Page 34 of Heart Thief

He hides it quickly. “I’ll be here every day as well. Take some of the load off of you.”

“There’s no need, Zane. I have plenty of help.”

“I’ll be here because I want to be here and for no other reason than that.”

“If you must,” Debra says with her fluttery wave.

I’ve never seen anyone run roughshod over Debra. I’m rooting for Zane. I like the way he stands up to her. He’s not rude, but he’s firm.

Zane grabs his fork and stabs a bite of chicken. He takes a few more bites in quick succession, a sour expression on his face. He doesn’t look like he’s enjoying his meal. More like he’s eating cardboard. I think he’s eating only because he feels obligated.

“I suppose you’re wondering why I asked the two of you to dinner this evening.” Debra fingers the pearls at her neck as she often does.

“Does there have to be a reason?” Zane asks. “I’m your stepson and I wanted to see my father. Isn’t that enough?”

Debra laughs nervously. Zane knows how to push her buttons and make her flustered. It’s a beautiful thing.

“Ryker has asked me to bring the two of you together and discuss the current situation with you.”

Excuse me? Heat rises to my cheeks. Ryker asked his mother to speak to us for him? Uncool, very uncool.

“What exactly is the current situation, Debra?” Zane asks.

I notice he doesn’t call her mother. Interesting.

Debra rolls her eyes. “The two of you.”

Zane stills again, like a predator about to strike. “What about us?”

“Ryker’s very worried about the two of you living under the same roof. He feels it’s not appropriate and I agree. Something needs to be done.”

“He hasn’t expressed that to me,” I say. I mean, he did at first. But in the end, he’s the one who decided it was okay for Zane to stay, not me.

“My son is a trusting man, much more so than me. He’s not worried about you, though, Mila.”

Wow. There’s nothing subtle about the implications she left hanging in the air. She doesn’t trust me, even though her son supposedly does, and she certainly doesn’t trust Zane.

“Meaning?” Zane pushes.

“Come now, Zane. Do I have to spell it out?”

“Yes, please do.”

“You’ve always wanted what Ryker has. And we know you’ll do anything to get what you want.Anything.”

Zane stares her down, then shoves his unfinished plate away from him. “I won’t be at Ryker’s home for long. I’ve already found a place I’m interested in. I made an offer two days ago.”

I’m bothered that Zane doesn’t defend himself.

Debra gathers her thoughts. “That’s fine and good, but until the deal goes through, I think it’s time to discuss the alternatives.”

Zane’s face is deadpan. “What might those be?”

“Find other living arrangements immediately. This is the woman your brother wants to marry, Zane. Show a little respect.”

“Wait a minute,” I say, standing up so quickly my chair scrapes the floor. I’m so upset, I’m about to explode. “Zane’s been the perfect gentleman. It isn’t fair to imply otherwise. If Ryker doesn’t trust me, then we have issues between us that far outweigh jealousy.”

Debra scoffs. “Oh, Mila. Ryker isn’t jealous of Zane.”

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