Page 19 of Claim Me

I don’t feel suicidal. I just feel bad. That’s why I stay at the house. It makes me think of my mom during her happier times and keeps me from obsessing over Siobhan. All these years, I’ve never seen her at Caveman’s house. Except for a few family photos, this place is devoid of Siobhan’s presence.

Until today, when a line of black Kovak Syndicate SUVs rolls up the road to Caveman’s house. I assume they’re bringing Bear, Natasha, and their kids. He mentioned Jacinda and Hector wanted to meet Tangina. Natasha never travels without excessive security, so I’m not surprised when she slides out of an SUV with Bear’s help. The kids soon join them.

I frown at the sight of Hunter and Tack exiting another SUV. The pregnant redhead looks back inside and coaxes Siobhan to join them.

My heart sinks at the sight of the beautiful woman I love. When her gaze meets mine, I recall how soft she felt in my arms. She’s wearing a burgundy shirt and her “Aunt Flo” jeans. Her hair hangs loosely around her shoulders. I’m struck by how close I came to winning this woman’s heart.

Backing away, I consider running. Instead, I pet my dogs and accept I can’t hide any longer.

“Where’s the pig?” Bear asks while the women stand back near security.

“Hello, Indigo,” Jacinda says and waves at me from her spot next to Bear.

Hector bounces next to his slightly older sister and cries, “Hi, Indigo!”

I smile at how neither one says my name right. They get most names wrong. When they say Tack’s name, they sound like a cat coughing up a hairball.

“Tangina is sleeping on the back porch.”

The cute blond kids stare up at Bear while bouncing on their heels. His gaze remains on me.

“Be chill, okay, man?”

Though I frown at his comment, he ignores my reaction and takes the kids around the back of the house. Tack stays with the women except for Siobhan who shuffles in my direction.

“Hi,” she says in a meek voice before adding in a stronger tone, “I’ve missed you, Indigo.”

“I’ve been busy.”

Siobhan loses her fear and frowns at me. “Should I come back? Am I interrupting your busy schedule?”

Her tone makes me back away. Siobhan instantly looks guilty.

“We need to talk.”

I shove my hands in my pockets and brace myself for what comes next.

“I’m sorry about what happened at the clubhouse,” Siobhan says as her nails absentmindedly scratch at her elbow in the way she does whenever anxious. “I hadn’t meant to upset you.”

“I’m the one who’s sorry.”

“About what?”

“About what I did.”

“Do you mean when you acted cold after you were done?” Siobhan asks and shrugs. “That’s a guy thing or whatever.”

“No.”

“Well, I don’t know. I’ve only been with two guys.”

“And Sync didn’t act like that.”

“No, he also ditched me quickly afterward, but he was nicer about it.”

“I’m sorry.”

Siobhan inches closer. “Why were you so upset? Did I do something wrong?”

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