Page 3 of Liberty
Grabbing a hand towel, I wiped my hands as I turned around to face her. “Why do you ask? Do you miss them?” I untied the ridiculous apron and tossed it onto the counter.
“No, that was annoying all on its own, but I don’t like this grumpy version of you either.”
I zeroed my gaze onto hers. “So, what do you like about me?” I knew the answer already but I wanted to see what insult she might throw at me.
“I liked the tiny apron.” She laughed again. “But since you took it off? Nothing, I guess.”
I had to smile at that one.Clever.“How come I never saw this sense of humor outta you before?”
She paused and looked up at me. “I’ve been around you for three whole days. The first day was when we ran for our lives and stuff was exploding on us right and left. The next day was filled with too many people in one room, all talking at the same time. You don’t know me, Liberty. So don’t judge me.” Shrugging, she added, “Not that I care what you think anyway.” Turning, she picked up a stack of baking pans and took them over to the counter where Fate had just finished clearing the onions.
I shook my head. Well, I asked, didn't I? She knew where to make a cut and then stomp on it to make it bleed. I took a deep breath and let it out.
Ma came over and handed me some plastic gloves. “Help Belle grease all those pans, would ya?”
Great, stand next to her again and…I realized I was acting like an ass all because…Well, I wasn’t sure why. So, she wasmouthy? I could do that too. I took the gloves and pulled them on as I went over to the counter. Reaching for the shortening in the can, I dipped my gloved fingers in and grabbed a pan with my other hand. I moved swiftly as I greased ten of them in under two minutes.
Belle came over with her gloves on and stared down at the pans.
“All done,” I told her.
“Wow, how come you know your way around a kitchen so well?” she asked. “I thought you were a jock?”
“A jock?” I repeated. “Well, lookee who’s judging now?”
She shook her head. “Yeah, I admit jock might be a little callous. That was rude.” She turned and grabbed a second stack of pans, then she got busy greasing them.
Ma came over and brought a huge bowl with her. “Liberty, can ya line these up on the pans?”
I looked down into the bowl to see wax papered layers of biscuits. “Yeah, like an inch apart, right?”
Ma stared at me. “Yes, by golly, you do know about cooking, don’t ya?”
I nodded and took the bowl then proceeded to lay the cutout dough rounds onto the baking sheets. I tried to focus on the food, the pans going out and whatever other chores I could help with. I refused to give Fate or Redemption any more satisfaction. Flirting, my ass. Hots for her? I scoffed silently. The woman was not my type. Yes, I did tease her that first day but then I just wanted to avoid her after the whole rescue was over. I continued to help here and there as I moved around with ease. Funny how I always felt as comfortable in a kitchen as I did in a gym.
Finally, dinner was on the long dining table and I washed up at the sink. Heading out to the dining room, I paused. Thiswhole two families of Walkers was something to marvel at. It made for a huge gathering and lots of lively conversation. Our family was large before but this many Walkers in one room was a bit too much to take.
Looking around, I saw Justice waving at me.
Heading over, I slowed my walk when I saw Justice pointing down at an empty chair next to him, and right next to Belle. In fact, when I raised my head, I saw all my brothers were watching me closely. The fuckers were all in it together. Too bad there wasn’t a new battle on the horizon, because when they got bored, they all got creative. This time, I was the target for their entertainment.
Keeping my expression neutral, I walked over and sat down in the chair next to her. We would see who won this one. I had stepped into rings with men who were often more than 300 pounds of muscle and full of nothing but mayhem. I could handle this slip of a girl even if she was mouthy, bullheaded, and too smart for her own damned good.
Chapter Two:Fool Me Once
Belle
The man was insufferable. And yeah, I saw what his brothers were up to. Not funny. I didn’t care what kind of game they were playing. I did notice how defiant Liberty looked when he sat next to me though. Was this about showing them he could get me into bed? For his sake I hoped not, because he would never get me anywhere near one, even if we were in a furniture store together and in the mattress section at that. I chuckled.
“Something funny?” Liberty asked.
I shook my head. “No, just laughing about your goofball brothers.”
“You noticed all that, eh?” he asked.
“They aren’t very subtle,” I quipped.
He scoffed. “Of course not, they’re Walkers.”
