Page 229 of Red Marked

It’s tight. I know her laugh, and that isn’t it.

He laughs too, and it’s just as tight. “Fine. We could shower. I’ll wash your back.” He bobs his brows. It’s clear what he’s suggesting. “And maybe we go and see your folks after.” He leans in again, and this time he gets there. His mouth lands on hers.

She lets it happen for a second. Then she pulls back before he can take it any further and looks down at her lap.

He tucks her hair behind her ear.

“I’m sorry you went through so much, babe. You know I love you. We’ll hang out here at home today. I’ll do a barbecue later, grill up some steaks. A nice, relaxing day. How does that sound?”

“It sounds good.” She looks up at him, and she’s smiling.

Maybe I’m reading into this. Seeing things that aren’t there because I want them to be. Maybe every couple looks like this after five years apart.

Star doesn’t look happy, though.

That nagging won’t freaking let up.

“Are you done with that, sweetie?” He nods at her plate. Half the stack is still on it.

“Yes, thanks.” She pushes it toward him. “Sorry. My stomach’s shrunk from living on berries and nuts.”

Her stomach has not shrunk. I’ve seen that female eat. I watched her put away half a bucket of fried chicken and go back in for peach cobbler.

“We’ll get you back to normal.” He takes the plate. “I’m going to cook for you and look after you, Star. You’re my top priority.”

I have to hold back a gag.

I hate this asshole.

He turns to the sink with the plates.

The second his back is to her, her face changes again, and this time it’s unmistakable. Her mouth twists. She drags the napkin across her lips like she’s scrubbing him off and stares at his back while she does it. Her eyes are cold.

Then the water shuts off, and she’s smiling before he’s turned all the way around.

There is something going on here.

I know it.

64

Star

I almost threw up in my mouth when he kissed me. When his tongue touched my lip, bile started to come up my throat.

Arghhhh!

No!

I couldn’t.

I had to sit there afterward and smile at him with the taste of him still on my lips.

Jett doesn’t want to wash my back. He wants sex, and he’s dangling my family in front of me to get it. Do this, and maybe you’ll see your mother. Be good, and maybe you’ll get an hour with your brother.

He’s disgusting and pathetic.

I hate him so much.