Page 6 of Unruly Defender
I hate the way worry weighs heavy in his words.One would think a person would walk out of prison relieved to have his sentence behind him, but the way he’s acting and the words he just said—and didn’t say—makes me think his burdens are just starting to build up.
This makes me bump his shoulder.“Don’t worry too much.Worry clouds your brain and blocks you from seeing the easy solution within your reach.And if you need anything or if I can help in any way, let me know.I owe your mother a lot.She turned my life around when I felt like I had hit rock-bottom.Whatever she or you need, I’m there, no questions asked.”
He glances back at me and holds my gaze for a few breaths.No words are exchanged and his head slowly returns to the moonlight dancing over the waves in front of us.Both of us sit in utter silence and to my surprise I find it comfortable instead of awkward.
“Do you mean it?”Henley says as he breaks the silence.
“Sure,” I tell him but then realize I should set extra boundaries in place.“But, needless to say, I won’t do anything involving sexual favors.”
A soft chuckle is all I get in return, along with an intense stare.
CHAPTER THREE
– HENLEY –
Iknow I was the onestating nothing will happen between us, but when she mentioned the no sexual favors just now, I was surprised to feel regret flowing through my veins.I’m sure it has everything to do with seeing her clad in lace and knowing how good her curvy ass and thighs look.Not to mention I’ve gone without sex for a few years.
I need to get laid and fix the unwanted thoughts clouding my head.It’s exactly like she said; worry blocks me from seeing solutions.I keep staring at this woman.I know nothing about her and yet my mother told me a lot and not to mention I know her father all too well.I’ve had to deal with him in the past every now and then, and so did my father.
He’s a sleazy asshole who thinks he gained a throne by marrying into money.But she seems different, or so I gather.And I do have respect for her if what she told my mother about her past is true, leaving everything behind without a single backward glance.I release another deep breath and try to let my worries flow out along with it.
“Being betrayed by those who are supposed to have your back changes everything.There’s doubt at every turn and it makes you see people differently.”Gracy nods but doesn’t say anything, so I continue, “It also doesn’t give me any reason to trust you, even if my Ma vouches for you.Your father, he’s—”
“He’s an asshole and I’m nothing like him,” she says fiercely.“Look, you should be hesitant at trusting people because peopleareassholes who walk this Earth as if they own it.And in some form, they do, because it’s their life.Most don’t have the whole ‘treat others the way you like to be treated’ life motto or have their own twisted sense of ‘give and receive,’ but that doesn’t mean you have to go through life doubting everyone.”
I let her words tumble in my head and a plan starts to take shape.“I could use your help to see if a buddy of mine is loyal to me or if he’s teaming up with the one I suspect wants me gone.”
“How can I help?”she offers instantly, but rushes a stream of words out right after.“I don’t do the whole ‘dig up bones or bury a dead body,’ okay?I don’t know you well enough to be that kind of friend.You know, the kind that comes running with a shovel in hand at any time of day.”
My head tips back and laughter rips out.“You’re really something, Gracelynn,” I murmur.
She stares at me intently and says, “Why do you keep calling me Gracelynn?Everyone calls me Gracy.”
“I like your name.”I shrug.“Why use only half when the whole package is perfect the way it is.”
Even with only a hint of moonlight I can clearly see my words made her blush, and I like it.I like it a lot.Maybe more than I should.
