Page 80 of This Blood That Binds Us

Zach bit his bottom lip before pulling up a seat next to me. “I’m...sorry about the other night. I had a little too much to drink...and then the fight—”

“A little?” Aaron rolled his eyes.

Zach pointed at Aaron. “Don’t interrupt me.” He looked at me again. “As I was saying...Kimberly. I’m sorry if I made things uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t hurt my feelings at all. It was nice hanging out together,” I reassured him.

“Is it good?” Aaron watched me as I sipped my soup.

Everyone’s eyes were on me. I wanted to say so much and even more that needed to be said. But I couldn’t say any of it, so I picked the first thing off the top of my head to talk about.

“Yeah...thanks. Did you tell them that we went camping in the ravine?”

“Woah, woah, wait. You guys went camping together?” Presley’s face twisted into a wicked grin.

“That sounds . . . secluded.” Zach exchanged glances with his brothers.

“Oh, shut up.” Aaron groaned.

“So, like, what did you guys do up there...you know, with all the free time?” Presley asked, steering the conversation in a completely different direction than I intended it to go.

“Okay, that’s enough, Luke?” Aaron motioned for his help.

“He’s right. We don’t want to make Kimberly feel uncomfortable. Right?” Luke stared down Zach and Presley.

“Right,” they said in unison.

“Are you still feeling grumpy today?” Zach nudged Aaron, who was standing right next to him.

Aaron turned back toward the kitchen. “I would love it if everyone stopped asking me that.”

Clanging pots and pans startled me as Aaron threw them into the sink to wash them. I took a bite of my sandwich, enjoying the toast’s crunch. With every minute that passed, I doubted Aaron’s judgment. His brothers needed to know something. What if William showed up again at their house? What if he was already trying to trick them into being friends with him or something?

“Well, I do have something interesting to report to you guys,” I said, mid-chew.

“Oh, yes, do tell.” Presley was excited again.

“I think I have a stalker.”

Aaron turned to glare at me. I tried ignoring it and turning my chair toward the others. “Yeah, do you guys remember William? He’s come to a few of your parties.”

No recollection crossed Luke’s eyes. He must have not remembered anything, either. I secretly hoped it would jog his memory, but if it’s like William had said, it would be awhile.

“Dude, yes!” Presley smacked the table. “I think he’s on the same swim team as that Danny guy.”

Zach added, “That fucker gave me a bad vibe.”

“Why do you think he’s stalking you?” Luke said, rubbing the stubble on his beard.

“He keeps popping up in weird places...He was even camping in the same ravine we went to,” I said.

Aaron’s gaze was heavy on my face. I hated lying, but a lot of truth meshed with the lie. If William was dangerous, they needed to know.

“We can say something to him if you want.” Zach motioned to Luke.

“Oh, no. Definitely not. It was just...weird, and I wanted to tell you, just in case you saw him around. Be careful.” I stuffedthe rest of my grilled cheese in my face to avoid any further questions.

Zach scoffed. “Careful? I think it’s him who would need to be careful.”