Page 77 of Vicious Sentiments

Julian doesn’t even acknowledge Dillon’s comment and picks his phone back up with a groan.

Dillon’s face falls and he pushes his plate away, standing up quickly.

“You aren’t going to have dessert?” Margo’s brows knit. “I used peaches from the farmers market.”

He doesn’t say anything but pushes his chair in before sulking out of the room.

“Growing pains,” Margo says mostly to herself and scoops out some cobbler to a plate.

I really don’t see Margo as having a blind spot, but it’s definitely not growing pains. He’s twenty-one for starters, and he’s clearly only taking issue with the business. I don’t understand how she can’t seeit, but he does typically put on a smile for her. And of course, Cape isn’t around to see this small display of disapproval. Although, maybe it’s best if he doesn’t.

“Iamgoing to have to go,” Julian says, and I frown.

“Your father did spend more time out of the states than he did in them.”

“That’s real encouraging.” Julian rolls his eyes.

She just shrugs and pushes a plate in front of me. It has a big portion of the cobbler with gooey peaches spilling out and they make my mouth water.

“Thank you,” I say from under my hair.

“I’m just glad you have your appetite back.” She smiles.

Marney scowls. “Even though we don’t know what made her lose her appetite.”

“Oh, don’t you start. Some things are personal.” Margo wags a finger at her.

“I’ll figure it out eventually,” she replies.

“Curiosity killed the cat, little one.”

I nearly choke on my cobbler. I know it’s just a saying, but still, it’s a cryptic way to prevent someone from digging up dirt on someone else getting killed. I don’t want Marney to find out either, but wow that’s one way to warn her.

Chapter Forty

Ihaven’t had the pleasure of any more bedtime stories, not since Cape realized he can’t trust me but he surprisingly manages to keep his hands to himself. Even though every night I feel his arousal on some part of my body.

This morning is different though, as I’m awakened earlier than usual. Julian is slipping my hair away from my face and then lays a gentle kiss on my cheek as I open my eyes. But the odd thing is that I am completely laying on top of Cape. He has his arms locked around my lower back and my chest is pressed to his.

There might be a tiny bit of my drool on his chest.

“I’ll be back in a few days,” Julian whispers.

“You’re going to El Cuco?” my voice is scratchy with sleep as I try to inconspicuously wipe away the drool.

He nods. “Just for a few days. I’ll be back before your driving test.”

“Okay,” I whisper back.

“Go back to sleep, baby.”

“We will, Romeo,” Cape’s gruff voice takes over our hushed conversation as he suddenly gives me a squeeze. He lifts his chin and places it over my head, tucking me back against him.

Julian sighs but smiles at me before he leaves the room.

A little bit of worry gnarls away at my stomach but it quickly dissipates as Cape starts rubbing my lower back. He makes a satisfiedgroan and I melt into him, tucking my hands around the back of his neck. I feel him grow between my legs and the warmth it gives me makes me feel even more snuggly.

I struggle to stay awake and worry against my comfort. Julian went last time and came back in one piece. I have no reason to assume any different.

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