Page 9 of The Best of Us

“And what, his wallet accidentally fell into your hand, and you decided to take it?” If we were acting here, I supposed I’d act sarcastic.Because what the hell?“Please tell me nothing is missing.”

Guilty eyes whipped up to my face, but he nodded. I hoped that was a real yes. We’d soon find out.

I took the wallet, ready to end this showdown. I’d had enough action, acting,andgroveling for one day.

When we returned to the foyer, the guy quickly lowered his hand from where he’d been rubbing his granite jawline.Don’t want me to know he hurt you, huh?“Here.” I extended what I hoped would be a get-out-of-jail-free card.

The moment he reached for the wallet and our fingers brushed, his hand and mine went still. The olive branch of leather between us was now in both hands, and we remained quietly staring at one another.

The little shock from his hand to mine at the touch of skin somehow slipped up my body and shot right down my back.

Those eyes. That mouth.How do I know you?

He finally pulled away, taking his wallet with him. He opened it, ignored the cash and cards, and went straight for a yellow folded-up piece of paper.

Relief passed over the hard features of his face, and his chest visibly fell as well. It was like watching a demon leave a possessed man right before my eyes. Not that I’d ever witnessed that in real time. Or, well, anytime.

He quietly tucked the paper back into his wallet and pocketed the billfold.

“I really am sorry.” I elbowed my son, hoping he’d remember his manners, locate his morals, and offer the only appropriate response.

He managed a terse, “Sorry.” No remorse, no emotion.

Nope, that wasn’t going to win my son any sincerity awards. Where were those acting skills he’d mustered up for me just a minute ago in his room? If there was ever a time for them.

The man adjusted the knot of his black tie, which was paired with a dark suit jacket and black dress shirt. He was taller than Colin, and his shoulders were even broader. A five-o’clock shadow covered his hard jawline.

I’d swear I felt the strong aura surrounding him cut into me, hitting me deep down inside, especially when he zeroed in on my face.

“How’d you even track me down? I had a hood on.”

Oh, Colin. Really?

The man shot a well-deserved, disgruntled look at my son. “You lowered your hood once you were on the street. I tapped into the CCTV footage outside. You have a record, so I got a hit.”

Oh shit.“Are you law enforcement?” Did my son rob a . . .Are you a detective? FBI?Did officers dress in custom-fit suits that looked like it cost more than my rent?

“No, I’m not.” He was looking at my son now. Piercing him with a steely gaze that I’d prefer to be pointed at me. “You should make new friends.”

I’d always take the hits for my son, even when he was in the wrong.

And it appeared the hits would keep coming because he made my day even worse by informing me, “His buddies were attempting to boost an Aston Martin when I advised against it.”

“He’s lying.” Colin’s protest was weak, and all I had to do was look him in the eyes to know he was the dishonest one.

“Go to your room,” I ordered, trying not to tear up. “Now.”

“I’m not leaving you alone with this rich asshole.”

“You looked me up, did you? Checked my ID. What else did you do while you had my wallet?”

Colin stepped forward like a dare.Notwhat he should have done, dang it. “All I know is it looks like you own Park Place, Boardwalk, and all of?—”

“This isn’t Monopoly,” the man grunted. “This is real life.”

“Just go to your room while I beg for mercy for you for the second time today.” My voice nearly shattered that time as my son’s dark eyes found mine.How did I steer you so wrong?

Colin opened his mouth to protest but smartly backed down. Before heading to his room, he turned his stare back on the man. “If you so much as touch my mother, I’ll kill you.”

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