Page 52 of Taking Denver

I’ve always wanted a little brother, so when I moved here, I jumped into what I thought was big sister mode. It was apparent my arrival had happened at the right time because Axel was a mess. He was constantly in trouble, always getting arrested and drinking. I reeled him in as best I could, giving him structure because even though Ranger treats my life like a business, he never pays attention to his son. It’s an argument we’ve had more than once.

“So, how was your vacation?” Axel asks, picking up half of my untouched sandwich.

“Great. I did nothing for three months. And Wesson had fun, didn’t you, pup?”

Wesson’s head is on my lap, more interested in food than what I have to say.

“What’s the plan, now?” Axel says. “You’re a bigger celebrity than before. I’m getting a little tired of being asked about you.”

I pull a face. “The plan is to lay low.”

“No,” Ranger says. “You’ll show your face because people think you’re a hero. They don’t convict heroes.”

“They don’t convict Luxes regardless,” I point out. “They could think I’d killed a puppy, and I’d still be swanning around town.” I look at Wesson. “Not that I’d ever do that.”

Wesson wags his tail, and I give him a fry. He crunches it happily, then wanders over to Axel to steal from him, too.

“Also, you’re innocent,” Axel says, scratching Wesson’s head.

“Exactly. Anyway, I’ll lay low, sell the house, and find somewhere in the city.”

“You’re leaving?” Axel’s shoulders dip. “You just got back.”

“I can’t live here forever, Axe. I need my own life. Why don’t you come with me? Roommates!”

We both cheer, and Ranger hits the table. We fall silent.

“No one is going anywhere,” he says. “We live here.”

I stare at him. “You think I’m going to live here forever? It’s not my fault you’re scared of being alone.”

Ranger glares at me. Axel slinks out of his seat.

“On that note, I’m going to bed.” He kisses the top of my head. “Good to have you back.”

I avoid Ranger’s eye and the guilt over what I said. There’s nothing wrong with him wanting me and Axel around, but forcing it isn’t the way to go. If he holds me in place for too long, then one slip means I’ll shoot away as quickly as possible.

“So, about me leaving?—”

“You’re not going anywhere,” he snaps. “Your father would be disappointed that you left in the first place.”

“I’m pretty sure that out of the two of us, he’d be most disappointed in you,” I say, abandoning my meal and standing. “Unless he always wanted his best friend and little girl shacking up?”

His hand darts out, and he grips my wrist. “You’re a grown woman. If you can’t take responsibility for who you fuck, then you shouldn’t be fucking anyone.”

“And what about you?”

He stared up at me. “What about me?”

“Do you take responsibility for what we did?”

“That depends.” He leans back in his chair. “Are we talking about the sex or the bullet in your husband’s brain?”

My throat tightens. I sometimes forget just how cruel he can be.

“I hate you,” I say. “I’ll kill you myself one day.”

“No, you won’t, Denver. I’m the only person left in this world who loves you.”

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