Ewan sighed dramatically. “That’s a pity,” he said. “Just a real pity.”
Billy made a strangled sound. “What are you people even talking about?”
Still holding Billy by the throat, Adam yanked him forward and stepped out of the way of the doorway, pointing the asshole’s face toward the truck. “Apologize to her.”
Billy coughed. “Sorry,” he rasped. The word barely made a sound.
Adam tightened his grip even more. “Again.”
Billy swallowed. Tears filled his eyes. “I’m really sorry.”
“I’d like an apology, too,” Ewan added cheerfully.
Adam turned Billy toward him.
“Sorry,” Billy wheezed out.
Adam pivoted him again toward Clancy, who stood near the vehicles watching the scene like someone witnessing a bizarre stage play.
“I’m sorry,” Billy muttered.
“There,” Bianca said from the truck. She leaned halfway out of the passenger seat. “Everyone said they’re sorry.”
Adam looked around the yard. They were definitely trespassing now.
“Yeah,” Bianca added as if reaching the same conclusion. “We should probably go.”
“All right.” Adam shoved Billy backward through the front door. Billy lost his footing and fell flat on his back inside the house, sliding across the wooden floor. Adam stepped onto the porch and tossed the empty shotgun onto the roof.
The metal clattered loudly against the shingles.
Billy groaned, still prone beside a sofa table.
Adam pointed a finger toward him. “If I ever hear about you pointing a weapon at any of my friends again, Billy,” he said, his voice deadly calm, “I’ll bury your fucking body where nobody will ever find it.” He turned and walked down the porch steps.
Small rocks crumbled under his boots as he headed toward his truck.
Behind him, Ewan hurried across the yard toward his SUV. “Yeah,” he said cheerfully, “it seems like a good time to leave.”
Adam slammed Bianca’s door and circled to the driver’s side. “I’ll follow you guys out,” he said.
“Sure thing.” Ewan jumped into the SUV, and Clancy drove off, tires spinning and spraying mud.
Adam pulled out behind them at a calmer pace. “Put your seatbelt on.”
Bianca fumbled with the strap and clicked it into place. “Yours isn’t on,” she pointed out.
He ignored her and kept driving.
They rode in silence until they reached Mineral Lake. Clancy turned toward the inn down by the lake while Adam continued straight, winding past the last buildings and heading toward his place outside town.
“I’m mad at you,” Bianca said, crossing her arms.
He gave her a quick glance. “I’m more mad at you.”
“Huh.” Color flushed across her face.
The woman was gorgeous when she was angry, but that didn’t appease him. Not this time. They reached his place, and he cut the engine outside the garage.