Page 28 of Unexpected Complication

Her cheeks flushed. “Nothing!”

“What?”

“Nothing, I swear!”

Not believing her, I pulled the zipper open, my eyes widening when I saw the contents. Without another word, I zipped it shut and tossed it to her.

“Told you,” she muttered.

I shook my head, snatched the drill, and stormed out of the room. In the kitchen, I grabbed a beer and went into the small front room, flinging myself onto the couch. I swallowed a large mouthful as I watched the storm swirling outside. Sean had brought a ton of food and a few more things for Skylar with him, making it back before the snow hit. Listening to the wind, I was glad we’d gotten the windows done. It was going to be far too cold to have only put a sheet of plywood over the hole. I didn’t want Skylar cold—because she’d be even more of a pain in the ass if she were sick.

That was the only reason.

Sean joined me, beer in hand. He tossed something on the coffee table.

“What’s that?”

“The last of the contraband.”

I leaned forward and picked it up. “Fuck’s sake. The butter spreader?”

He nodded with a laugh. “She grabbed it during the commotion the other night.”

I shook my head. Neither of us had noticed it missing. “What the hell did she think she’d do with it? It’s as flimsy as shit!”

“She’s fucking clever. She’d think of something. With that, some chewing gum, and string, MacGyver would probably figure out how to make a small bomb.” Then he laughed. “Of course she’d probably only singe her eyebrows off with it, but she’d fucking try.”

I had to laugh with him. I’d give her that—she’d try. Her ideas simply never panned out well.

“Where was it?”

“In the cushion. She kept looking that way, and I decided to check. I think we’re good now.” He paused, the bottle partway to his lips. “What was in the bag you threw back at her?”

I shuddered. “Tampons.”

He threw his head back, laughing. “You looked like they were gonna bite you!”

“Fuck’s sake, Sean. Can you imagine her with PMS? God, this better be over before we have to deal with that. I’m not sure either of us would survive.”

“Good thing I bought chocolate. I think it’s the only way Julia makes it through some months.”

I rolled my eyes. TMI, but good to know.

The house felt unusually quiet. Outside, the wind picked up, and the snow became heavier. I clicked on the screen to check on Skylar. She was sitting on the end of the bed, staring at her open door, and not moving. I glanced up from the laptop and frowned at Sean. “Why is Skylar’s door open?”

He shrugged. “She’s not going anywhere, Cian. I put her coat and shoes by the front door. She knows it’s storming. We’re both here, and we can see her door from either room. It’s not as if she can sneak down the hall and outside. I told her she could sit with us if she wanted or stay in her room.” He paused and shrugged. “I thought she might relax a little if she could move around. We’ve had her locked up for a couple of days.”

“You think she’ll come out?”

“I guess we’ll see. I checked her cuts after you, ah, left the room so quickly, and I had a little chat with her. I think she’ll cooperate.”

“Is she okay?”

“I think she scared herself a little today. She’s tired as well, since she was up all night in escape mode.”

“Her cuts?”

“Sore, but they’ll be fine.”