it’s true. A part of me desperately wants it to be true. Despite our banter, there has always been a playful undercurrent of affection. At least on my part. And just having her in my life again has made it that much brighter. With Serena around, it’s as if everything that was crooked is suddenly straight. I’ve been thinking about her nonstop since that fated, deadly night—wanting to comfort her, wanting to simply be near her to have her comfort me. But I can’t get a good read on her feelings.
Is she really that into me and what we could have together, or am I simply a means to an end? An able body ready and willing to invade West Virginia? I bow my head into my hands a moment as a body falls into the booth across from me.
The Sloppy Pelican isn’t where I wanted to be this afternoon, but Marlin insisted we meet up to discuss the case before Serena and I are taken in for further interrogation. The place is teeming with people looking to escape the summer heat. The AC is on high, and the scent of fresh fried everything fills my senses. Usually I’m up for eating the entire left side of the menu, but my appetite has dwindled considerably no thanks to last night.
I hate that Axel and Lex barged in like that. I feel terrible for Serena. I texted her for an hour after she was hauled out of there, apologizing profusely for my behavior. I’m sure Lex is putting together a rock solid legal case that will land me in the most violent prison in the country. I have no doubt I’ll pay dearly for what I’ve put her sister through.
“Morning, sweetie,” a female voice calls from behind, and I’m both stunned and afraid to see Serena landing in the seat beside me. Her hair is lively as it springs over her shoulders as if it too were glad to see me. She’s donned a pair of denim shorts so very short that I’m sure they qualify as a swimsuit somewhere in the world. And that white tank top she’s paired it with shows off a bright pink bikini top underneath. It looks as if she just dropped by on her way to the beach. I’d love to join her if I didn’t think it would lead to getting my man parts chopped off by her sister—or her brother. I’m pretty sure that’s set to happen regardless.
Marlin takes off his hat and tips it her way. “Hey, hey, the gang’s all here.”
It is quickly becoming apparent that Marlin Maxfield has zero clue that I had his baby sister tied to my bed last night, naked, her face cleverly disguised with feathers. Because if he did, I’m sure that whole hey, hey routine would have ended in gunfire.
Serena wraps her leg around mine underneath the table, and I shoot her a quick glance. But she’s not looking at me. She’s staring dead ahead at her brother.
“What’s up, big bro? This sounded serious.”
“Yes, it is”—he looks incredulous that she had to point it out—“I’m surprised Axel and Lex didn’t stop by last night and fill you in like they said they would.” Marlin is the exact representation of his sisters in male skin, older, far more unruly with his hair a little longer than it probably should be, his three-day scruff going every which way, but he shares the same green eyes, his hair a touch less crimson. In fact, it looks black as pitch from this vantage point. And on top of all that, he’s only slightly less unhinged than Lex. I don’t think I’d peg Serena with the cerebral slight, but then, I haven’t been introduced to every facet of her yet. I’m hoping that side doesn’t exist.
Serena and I exchange a brief glance. Neither of us says a word.
“Anyway”—Marlin nods to the waitress who brings us each a glass of lemonade—“I talked to my buddy in homicide, and they’re reviewing the footage of you and Barry Larson having a tussle at the door that night.”
Serena shakes her head furiously. “It wasn’t a tussle. We bumped into one another, and a few insults were exchanged.”
I can’t help but grunt and shed a greasy grin. “Sounds like a typical Friday night for you.”
Her foot taps hard over mine like a punishment, and as much as I hate to admit it, I think I like where this is headed.
“Nevertheless”—Marlin lifts a finger—“they said the