Claire had not been expecting that. Not at all. Dad! You dont trust me?
Honey, its not about trusting you. Its about trusting the two adult men youre living with. Especially one I can see youre getting very close to, even though you know thats not very smart.
Fury burst open inside of her, and all she could see beyond the haze of red was Shane, standing between her and Eve, defending their lives while putting his own at risk.
Shane, turning away from her time after time because he was betterbetter by farthan she was at self-control.
Claire sucked in a deep breath and was about to let it out in a torrent of words, at top volume, when Shanes hand came down over hers and gripped it.
Yeah, he said. Youre right about that. You dont know me, and what you do know you probably dont much like. Im not really parent friendly. Not like Michael. Shane jerked his chin at Michael, who was trying to shake his head no, dont do it. I think maybe youre right. Maybe it would be better if Claire moved back in with you for a while. Give you a chance to get to know all of us, especially me.
What the hell are you doing? Claire whispered fiercely. She didnt care that Dad could probably hear, and Michael certainly could. I dont want to go anywhere!
Claire, hes right. Youd be safer there. Our house isnt exactly a fortress, in case what happened today didnt sink in yet, Shane replied. Hell, between strangers cruising in and out, my dads threat to come back and finish what he started
Claire threw down her fork. Wait just a minute. Youre telling me its for my own good, is that it?
Yes.
Michael? Jump in anytime!
Michael held up his hands in surrender. Hed had enough, and Claire couldnt really blame him.
Eve, though, cleared her throat and waded right into the conversational swamp. Mr. Danvers, honest, Claires perfectly fine with us. We all look after her, and Shanes not the kind of guy whod take advantage
Wouldnt say that, Shane said, way too mildly. Im exactly that kind of guy, really.
Eve sent him a dirty look. and besides, he knows wed both kill him if he tried. But he wouldnt do it. Claires fine where she is. And shes happy, too.