Page 28 of Liberty
I stopped and turned to look at her. “What?”
“You heard me, I see sparks flying between you two. I think that’s why you and him are fighting.”
“Oh, my God!” I exclaimed. “You can’t be serious. The man makes me want to scream 99 percent of the time, then the one percent that's left is when I'm plotting to kill him.”
Scarlet laughed. “Yep, sounds like true love alright.”
I turned and headed away again as her laughter followed me. What the hell? He told me his family said basically the same thing. I growled a little beneath my breath as I made it out to the main room. Dinner was still a half hour or so away. I decided to look for some linens, like formal napkins and tablecloths. Then after that, maybe ask Ma if she knows of anything we can use as table toppers.
I headed toward the large formal kitchen that Ma used for cooking the big meals. Maybe the storeroom there or some of the pantry areas would have what I needed.
The large all stainless steel kitchen was full of people. Tonight’s crew were doing prep and getting dinner platters up to go out to the tables. Lots of conversations were going on and laughter echoed. Looking around, I spotted Redemption and Talon by the dish area. I had to go past them to get to the linen closet.
“So why did he volunteer then?” Redemption asked while washing a huge pan in the sink.
“I think he still doesn’t trust her,” Talon replied.
I paused and listened as I wondered if this was about me.
“I disagree,” Redemption said. “I know my brother and I really think he cares enough about her to want to protect her.”
“Cares enough?” Talon scoffed. “He cannot stand her. Anyone can see that much.”
“Man, you don’t know that. I think he likes her too much and that is getting to him. He's dated a lot of women but he never showed any real emotion for any of them. This girl is different.”
“I don’t care about his feelings or hers and I damn well admit it. I care about keeping my family safe, man. If this goes south, we are all gonna pay.”
I stopped and folded my arms over my chest as I cleared my throat to get their attention.
Talon looked up as he’d been leaning back against the counter. He simply stared at me, not looking a bit apologetic.
Redemption let out a long breath as he placed the large pan in the drainer and had the good graces to at least look troubled.
“I thought you agreed with this plan, General Walker?” I asked as I stared at Talon.
“Initially I did, but I never wanted you to go back to town, if you will recall.”
“Oh, I do. But I can’t see why you think it is just fine to hold people hostage here. Taking away their freedom. Interrupting their lives while locking them up for the most part.”
“Wow…” Talon shook his head. “You are a self centered spoiled brat, aren't ya? You only care about what you want. Not what is safe for everyone who lives here. Not even for your sister or your mom.”
I sucked in a huge breath and stepped close while raising my arm to slap his face.
Catching my wrist, he shook his head.
I winced as he had a strong grip.
“Let go of her!”
We all turned to look over at Liberty.
He stepped closed and grabbed Talon’s arm, making him let go. “The fuck you think you’re doing, Talon?” Liberty asked with a growl in his voice. “You went too far with this line of bullshit last night. Now, you are at it again?”
Talon looked angry too now. “I’m not letting her slap me, if that’s what you’re asking. And I don’t happen to think letting her loose in town is a good idea for any of us, Liberty. I haven’t changed my mind about that.”
“You had better fucking apologize,” Liberty seethed.
“I won't be doing that, Liberty. She seems to think her needs are more important than ours.”
