Page 56 of Pieces of Us

‘No!’ I blurt a little too fast. ‘It’s fine. Work, work.’ I wave my hands between them. ‘I was just making a snack and was going to binge watch Vanderpump Rules.’

‘You’ve interviewed them, right?’ he says off the cuff, but a satisfying thrill zips through me, knowing he’s kept tabs on me here and there. It’s the first time he’s admitted he knows something about my life.

I quirk an eyebrow. ‘Yup.’

He dips his head and laughs. ‘I still can’t believe you interview all these people. You are famous!’ he exclaims, slapping his palm down on the counter.

‘Pretty cool, huh?’ Dad joins in, a wide grin stretching across his face. It’s one of disbelief but contentment.

I swallow a sip of my drink, licking the remnant on my top lip. Lincoln’s eyes move with my tongue, and again, a satisfying thrill sweeps through me. I praise the Lord that Dad can’t see the lustful gaze in Lincoln’s eyes. I can’t say the same for me, however. I’m certain I’m eyeing him like he’s a big, juicy steak.

‘Can I get you anything to drink? Both of you?’ I need a distraction and to be near something nice and icy to cool down my body’s feverish reaction to him.

Both shake their heads.

‘Oh, Dad, before I forget, we need to add three more people to the list for your birthday.’

‘Who?’ Dad starts texting on his phone. He’s been engrossed in it more than usual, but I’m one who can hardly talk.

‘Jag’s three bodyguards.’ It sounds insane to say out loud, but this is my life. Dad barks out a laugh.

He’s gleeful at the preposterous antics of my lifestyle. ‘Of course he fucking does.’ Slapping Lincoln on the arm, he says, ‘Did you hear that, Linc?’

‘Yeah. I heard. Amity’s boyfriend is coming to town with his circus,’ he supplies darkly, snarkily and bitterly.

Dad’s face falls at his response and tone, his eyes flickering to my blushing cheeks. He’s at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.

Anger and indignation inflame my attitude. The easy, elated air that was here moments ago is sucked completely out.

I scrutenise him, noticing his tightly clenched jaw as he stares as me with equal annoyance.

‘He’s actually a close friend,’ I tell him in a low, lethal tone, watching as his eyes dart away. I can see his posture is still agitated. ‘He’s excited to meet everyone.’

‘Yeah, I just bet he is,’ he snorts with derision.

‘Linc, son. I don’t think I like your attitude or your insinuations,’ Dad warns, patting him on the back.

He folds his arms tightly across his chest, making me momentarily get lost in the filled-out definition he’s gained over the years. When my eyes meet his, I can see he thinks I’m somehow the one who’s betrayed him.

‘Anyway,’ I carry on, mimicking his pose, ‘they’re not going to be on duty or anything. It’s more precaution than protection. So they’ll just be guests.’

‘No problems, princess.’ Dad nods.

‘Then we’re off to—’ I’m interrupted before I can finish my sentence.

‘Where?’ I can hear the franticness in Lincoln’s voice.

‘Hayman Island.’

‘With your boyfriend.’ He’s goading me.

My patience is wearing thin. ‘No. Not my boyfriend. My friend, along with Lily and Rome.’

‘Convenient.’

No. I’m not doing this right now in front of Dad. If he has something to say, he can say it to my face rather than be a jerk.

‘Dad, will you excuse us for a moment? I’m taking Linc into the living room to get to the bottom of why he’s behaving like a three-year-old.’

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