Page 113 of Buckled in Barbwire

My glare watches her flee the scene. “Bianca is hiding something.”

“That’s her story to tell,” Paisley whispers.

“What do you know?”

“Not much, but I promised.” Her shrug is cagey.

“Is she in danger?”

“Ummm…” My wife squints into the distance, choosing to leave me hanging.

“The fuck?”

“She’s probably fine.”

“Gonna get to the bottom of this.” I’m about to stalk after my sister when Paisley’s arm hooks mine.

“Hey, old man. Calm down.”

I bristle at the name. “Not the time, wife.”

“It is. Your sister needs space. If she wants help, I’m sure she’ll ask.” Her measured reasoning deflates my agitation.

But only slightly. My body is still strung tight. “I don’t like this.”

“That’s exactly what I said, but we made it out okay.” She shifts the peas on her face.

“I can’t believe that you went with her.”

“Wasn’t going to until she told me that Echo was at stake. Couldn’t let them hurt her.” Paisley sways into the horse who nuzzles her in return.

“Your text was shit.” Just three short statements that gave me nothing but a crumb of relief.

My wife winces. “That was on purpose. You weren’t allowed to know where we were going.”

“Why not?

“The creepy dude gave Bianca specific directions to follow. At least I’m assuming it was him,” she says absently.

“What does he look like?”

“I’ve already said too much.” She buttons her lips.

“Too much,” I grumble. “You’ll never let me forget it.”

“Probably not.” Paisley sidles closer, fluttering her lashes at me. “But I love you.”

“Say it again.”

“I.” Her lips peck mine. “Love.” Another kiss. “You.” She slips me some tongue on the last one.

I groan into her mouth. “Fuck, I can’t stay mad at you.”

My wife pulls away, searching my expression. “Were you actually upset?”

“Nah, but I can pretend to be.” My palm molds to her ass and yanks her against me.

Paisley flattens herself on my chest. “And why would I want that?”

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