Page 27 of Tabitha

Who knew there were people in the world who still care?

Gage looks furious, his green eyes filled with contempt as he rakes me with his gaze. Since most people usually look at me funny after they get to know me, I don’t take it to heart.

“I volunteer to stay with Tabitha for the rest of the day and help her pack,” River interrupts, flashing me a bright smile, not even glancing at the rest of his squad. He takes a step toward me and eagerly rubs his hands together. “Where do you want me?”

I raise an eyebrow at him. When most people see me, they do their best to get away and avoid me. My stomach flutters at his eagerness, and I’m not sure how to react.

Pierce releases a heavy sigh, and I glance at him, almost relieved to recognize someone familiar. He scans my face, seemingly satisfied with what he sees, then he takes over. “We’ll start with breakfast.”

Chapter Nine

BAST

Tabitha glances around the room, as if expecting breakfast to magically appear, and I barely resist the urge to snort. She turns, then begins to randomly open cupboards. Having thoroughly searched the place when we first came to town, I already know what she’s going to find—nothing.

The house was cleaned out of food and any mention of the militia’s secrets when the old man died over a month ago. I grab the keys from my pocket, and Tabitha whirls at the sound of the jingle.

She eyes me suspiciously, like the keys are a bomb ready to go off.

“I can give you a ride to town if you want to pick up some supplies,” I offer, wanting to get to know the girl more. She’s hiding something. She’s too well trained to let anything slip, but the way she reacts to her surroundings is much like a feral cat ready to attack.

That she isn’t trying to take over the mission makes me suspect she has an agenda, and I’m determined to figure out if she’s a threat to my men before I trust her. If I try to question her, the little hellion will see through it in seconds. And even if I had the stomach for torture, I very much doubt she would crack.

“Go,” Pierce interrupts our stare off and nudges her. “The rest of us will start packing.”

I lift a brow at his approval. He seems so protective of the girl that I’m surprised he would agree so readily. Something about the way the two of them interact is slightly off, but I can’t place my finger on what bothers me. I let the question stew in the back of my mind to scrutinize later.

“Ready?” I glance at Tabitha, only to see her grimace in distaste.

“I guess.” She practically pouts, dragging her feet as she heads toward the stairs. “Let me change really quick first.”

For some reason, the idea of her not wanting to spend time with me stings. I’m a big man, my size intimidating to both genders. I usually enjoy the advantages, but she makes me feel self-conscious.

She returns less than five minutes later in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that clings to her curves. She doesn’t spare me a glance as she heads out the door. I increase my stride, suddenly worried about being left behind, and realize being ignored is worse than being stared at like a freak.

We both climb into the truck, neither of us speaking as I start the engine and head out of mansion row. After a minute, I can’t help but glance at her from the corner of my eye. She’s so still, it’s like she’s trying not to draw attention to herself, and I feel gutted.

“I won’t hurt you.” I tighten my grip on the steering wheel, glaring down the road, unable to look at her a second longer.

A cute little snort escapes her, and she scoffs, “Of course not.”

I glance at her in surprise, only to see her rolling her eyes like the thought never crossed her mind.

“You’re not afraid?” I ask slowly, trying to figure out the mystery.

“Why would I be afraid?” She turns to glance at me in confusion, a little furrow appearing between her brows, and she stares at me so directly, it’s like she’s peering into my soul. “You’re probably one of the most honorable people in town. You would never lay a finger on me.”

She turns toward the window, then just shrugs. “Besides, while you might be a giant, I’m sure I could take you.”

I tip back my head, my bark of laughter filling the small cab.

I’m absolutely charmed by the girl, and the tightness in my chest eases at her complete lack of fear.

Her head whips in my direction, a fierce scowl crossing her face. “You don’t think I can do it.”

The dark menace in her voice is chilling, but it’s the burning look of retribution in her gorgeous silver eyes that has me reevaluating my first impressions of her.

She would kill me without hesitation and without remorse.

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