Page 108 of The Retaliation You Deliver

“I guess. It just doesn’t seem like him. He was such a control freak.”

Peyton walks over and laces her arm through Luc’s, resting her head on his shoulder. For the first time since they got back together, I’m not floored by a wave of jealousy. For once, I’m truly happy for them. Reaching for Macie, I tug her closer, dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

“Maybe the whore did it,” Peyton adds.

“Seems fairly pointless seeing as she died right alongside him.”

“Bad trip?” Macie asks.

“Yeah, maybe. Does it even really matter?” Luca asks. “He’s gone. No longer able to terrorize any of us.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I mutter, but not meaning it.

Luca doesn’t know what I know. He has no idea that there’s something very questionable going on with our father’s mysterious death.

Not wanting to stand around here discussing him, I look down at Macie.

“Ready?”

She smiles up at me, making all kinds of images spin around in my head.

“Yep.”

I’m leading her out of the kitchen when Peyton’s cell rings.

“Lib, how are you doing?” she asks, excitement filling her voice.

“How’s she doing?” I whisper, turning back to Luc.

“Yeah, really good. Already got the staff wrapped around her little finger apparently.”

“Oh?” I ask, wondering what the hell she could get rehab staff and therapists doing for her.

“Don’t ask.” He shakes his head.

“She always was good at causing trouble,” I say with a laugh, leading Macie from the room and toward the stairs.

“Whoa, he let you back for another visit?” Colt says as he and another guy I recognize walk around the corner.

“Yeah. She’s going to be here a lot,” I stare. “Get used to it or get out.”

“Oh, getting pussy whipped makes Leon grumpy,” Colt sings. “Anyone would think you didn’t just get—”

I have him backed up against the wall before he’s realized I’ve moved. “Finish that sentence and I’ll end your season before it’s even begun,” I growl in his face.

“Bro, chill. I’m only yanking your chain.”

A low growl rumbles up my throat.

“You so much as look at her the wrong way and I’ll get you fucking benched, asshole.”

“Dude, you know redheads aren’t my thing,” he argues.

“It’s just spitfire blondes, right?” Macie adds making me smirk and ensuring all the fight leaves me.

She steps up to me and runs her hand across my stomach, causing my muscles to bunch and for me to take a step back.

“You’re lucky she’s here,” I tell him, continuing to step back.