Page 212 of The Forbidden Note

“Well, you did,” I snap, noticing the way his eyebrows hike over his perfect forehead. Jarod Cross doesn’t have many wrinkles and I can’t tell if it’s from a killer skincare routine or just spending most of his life not smiling.

“I heard you yelling and hurried downstairs. I’m sorry if you were frightened.” His words are caring. Almost exaggeratedly so.

It reminds me of the way he is with mom when he’s trying to calm her down after weeks of not talking to her. As if a few sweet smiles and a little attention can cancel out all the ways he’s hurt and neglected her.

“Where’s my mother?” I ask, not bothering to hide the accusation in that question. If he harmed her in any way, I’m going to tear him limb from limb.

“She went shopping for groceries. She said there wasn’t anything in the kitchen for dinner tomorrow.”

Almost as if he summoned it, my phone starts buzzing.

It’s a reply text from mom.

Jarod came home tonight so I’m making a quick run to the grocery store.

My fingers tighten over the phone. Mom is like a kid at an amusement park when she visits the store. She can spendhoursin there. I have no idea what she’s doing half the time. How hard is it to grab a couple items and check out?

Jarod’s long-legged stride carries him toward me. He moves with the grace of a panther. Light on his feet and yet, somehow, you know it won’t take a minute for the claws to come out.

“I’m glad I caught you, Gracie. I’ve been meaning to have a chat.”

“My name is Grace.” I lift my chin, scowling. “Don’t call me Gracie.”

He does a little chuckle, but his eyes are rock hard. “Sorry. Grace.”

“What do you want to talk about?” I fold my arms over my chest, keeping my voice carefully neutral. Internally, I’m taking stock of the kitchen for weapons.

Murder.

Drugs.

Who knows what else he’s involved with?

Zane and his brothers believe their father is capable of the worst evils.

I can’t take any chances.

“Shall we go to the living room?”

I shake my head. There aren’t knives in the living room. “I’d rather we stay here.”

Jarod studies me like he’s trying to find the right words.

“First, I wanted to apologize for what happened that night at dinner.”

My shoulders get tight as he glances my way, his mouth forming a thin line. “I let my anger and frustration at the boys get the best of me. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.”

“You threatened me.”

His eyes widen and he gives me a look of dazed innocence. “I definitely did not.”

“Do you think I’m stupid?”

His eyes narrow. “Grace, I care about you as if you’re my own daughter.”

I let out a snort of laughter.

“You don’t have to believe me, but at least believe your mother. Do you think Marian would continue to stay with me if she truly thought I was a danger to you?”

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