Page 154 of Unexpected Heroine

I don’t even respond to her use of the dreaded nickname. I’m practically invincible at this point. No feelings left to hurt. I’m the tin man.

Exactly the way I prefer it.

After another quick glance over my shoulder, I remove my ballcap and enter. I’m not staying long, but it’s safer to talk inside. Less risk to Sammy.

“Sawyer, your funny little friend is here,” she yells over her shoulder as she locks the door behind me.

Good girl. She’s been taught well.

“Actually, I’m here to see you,” I tell her, then hold out the padded envelope. “Here. Use these.”

With a raised brow and curled upper lip, she snatches the envelope from me. “Although you missed the baby shower, which I’ve forgiven you for, I know you chipped in on the fancy stroller. Thanks for that, by the way. You didn’t have to get me anything else.” She struggles to open the package for several frustrating seconds, then stamps her foot. “Son of a bitch. Why do they make these things so hard to open? Let me get some scissors.”

When she turns to walk into the house, I stop her. “Hold up. I got it.” I remove the switchblade from my back pocket, swipe the envelope from her, and slice it open in a smooth motion.

“Thanks. You must have been a boy scout, unlike Sawyer.” She pats her belly wistfully. “Then again, if he’d been prepared, these little darlings wouldn’t be jumping around on my bladder right now.”

I don’t care. I don’t fucking care.

She peeks into the envelope instead of grabbing it.

“Just take it already,” I grit out, irritation pouring off me.

I guess I’m not entirely back in robot mode. Still have plenty of negative fucking emotions clambering for attention. They’ll pass. Or they won’t.

Sammy bares her teeth at me and hisses, curling her fingers on one hand like a cat. Funny. Still don’t care.

Sawyer comes bounding into the room. “Hey, Tomer. To what do we owe the pleasure? You selling Avon now?

“He brought me a gift.” Sammy rattles the still-fucking-filled package at her boyfriend. “But he’s being a bit of a dick about it. My rage monster respects him more now, though.”

My gaze catches on her ring finger. A big shiny fucking diamond rests on it. Huh. That’s new.

Still don’t fucking care.

“Where’s my gift?” Sawyer jokes, shifting into a Brando impression. Fingertips on one hand touching, curved hand pointing upward like a mafioso. “You don’t even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you?—”

No time for this, so I interrupt, “Listen, I need to run. I have a few more stops to make.” And people to fucking hunt down and kill. I face Sammy. “Just ensure you use those straws whenever you get a drink outside the house. Restaurants. Bars. Gas stations. Wherever you go. There’s a card in the package with the website so you can order more when you run out. After you test your drink with the straw, don’t ever take your eyes off your glass.” I gesture an open palm at her midsection. “Especially with the pregnancy and all, it’s important to be safe.”

Sammy’s face scrunches up, reminding me of the expression Lettie makes when she’s pretending to be a brat.

My throat gets thick, making it hard to swallow.

Undaunted, I press on.

No time for fucking feelings. What good have they ever done for me?

“That’s all I came for. See you guys later.” I toss my ballcap back on and attempt to leave.

Sawyer’s hand presses flat against the door as I try to open it, blocking my exit. Son of a bitch.

“Thank you, Tomer,” Sammy calls to my back, her voice free of sarcasm or snark. Very un-Sammy-like.

I level Sawyer with a side-long glare. “What, man? I said I need to go.”

“Hold up for a sec.” He glances over his shoulder. “Princess, can you give us a minute?”

She rolls her eyes. “I need to pee anyhow. It’s been all of four minutes since I’ve gone.” I hear her retreating footsteps. “Thanks again, Tomer. Sorry I called you Chuck.”

---