Page 45 of Buried Beneath Sin

Rather than look sheepish or even ashamed at being caught talking poorly to a guest, Trevor’s whole face lights up. But not in a childish-delight type of way. This smile is all teeth and twisted with a sickening glee as he turns to face the newcomer. He only gets halfway as the woman in question steps around the two of them and enters the room.

The Starr girl.

She glares at Sebastian and Trevor as she passes them. Though shorter than me by at least four or five inches, she steps slightly in front of me as if to shield me. Both guys stare down at her like wolves about to descend.

“Trix or Treats! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You ran off earlier before we could…chat,” Trevor greets. “I wanted to?—”

“Get out,” she interrupts in a low but firm voice. At her sides, her hands curl into fists. “The service is over, which means you’re no longer welcome here.”

“Hey, come on now, Trix. No need to be like that.” He places his hand over his heart, pretending to be wounded, and takes a step closer to her. His smile grows as the girl shrinks away from him. “I’m just being the man God wants me to be and helping out a friend in need.”

“Your dad helped with everything. I’ve got the rest of this. Nowget out.”Her voice is stern and deepens as she gives her orders.

Sebastian snorts as Trevor takes a step into Beatrix’s personal space. He reaches up and tries to stroke her cheek, but she jerks her head away immediately.

My jaw sets as I witness an interaction that echoes so many from my past.

“Trix, you’re going to give our new friend the wrong impression. He’s going to think you don’t like me.” Trevor looksat me then, his smile faltering. “Sebastian, will you escort our friend outside? I’d like to talk to Beatrix alone.”

I laugh outright as Trevor’s friend approaches me.

“You can try,” I offer, dropping my hands to my sides. I have my knife on me, but I don’t need it to stop an attack. My bare hands can do a lot of damage. I might chip a nail though.Thatwould piss me off.

Just as Sebastian reaches for me and I stiffen, ready to show him I’m more than a pretty face, a voice calls out,

“Trevor? Sebastian? You guys still here? We have to go!”

Both guys freeze. They exchange glances, disappointment crossing both their faces. Sebastian shakes his head and grabs the table.

“I’ll leave this by the front door,” he grumbles. “We can pay our condolences another time.”

He shoots Beatrix a hungry look that makesmyskin crawl before he disappears. Trevor sighs and looks down at Beatrix. He tries reaching for her again, but just like last time, Beatrix moves out of the way.

“Don’t touch me,” she hisses.

“Oh but I enjoy it so much. How can I not?” Trevor’s eyes flash with glee. “Anyway, I’m sorry about your family, Trix. But don’t worry, I’llalwaysbe around. Maybe I’ll stop by later and I’ll hold yourealclose while you cry on my shoulder.”

If he comes by later, he’ll have to deal with the twins. Given their obsession with her, it probably won’t bode well for Trevor. Oh well, I don’t plan to warn the guy. It’ll be a lesson he’ll learn the hard way.

“Scurry along, Trevor.”

He chuckles before shooting me a look of disdain. “God loves all his children, even the ones that don’t respect him. Feel free to join our congregation, newcomer.”

I’d rather suck Satan’s dick and call him daddy then walk into your place of worship. I want to say it, it’s on the tip of my tongue. If I wasn’t about to take over this funeral home and plant myself firmly into Trevor’s community, I would.

But I am, so I refrain.

“I’ll be seeing you around,” I promise him lightly, keeping hold of my smile.

Trevor’s nostrils flare before he turns and leaves us alone. Both the Starr girl and I watch Trevor’s retreating form until he’s gone.

“Sorry about Trevor. He got hit too many times in the head when he was on the football team.” Beatrix turns around to face me fully while she talks.

Woah, close up, she’s actually decent to look at, I’ll give her that. I can appreciate a person who cares about their appearance. Her black jumpsuit is stylish, with pant legs that are straight cut and a top made of lace with a half collar around her neck. Around her waist is a corset-like accessory, emphasizing her hourglass figure.

Damn, I’m jealous of her curves.

“You don’t have to apologize for them. It doesn’t bother me,” I assure her with a half-smile that’s short lived as I size her up. “I could’ve taken care of them myself.”

---