Page 82 of Claimed

“Honey, I don’t know. This is my opinion, but there has to be more to the story. Maybe it’s time you looked a little closer. Explore what supported Elise’s life here.”

Becky switched subjects to a long-winded complaint about her husband, but I tuned it out. My head throbbed. If I couldn’t afford it with three jobs, how did she manage with one?

“Anyway, I gotta go. My husband needs me to bake cupcakes for a corporate event. Don’t you love when they sign you up to do things without your permission?”

“Right, see you later.”

I hung up, stunned.

The door opened. Achille strolled inside. He approached me, a half-smile tugging his lips.

“Who were you talking to?”

I frowned. “The friend I met at the cafe. She was in the bathroom while everything went down and wanted to check in.”

“She alright?”

“Yeah, she’s fine.”

“You look upset.”

I hesitated. “Just a lot on my mind, is all.”

As he dragged me into his arms, that tumultuous feeling swept under my feet. Looking at him was disorienting, like an undertow threatening to yank me down. I clung to him, burying my face in his chest.

Ask him.

The truth could be dangerous. What if it didn’t set me free? Digging deeper could hurt me, and my poor heart couldn’t take another blow. I had feelings for him. Deep, consuming, wild feelings. This wasn’t a gentle drift into affection. I wanted to sacrifice everything to be with him. He made me breathless. Every shared glance and touch tethered my soul closer to his.

He stroked my back. “What is it?”

“Nothing.”

I’d always been a terrible liar. Elise said that my face was easier to read than a Sunday morning comic. Mama could tell I was up to no good with a look.

His expression clouded as he pulled away.

“Is anyone waiting for you in Tennessee?”

I blinked. “Like who?”

His eyes flashed. “A boyfriend.”

There’s nobody but you. “What if there was?”

He smiled. “If I caught you together, I’d slit his throat and make you drink his blood off the floor.”

His words sent a dark thrill to my belly.

I sighed. “Well, that’s one way to ensure you’re the only man in my life.”

“I’m not joking.”

“You know, back home, we’d just settle it with an old-fashioned moonshine duel. Loser walks away, no bloodshed necessary.”

“I can handle my liquor better than anyone from Tennessee.”

“Is that a challenge, Mr. Costa? Our moonshine isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s knocked many strong men off their feet.”

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