Page 66 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“Maybe, but would you risk that with your precious mother so close?” Her father inched behind her, using her as a shield.

Her heart pounded in her chest. She’d always been afraid of her father and what he could do to her and her mom.

But now he threatened her son and the man she loved.

The madness had to end.

Merlot

Merlot heard boards creaking behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw a shadow slink across the front porch window.

If that had been one of Richard’s men, they wouldn’t be hiding. They would have waltzed right through the front door.

Merlot didn’t know if Corbin had seen and heard enough about what had been going on to send a message to his grandfather and his friends. The original plan had been to set Richard up in a situation where they could record him discussing all the terrible things he’d done.

But that had included Merlot’s father. Merlot didn’t know half the things his father did. However, maybe he could get Richard talking.

With Richard’s back to Merlot, he inched closer, shifting his gaze from Corbin to the gun on the floor.

Corbin slowly blinked. “There are at least four points of your body exposed. Trust me, I’d miss my mom by a mile.”

Merlot leaned over, picked up his weapon, and tucked it behind his back.

“You’re a cocky little shit,” Richard said. “But I shouldn’t be surprised since you are Merlot’s son.” He laughed. “It’s so fucking obvious. You look just like him.”

Corbin smiled. “I’m proud to call that man Dad.”

“That’s pathetic.” Richard continued to cower behind Talbot. “Merlot, get your ass over here next to this ridiculous excuse for a human so I can see you.”

Keeping his back to the wall, he sidestepped toward his son. “Tell me something, Richard. What’s your plan? Because I can’t imagine we’re walking out of here alive.”

“Yeah. I’d kind of like to hear that too.” Corbin eased his gun to his waist.

“It’s pretty simple. Lyra had lots of problems with the gas stove and Andy has a record of my daughter here complaining about this, that, and the other thing. He came by here today to check on things, but it was too late. The entire place was engulfed in flames from an explosion in the kitchen, thanks to a gas leak.” Richard shook his head. “Such a shame that Merlot had to go the same way his beloved Daisy did. I wonder if they will do DNA and discover the truth about these two.”

“This is so highly entertaining. I honestly can’t believe you think you can pull this off. You don’t look that bright,” Corbin said.

“You’re a smart-ass,” Richard said.

“I take after my grandmother, Weezer.” Corbin cocked his head.

Richard shoved the gun harder against Talbot’s head.

“Motherfucker,” Corbin mumbled. “I’m done with you, so unless you want to either be mortally wounded, or even better, six feet under, let go of my mother.”

Merlot reached out, resting his hand on Corbin’s shoulder. “Take it easy. I think we’re about to be outnumbered. A car just pulled into the driveway.”

“It’s about time.” Richard stretched out his arm. “Give me that fucking thing. I’m sick of looking at it pointed at my face.”

Merlot squeezed Corbin’s biceps.

Corbin released his finger from the trigger and hit the safety.

Smart fucking man.

“Sit down.” Richard gave Talbot a violent shove toward the sofa.

She groaned, stumbling and tripping over the coffee table.

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