Page 41 of Full Out Fiend
“What are you doing here?” I demand.
She cringes, and I instantly regret the way the words came out. I don’t want to hurt her, but I sure as hell don’t trust her after everything that went down last night.
It’s not that I don’t want to see her. I’ve been desperate to get a hold of her for weeks. But last night… when she left… when she picked him…
I steel my spine, remembering the sear of anguish that sliced through me when she walked away. If she’s here to twist the knife deeper, I won’t survive it.
Swallowing past my concern, I cross my arms over my chest, acutely aware that all eyes are on me.
“I mean, I didn’t think I’d see you again after last night,” I try again, softer this time, still piercing her with my stare.
My brother grumbles my name under his breath in warning, but I refuse to be reprimanded for keeping my guard up. He knows damn well the kind of power this woman has over me. He’s the one who had to book a last-minute flight across the country because of the fallout.
Daphne remains unmoving, staring at me with those big, gray-blue eyes, breathing steadily. My vitriol bounces right off her. Like she expects it. Or she’s used to it.
I soften my stance as silent seconds tick by. She looks just as unwell as she did last night—even with her hair styled and her makeup on point, I can tell she doesn’t feel good.
She takes a deep breath through her nose, her face scrunching up as one hand brushes against her stomach.
“Shit… Are you about to be sick?” I forget my own emotional stake in the situation and stride toward her on instinct.
She closes her eyes as she blows out a long breath, then she opens them again to peer up at me through her lashes. “I’m okay,” she assures me after a few seconds. “It passed.”
“Come in and sit down,” I insist, cupping her elbow and guiding her into the living room.
She’s not even fully seated before Maddie starts in on the introductions. “I’m Maddie—and this is Fielding’s brother, Dempsey. Are you staying for dinner? Dem’s already been to the butcher, but we bought more than enough food… we’re going to grill out. Do you like steak? Please stay. We’d love for you to stay.”
I plop down on the couch next to Daphne, careful to keep a healthy amount of space between us. I look from Maddie to Dempsey, then back to Maddie again, who’s staring at me with wide eyes. She clearly wants me to say something—so I repeat the invitation. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”
Chapter 26
Daphne
IsearchFielding’sfaceand try to read the room. I’m usually pretty adept at picking up on someone’s vibe, but I’m completely off-kilter right now. Forget reading the room when the room is a lot more crowded than I expected it to be. I look from Fielding to his brother—Dempsey—then back to Fielding again.
“Sure. I’ll stay. I’m Daphne, by the way,” I add, trying my best not to let the shock register on my face every time I glance at Fielding’s brother, who must be a twin.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the blonde chirps, before adding, “I’m Dempsey’s girlfriend.”
Aha. She’s his brother’s girlfriend. That makes me feel better. I consider making a joke about being Fielding’s baby mama, but it might be a little too on-the-nose for where things stand right now.
Fielding’s eyes are boring into me. I don’t even have to look to know. The intensity is palpable. He’s giving off a legitimately hostile vibe that I wasnotexpecting. He’s done a total one-eighty from last night.
Maybe he got ahead of himself, and regrets what he said now that he’s had time to think. Maybe he’snotall in after all.
I swallow down a fresh wave of nausea. I’m here now—and he invited me to stay for dinner. It’s time for an honest conversation about where things stand.
Turning to him, I tuck my hair behind my ear. His proximity unnerves me—he’s close enough to touch, yet his demeanor is the complete opposite of what I’ve come to expect from him. And then to look over and see another one of him staring at me with an even sterner expression? Good grief.
“I texted you as soon as I got home last night. And this morning, too. I only left like that to get Anthony away from you… I know him well enough to know he—”
“Fuck,” Fielding mutters under his breath, smacking at his pockets before leaning forward with his elbows on his knees as he shakes his head. “I don’t even know where my phone is. I bet I left it in the car. I’m so sorry, angel,” he murmurs, cupping my knee. “After you left last night… I—I thought that was it. That you were gone. I completely forgot that we had each other’s numbers now.”
“I think we’ll go outside and give you two some privacy,” Maddie announces, grabbing her boyfriend’s hand, then dragging him toward a set of glass doors. “Just come out and join us when you’re done,” she calls over her shoulder.
Something unspoken passes between Fielding and his brother then. It’s clear from that look alone that what they share is special. They hold each other’s gazes for several seconds before Fielding nods. Then Dempsey is out the door, following his girlfriend.
His hand is still resting on my knee, and I fight down the urge to scoot closer to him on the couch. Something about his touch and being in his presence soothes me.