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When Char reached over and took Rachel’s hand in his, turning it over to peer at her nails, the touch so casual, his thumb stroking against her soft skin, I swallowed hard.
Yep, that’s jealousy.
Char
Rachel and Dilaura were the sort of women who made me want to curl my lip in disgust. Between the clothing they wore, the way they judged every person who walked into the shop, they carried every red flag I knew of.
Of course, they were also the type that were so easy to fool. They fell for tricks happily, because they were so sure they were wonderful that they adored being told so.
Which was why it took only a few minutes to have both women eating out of my hand.
“You two don’t look anything alike,” Rachel said as she looked between Kenz and me.
Which was fair. No one would think we shared blood, after all.
“Step-siblings,” I said. “My mom married her dad. It gave me an adorable little sister to look after.”
“You are such a good brother,” Rachel said. “I wish I had a brother like you.”
“Do you have any brothers?” I asked.
Her smile fell. “Not any really, not anymore. I had an older brother but he died a while ago. Even my dad died, actually. I have another brother, but he wasn’t raised with us, and he doesn’t come around much.”
A part of me that should have shamed me immediately latched onto that detail. I was great at pinpointing a person’s weaknesses, at seeing what they wanted, what they needed and how to convince them that I could give that to them. It meant as soon as I heard that yearning in her voice, the quiet words, I knew this was a girl looking for a male influence in her life.
Which worked fine for me. I could offer that to her, and she’d give me anything I wanted for just the chance.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I set my hand on top of hers, offering her a smile that promised support and affection—just what she craved.
“How can you be so nice?” she asked.
“What can I say? I just can’t stand to see a pretty girl sad.”
Kenz stood, her chair scraping the ground against the floor. “I’m going to get another tea,” she said.
Rachel gave her sister a sharp, telling look, and Dilaura rose as well. “I want a scone, too.” She left, following Kenz and leaving Rachel and I alone.
Rachel really is good at manipulating those around her, isn’t she?She didn’t seem to do it as purposely as I did, but that didn’t change her talent for it.
“I think I’d like to see you again,” Rachel said.
“I’d like that, too.”
She smiled shyly, though I easily saw through that little trick. She thought that by looking cute and innocent, she’d get away with more. It was a stark difference from Kenz, who constantly looked innocent and cute when trying hard to be taken seriously.
“Let me see your phone. I’ll put my number in.” I held my hand out to her.
She didn’t so much as hesitate before handing it over to me. I opened her contacts and put in my number, taking the chance to take a quick glance at her recent calls. I memorized the number listed under “mother,”then gave it back.
“Make sure you call me,” I told her.
“I will, absolutely.” She stood, then glanced around for her sister. “We should get going, though. My mom’s a worrier, and if we don’t get back soon, she’ll end up sending someone looking.”
“No problem at all.” I rose as well, then stuck my hand out for a handshake.
She set her hand in mine, and I pulled her closer. I pressed a kiss to her cheek, rewarded by her pulling in a startled breath. Her being uneasy was perfect, and I used that moment to slip the tiny tracker into her purse. Even if she found it later, it looked like a small pebble, something she’d not think twice about.
Rachel pulled back, a flush on her cheeks. She said her goodbyes before collecting her sister from where the other girl spoke with Kenz.
