Page 50 of Red Zone

SKYE

The scent of garlic bread and simmering marinara greeted me as I stepped into Fiona’s townhouse, Lily balanced on my hip. Her tiny hands clutched her favorite stuffed bunny, the one she refused to go anywhere without. Liam was right behind us, the booster seat we’d brought dangling from one hand. His other grazed my lower back in a way that sent a mix of comfort and nerves through me.

“It smells amazing,” I said, my voice overly bright as Fiona appeared in the kitchen doorway.

She grinned, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Thanks. Spaghetti is kind of my go-to, but I promise it’s edible.”

Lily squirmed in my arms, and Fiona’s gaze softened as she crouched slightly to Lily’s level. “Hey, sweetheart. You like spaghetti?”

Lily nodded shyly, her face half buried in Bunny’s worn ears.

“She’s a picky eater,” I said apologetically. “But she usually goes for pasta.”

“Well, good thing I made enough to feed an army.” Fiona’s voice dropped, her grin becoming conspiratorial. “There’s also dessert, but that’s top secret until we’ve all earned it.”

Lily’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of dessert, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Fiona straightened, her gaze flicking between Liam and me. “I know Dad wasn’t supposed to be here—I’m sorry.” She winced, glancing at Lily too. “He’s at the table, and he’s… well, you’ll see.”

“It’s fine.” I tried to smooth things over, settling my hand on Liam’s arm in reassurance.

He studied me for a moment, no doubt judging my sincerity before he muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like a curse before brushing past me. “Let’s just get this over with.”

I followed him into the cozy dining room, my nerves buzzing like a live wire. The table was already set, the centerpiece a simple vase of wildflowers that looked like they’d been hastily thrown together. It was charming in a way that fit Fiona perfectly. Liam’s dad sat at the head of the table, a drink in his hand and a critical eye on us as we entered. His presence was heavy and oppressive.

“Didn’t think you’d actually show,” he said to Liam, his tone dripping with something I couldn’t quite place—disappointment? Contempt?

“Good to see you too, Dad.” Liam’s voice was tight. He pulled out a chair and placed the booster seat for Lily without even looking at his father, the gesture seeming instinctive.

I eased Lily into the booster seat and took the chair next to her that Liam pulled out for me. Her little legs swung as she clutched Bunny tighter.

Fiona appeared with a serving bowl heaped with spaghetti, her cheery energy doing its best to offset the tension. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.” Her smile appeared forced as she set the bowl down with a clatter.

The meal started quietly, the clinking of forks and occasional compliments for Fiona the only sounds. I tried to focus on Lily, cutting her spaghetti into manageable bites and encouraging her to eat.

“Cute kid,” Liam’s dad said suddenly, his gaze sharp as it landed on Lily then Liam. “You said she’s yours, right?”

“Enough, Dad.” Liam’s stony gaze locked on his dad in challenge. “You’re being rude.”

The question wasn’t directed at me, but we still hadn’t told Lily that Liam was her father. I forced down the panic and plastered on a smile I didn’t feel, determined to take point. I kept my voice even. “She’s my daughter.”

As Liam’s hand brushed mine under the table, a warmth spread through me, unexpected but welcome. I found myself wanting to rely on him. Especially seeing how he handled his father, the way he stayed calm even when it was clear he wanted to explode—it made me feel as if he really could be the kind of person Lily and I needed.

His father grunted, taking another swig of his drink, the ice clinking loudly in the glass. “Doesn’t look much like you.”

Before I could respond, Fiona jumped in, her tone breezy but with an edge that left no room for argument. “That’s because Lily’s adorable. Clearly got all her good looks from her mom.”

Liam snorted, and I shot Fiona a grateful glance.

“You must be quite the multitasker, huh?” Liam’s dad mused, a hard look in his eye.

“Enough.” Liam snapped, low and controlled, his gaze locked on his dad until the uncomfortable weight of silence hung over the table.

The conversation shifted after that, with Fiona doing her best to steer it toward neutral topics. I could feel Liam’s tension radiating off him, his posture stiff and his jaw tight as he engaged only when absolutely necessary.

Liam’s father leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes fixed on me like he was assessing a weak opponent. “So, Skye,” he said, the words laced with condescension, “what exactly is it you do?”

I stiffened, my grip tightening around my fork. “I go to Fall Lake University, and I’m the social media manager for the football team.” I worked hard to keep my voice steady.

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