Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“Such a hero,” I deadpan.
“Don’t tell Jax,” Callan barks out, growing serious. “I shouldn’t have told you two.”
Shelly winks at me and smiles at Callan. “The Kincaids are great at secret keeping. We won’t tell as long as you promise to keep the sordid details to yourself.”
“I can only make that promise if Hans doesn’t make that dumb coming sound ever again.” Callan shudders. “Promise, Shelly Belly.”
She smirks. “I don’t think it’s a dumb sound. It’s actually kind of hot.”
“I’ve officially lost my appetite,” I tease. “You two are the worst.”
They’re also the best.
It’s moments like these with my siblings that I’m proud of how far we’ve come and all we’ve endured as a family.
I’m going to need them to get through my uncertain future, that’s for damn sure.
Jaxson
I stare down at my phone, wondering how to fix me and Dante. When we’re together, all is right in the world. I know he feels it too, but the moment we leave the bedroom and reality smacks us in the face, we’re reminded all is not right. Especially in my world.
I have to make it better.
Grow some damn balls.
Be a man and claim mine.
The bells chime as someone walks into the station. I set my phone down to take a sip of my coffee, definitely needing it after the night I had with Dante. As soon as my eyes connect with familiar brown eyes, all hope is snuffed in an instant.
“Dad,” I grunt out, sitting straighter in my chair, a habit I developed over the years whenever he would enter the room.
His expression is stony as he walks my way, snow from his boots tracking in a mess. “Morning, Son.”
“You want some coffee?” I offer. “Brie stepped out to go to a fender bender on Blue Shark Boulevard, but I can make a cup almost as good as she does.”
He waves me off, not bothering to settle into the chair across from my desk. His eyes skim over the surface of it, slightly flaring at the open files. Between Dante’s case, the Rainbow Vigilante, and all my Chamber shit, my plate is fuller than usual.
“A little organization wouldn’t hurt,” he says, eyeing the scattered files. “Should I send your mother over here to help?”
I grimace at the thought of Mom going through all my shit. “No, thanks, I’ve got it. What can I do for you, Dad?”
He crosses his arms over his chest, his brow furling as he looks down his nose at me. I’m reminded of being a teenager. It’s the same stern look he had when me and my brothers were in trouble.
“Did you hear the BFB Daily Herald got broken into? Someone tampered with the printing press.”
I gape at him. “No shit? Why hasn’t Paul been in to file a report?”
Dad scoffs. “You’re really asking me that question. After all this.”
“After all what?” I demand, not liking his tone.
“You,” Dad growls. “Making an embarrassment of me.”
Heat lashes up my neck and warms my cheeks. Does he know about me and Dante? Did someone see us kissing at Blur and tattle?
“I, uh, can explain—”
“You’re the goddamn sheriff, Jaxson. That means you have to do actual police work.”
I blink at him in confusion, taking a minute to catch up to what he’s saying. He doesn’t know about Dante, which is great, but I don’t like the direction he’s headed either.
“What the hell do you think I’m doing?” I bite out, finally finding my voice. “I’ve been working on both the Rainbow Vigilante and the BFB Stalker cases tirelessly.”
Dad scoffs, shaking his head. “I knew you weren’t capable of handling this job if any real crime happened upon our city.”
My entire body tenses at his words. Dad was always known for being hard on us boys, but he’s never usually downright cruel. Today, though, the animosity is rolling off him in hot, angry waves.
“I went to the academy in Portland just like you did, Dad. Top of my class if you’ll remember. I’ve been at this job for years. Don’t come into my station insulting my abilities.” I seethe, my chest rising and falling with each breath I take.
“You’re distracted,” he throws back, his lip curled up in disgust. “Befriending that city slicker who brings trouble on himself and babysitting your tyrant of a brother. I swear, your mother and I did all we could to make sure you all turned out right, but every damn one of you are a disappointment.”
I rise from my chair, glowering at him. “Mr. Kincaid brings trouble on himself? Maybe I should sit you down and interrogate you. Do you harbor ill feelings toward Mr. Kincaid?”
Brown eyes flare in shock. “Me? Don’t be insulting. I’m not your BFB Stalker. And it’s a stupid name to begin with. It’s probably just some kid pulling some pranks, not someone stalking the faggot.”