “I’m so happy you stopped by today.”

“Sup,” I replied as I wiggled out of her touch.

“What’s wrong with you? And what happened to your face and your hand?” she asked, holding my face as if we were lost lovers.

I recoiled and replied, “work hazard…”

“I don’t want you working there. Look at your face…

I jerked my head away from her touch. “It’s fine, Reese. Just a lil fight at the club.”

Her smile was too bright, almost manic. Something was off about her energy. She seemed almost… happy. Which made no sense considering she’d just lost her man.

“Come in, come in!” She practically skipped back into the house. “The boys are at school, but they’ll be back soon. They’ve been asking about you.”

I followed her inside, my guard up. The house was spotless, like she’d been cleaning nonstop. Fresh flowers sat on the dining room table. Music played softly in the background. This wasn’t the home of a grieving widow.

“You seem… good,” I said carefully, watching her reaction.

“I am good.” She beamed at me. “I’ve been handling everything. The funeral is all planned for Saturday. Simple service, just like Gage would have wanted.”

The way she said his name, casual, without a hint of pain, it sent a chill down my spine.

“That’s… quick.”

“No sense dragging it out.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Besides, I’ve got so much to do after. Did you know Gage had a life insurance policy? A million dollars.”

My blood ran cold. A million. The pieces started clicking together in my head. Gage’s words echoed: “She’s all yours now.”

“That’s a lot of money,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.

“I know! And I’ve been thinking…” She moved closer, her eyes bright with excitement. “You’re living in that terrible apartment. Let me help you get a better place. Something nice, close to us. The boys would love having you nearby.”

I took a step back. “Nah, I’m good. Don’t need your money.”

“Don’t be silly! What’s mine is yours.” She reached for my arm. “We’ve always taken care of each other.”

“Reese,” I said firmly, “you need to save that money. Put it in accounts for the boys’ college. That’s what Gage would want.”

Her smile faltered for just a second. “The boys will be fine. I’ve got plans…”

“What kind of plans?” I cut her off, remembering Gage’s warnings about her gambling, her spending habits. How she was always broke no matter how much money came in.

“Just… plans,” she said vaguely. “Investments. But first, I want to take care of you. You’ve always taken such good care of me”

Something dark and twisted settled in my gut. Had she planned this? Did she give herself that bruise? Did she have me kill him for insurance money? Was my sister this twisted?

“I don’t need you to take care of me,” I said, my voice hardening. “Never have.”

She stepped closer, her eyes locked on mine. Before I could react, she lunged forward, pressing her lips against mine. For a split second, I froze in shock, then instinct took over. I shoved her away harder than I meant to, sending her stumbling back against the wall.

“What the fuck, Reese?” I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, disgust rising in my throat.

“I love you, Cannon,” she said, her voice breaking. “I’ve always loved you. More than a brother.”

I stared at her, my mind spinning. She was in-fuckin’-sane.”You’re my sister.”