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He wrinkled his nose. “Now I don’t want to go.”
“Oh, shut up,” I laughed, shaking my head. My smile vanished as I leaned forward and lay my head right over his heart. “Thank you, R.J.”
“Any time, darlin’.”
“MAXWELL IS OUTSIDE.”
I closed the notebook I’d been reading for the last hour, pouring over the notes from several students but one in particular that was deeply disturbing. A suspected child abuse case that came across my desk this morning and it was breaking my heart. Jean was concerned and she had good reason to be. Henry Simpson came to school this week with new bruises and it wasn’t the first time. The teachers noticed and brought it to our attention. We now had an open investigation.
Maxwell had terrible timing as usual.
“Great,” I muttered under my breath. I was hoping he’d give me a break for one night.
“He’s out in that rented limo.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Like he’s some rich ambassador or something. Doesn’t he realize he just looks like a fool?”
Smirking, I didn’t bother to comment on the obvious answer. “I’ll get rid of him,” I promised, standing as I stretched.
“I don’t want him trying to force his way in. Sophie fell asleep early. I shut her bedroom door but if she hears raised voices she’ll wake up.”
“I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“Be careful.” The serious look on her face betrayed her worry.
“I will.”
Max was pacing my front porch as I walked out to greet him and shut the door behind me. If he yelled, I wanted to keep my sister and niece safe. There was no way to sense his mood. He was unpredictable and violent. I wouldn’t give him access to the house if I could help it.
“Hi, Max.”
“Cara.” He stopped and stood perfectly still, his hawkish eyes resting on my body in a way that made my stomach clench in knots. “I have business and I’ll be occupied for a couple of days. We won’t be meeting again before the gala.”
Relieved, I hoped he couldn’t see how I felt. “That’s fine. I need to go shopping anyway.”
“I expect you to be ready at seven on Saturday. There’s a meeting I need to attend before the event and you’re coming with me. The evening will run late. Pack a bag with extra clothes and things you’ll need. We’ll be leaving Providence for a few days.”
My body broke out in a sudden flash of heat and sweat as I imagined how a small animal feels when a massive predator closes in. Backing up, I bumped into the brick exterior of the house as Maxwell took a few steps closer.
“Your reaction worries me.” His voice was low and quiet, deadly calm. “Are you refusing?”
Yes! My mind screamed. I shook my head, placing my trembling hands against my thighs. “No.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” He closed in, blocking out the street and everything else in my vicinity.
“I’ll be ready, Max. Like always.”
“Good.” He didn’t move, just kept staring, his expression close to a sneer. “I’ve heard a distressing rumor.”
Shit.
“What rumor?”
“That you’ve met some new friends. One in particular. Another man,” he emphasized as his hands lifted to my shoulders. “Do I need to worry, Cara?”
Swallowing hard, I shook my head. “No. I don’t know who would have said that to you.”
“It’s rather simple. I have friends all over Providence. Many are loyal, almost to a fault. So, I’ll ask again. Do I need to worry, Cara?”
One of his hands rose to wrap around my neck. He didn’t squeeze but the threat was clear.
