Monica could give her brother all the hell in the world—she’d earned that right—but if anyone else tried it? Oh, she’d have their ass gift-wrapped and hanging on the nearest fence post.
“Allow?” Monica tilted her head, her tone sharp enough to cut glass as she stared up at Kane.
“That’s what I said,” Kane replied, his voice low and calm, his stare just as unyielding as hers.
“Listen, Warrior—” Monica began, then caught the warning flicker in his eyes and nearly took a step back, but didn’t.
“Uh, I don’t think he likes being called that,” Doug muttered from the corner of his mouth.
“Oh, I know,” she said sweetly, flashing Kane a smile that was anything but. “Let me be real clear. No one makes decisions for me. I’m a grown woman who, by the way, found you before you found me.”
Kane’s lips twitched into that smug, soul-melting grin that made her want to slap it—and maybe kiss it—right off his face.
“No,” he said slowly, voice edged with amusement. “I drew you out when I started showing your picture around, and I just waited for you to show up.”
Monica let out a snort, folding her arms as her eyes narrowed. “My brother had nothing to do with what I was doing to find Beverly.”
“Ah, well, that’s not exactly true,” Doug started, instantly regretting it when Monica shot him a look that could curdle holy water.
“So, if you’ve got anything to say about anything,” Monica said, glaring at Kane, “direct it at me. Not my brother.” She turned sharply, heels clicking against the pavement. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got somewhere to be.”
And damn it, it felt good. Kane hated to be dismissed—she could see it in the tight curve of his jaw—but she’d just handed him his ego on a platter.
“Why don’t you come up to the house with us?” Doug’s voice stopped her dead in her tracks.
She spun so fast she nearly tripped. “Doug!” she hissed, eyes wide, hands flying up in disbelief before slapping her thigh.
“What?” Doug frowned, throwing his hands out. “We’ve got a ton of food at the house, and I’m sure he’s hungry after his trip.”
“I am a little hungry,” Kane said innocently, and Monica swore the man was enjoying every damn second of her slow burn.
“See?” Doug said, turning that big brother glare on her. “Momma taught you better manners, Monica Maria.”
Ugh. Full name. The ultimate sibling smackdown. Even as a grown woman, it still made her feel like she’d been caught stealing cookies before dinner. And, damn it, he was right. Kane might be a jackass wrapped in dark chocolatey sex appeal, but he had stopped her from taking a hit earlier. Feeding him was the least she could do… even if she’d rather feedhimto something with teeth.
“You’re right,” Monica said finally, lifting her chin as she started for the door. “We do have plenty of food to feed the Warrior.”
The deep, husky chuckle that followed almost made her turn around, but she refused to give him that satisfaction.
Doug was already peppering him with questions as they headed inside, his curiosity about Kane’s job as relentless as ever. Monica rolled her eyes and pushed through the door, only to be met by a small missile of emotion.
“Whoa!” Monica laughed softly as Dena barreled into her. Scooping her up, she hugged her tight, heart aching as she looked across the room. “You doing okay, Ken?” she asked gently, her voice softening.
“No, I’m not,” he said flatly, taking Dena from her arms. His eyes were narrowed as he glared at her. “Why wasn’t I the first contact when they found Beverly?”
The question hit her like a gut punch. “I—uh?—”
“It should have been me who identified her body,” Ken cut in, voice trembling with suppressed fury. “That was my job. A job I never wanted, never asked for—but mine all the same.”
Monica’s throat closed, shame washing through her in hot waves. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I just thought?—”
“You thought wrong.” His voice cracked, followed by a heavy sigh. “You’re her sister. I’m her husband.”
And just like that, he was gone, walking away with Aunt Fay and Dena trailing behind him.
Monica stood frozen, the noise in the room fading into nothing. The guilt pressed down like a weight on her chest, her breath shallow. She didn’t have to look to know Kane was still watching her, his presence felt like a heat against her skin.
Slowly, she moved toward the casket, her eyes drawn to Beverly’s smiling photo framed by flowers. Her knees felt weak as she stopped in front of it.