"What a coincidence. Sage, right?" a saccharine voice called from behind me.
I turned, and there was Rhodes' ex, "bumping" into me with all the subtlety of a scripted rom-com villain. She stood too close, her designer bag slung over one shoulder, blonde hair perfectly coiffed, and a smile that didn't reach her calculating eyes. Catherine Collins was exactly what someone envisioned when they thought of a late-thirties bimbo with too much time on her hands. She’d over-tanned and over-Botoxed. Her skin stretched too tight over her face, which was too bad because if she’d only stop to enjoy life a little, maybe she’d be a little more attractive. Instead, she gave off super-villain vibes rather than soccer mom. If anything, she looked a little strung out.
The meeting was not an accident. Ellis stiffened next to me, and while he was close by, he stayed silent. We’d talked extensively over the last month about how I wanted him to intervene with people. If I looked at him, I would bet a hundred bucks that his trademark glacial stare was pinned on her.
Handing my wicker market basket to Ellis, I turned and looked her up and down. I cringed a little at my wardrobe, but in my defense, I was dressed for fairy houses and assembling a playhouse. Catherine was dressed in what looked like something from a magazine spread—a breezy skirt and an off-shoulder blouse that only seemed to accentuate how thin she was. Me? Well, somewhat grubby cut-offs and a T-shirt that was a size too big and faded from an elementary school fundraiser for the Wildcats.
“Catherine, right?” No way was I letting her rattle me. “Small town. What brings you here?"
She laughed, a tinkling sound that grated on my nerves, as she adjusted her bag as if we were old friends chatting. "Just picking up a few things. You know, for old times' sake. Rhodes always loved my homemade lasagna—secret family recipe. We had so many cozy nights with that. He couldn't get enough."
That was funny. I doubted the woman could cook, but Rhodes had already told me what their nights had been like, and cozy meals weren’t part of it. Not to mention, I knew he wasn’t eating lasagna with her. Keeping my expression neutral, I shrugged. “Enjoy the market.”
“Men like Rhodes... they always circle back to what they know.” Her eyes narrowed, and her smile sharpened. “You think you won, but you didn’t. We have a daughter together. History you can't erase."
Jealousy flared hot in my chest, but I reminded myself that it was true. “You’re right. You do have history you can never erase. I respect that.” Ellis shifted subtly closer. "If you're here to stir things up, save it. I don’t care about you.”
Catherine's facade cracked for a split second, her lips pursing in faux concern. "I'm just warning you. Trying to help you out.”
"I know what I need to know. He’s loyal and protective. Whatever games you're playing, they won't work. Enjoy your shopping."
She huffed, tossing her hair, but the defeat in her eyes was clear as she turned on her heel and sauntered off, disappearing into the crowd. My hands shook slightly as I paid for the herbs I had been looking for, but outwardly? Calm as a cucumber.
Ellis fell into step beside me as we headed back to the truck, murmuring, "Handled like a boss. Rhodes'll want to know about her showing up here.”
I nodded, pulling out my phone to text him a quick heads-up. Catherine's hints had stirred the jealousy pot a little if I were honest with myself, but they hadn't boiled over. If anything, they reminded me why Rhodes had cut her out—and why I trusted him.
Unknown Sub
From the dim corner of the park, hidden behind the overgrown hedge, I watched her stroll through the market. My teeth ground—did I see her smile at that man who was always following her again? No, she wouldn't.
Forgive her. I wasn’t like him. I was better. My nails scraped against the bark, drawing thin lines of blood.
She would be mine forever.
I pressed deeper into the shadows, blood trickling down my hand, my pulse thundering as she chatted with someone else.
Unacceptable.
Rhodes
Sage and I were finally in a good place. Now, if I could convince her to move in, then everything would be nearly perfect. She’d insisted on staying at her place last night, and even though we’d talked on the phone, having her clear across town made me nervous.
The wooden frame was finally coming together. It had taken us hours of arguing over it like it was some kind of high-stakes operation, but we were on it now. East, Wade, and I were now deciding on slide placement while Opal bounced around us with Cheese.
“What about here?” she asked, gesturing to one spot and then another. Her pigtails bounced as she talked. I was getting better at them now, and they looked pretty even.
Sage had texted that she’d be by after a quick run to check in at her store and pick up some honey for Maggie. I was glad she was checking in, but I was just as glad Ellis was with her. My worry for her hadn’t gone away. We were still no closer to figuring out who sent the flower arrangements, and it was like an itch I couldn’t scratch. Whoever it was had gone to great lengths tohide their identity, and nobody does that without a good reason. Even with all the resources at our disposal, the person had still managed to elude us. We’d had everyone on it we could, but no dice. Sometimes you think you’re the smartest (or have the best people), but you quickly realize there’s always someone out there better than you. This was one of those times. Whoever this fucker was, they knew what they were doing.
"Hand me that wrench, Oppie,” I called, wiping sweat from my face. She ran over, grinning, loving being able to help. East chuckled, securing a bolt. "Kid's a better helper than some of my crew."
That was absolutely not true, but she did love to help and be included. This was exactly the sort of life that I wanted for her. To be surrounded by family on a lazy weekend.
We were wrapping up the roof when Sage's delivery van pulled up, earlier than expected. She hopped out, market basket in hand, but something felt off. My gut twisted. "Everything okay?" I asked, striding over and pulling her into a quick hug.
“It’s fine. Nothing to worry about. We ran into Catherine at the market, but it wasn’t any big deal, I promise.”
I pulled her closer, possessive need surging. “What the hell did she want?" The words came out rough, laced with that deep, unyielding claim. She didn't pull away, her eyes softening, and fuck if that didn't stoke the fire.
