Page 49 of Renard's Deliverance

“You know that I’m twenty-nine years old and I’ve dated plenty before you Malones decided that I was one of you. Which you did without my fucking consent, I might add.” She slammed her hands on her hips as she glared up at them.

“Don’t act like you don’t like being a Malone,” Raid told her.

“Being a Malone is the best,” Beau added. “Just ask any Malone, they’ll tell you.”

“I don’t know how your women don’t smother you all in your sleep,” she told them. “I can make my own decisions about who I date, but even though it is none of your business, Renard and I are . . . friends.”

Well. To be perfectly honest, she wasn’t quite sure what they were but she was going with friends.

“Close friends,” he added.

Did he have to add that bit?

“Hmm, well, we’re watching you,” Tanner told Renard.

“I’m terrified,” Renard replied dryly.

“What are you guys doing here, anyway?” she asked, feeling a headache looming.

“Oh, Mr. Oldsman called us and told us that the sheriff had just pulled up outside your house. He was worried you were in trouble.”

“He was?” she asked, surprised. Why would Mr. Oldsman do that? She didn’t get it.

“Don’t sound so surprised, Opal,” Tanner told her gently. “I know it’s hard to believe, but there’re lots of good people in Haven. They take care of each other.”

She nodded, but she still wasn’t sure.

“So, Renard, you leaving now?” Raid asked, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against Renard’s truck.

“Actually, he was coming in for a cup of coffee,” Opal told them.

She was not going to let them boss her and Renard around.

“Then I guess we’re staying for coffee too,” Tanner said.

Urgh.

What were they up to? This was ridiculous.

“Don’t think you were invited,” Renard drawled.

“We’re family. We don’t need an invite,” Beau informed him.

She sighed.

How was this her life now?

8

Renard had noticed something curious about Opal.

She had no problem coming to his or others’ defense. But when it came to defending herself, she seemed more hesitant.

He wasn’t sure why, but he wanted to know. His curiosity about this woman wasn’t exactly welcome. Even if he didn’t seem to be able to control it.

“Actually, I’ve got to get going,” he said suddenly.

Some space would probably be a good thing.

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