Page 27 of Debt of My Soul

At some point, I get roped into the bounce house with a bunch of kids—pretty sure I’ve become the babysitter for several parents while they get a drink or two.

Harper, a three-year-old little girl, has stuck to me like glue in the inflatable kitty castle, and I have thoroughly enjoyed making sure the older boys in here don’t knock her over.

After I unceremoniously met Liam, Adam said he needed to go help his mother with a few things inside. That was twenty minutes ago. Since then, I’ve gotten more exercise in this bounce house than I do in a normal week.

I’m only slightly embarrassed.

Harper’s parents come back, and I follow her out of the bounce house, trying to keep my dress from sticking to my legs with the static electricity. I scan the groups of people for Adam but don’t see him and decide to use the restroom inside, hoping to spot him along the way.

The house is more immaculate inside. Antique furnishings mixed with the modern style give me endless ideas for my little farmhouse. I float around to each room, running into other guests also admiring the traditional interior design.

In my hunt for the bathroom, I pass several rooms. A grunt sounds from one partially ajar, and I step closer.

“—instead, you got a new damn truck. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” The voice yelling is pure gravel, and it twists at my gut.

“I-I didn’t …”

“Think. You didn’t think. You’re a selfish prick.”

There’s another grunt, and I can’t take it anymore. I push the rest of the door open, and my eyes widen.

Liam has Adam pinned up against the wall, feet an inch off the ground. His hand is fisted into his shirt as he growls up at him. His eyes snap to mine at the same time Adam’s do. But while Adam’s are burdened, Liam’s are bright with rage, seething so deep it’s as if I can almost see into his soul. His nostrils flare at my presence.

I step into the room. It’s an office or library of some sort. A chair is knocked over next to a desk, but despite that, bookshelves line the back wall and everything has a place. My guess is they don’t use this very much.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, turning back to where they’re staring each other down.

“Fleur, sorry. Just a bit of a disagreement with my brother,” Adam says, trying to play it off. He offers me a smile while Liam lets go of his shirt.

Adam moves to step forward, but Liam shoves his palm into his chest. He hits the wall with a dull thud. Unspoken words pass between the two of them, and about when I decide I should leave these two to themselves, Liam steps back. He stalks to the door, eyes locked with mine as he pushes past me while a chiseled shoulder gently knocks me back.

He doesn’t stop, though, only keeps going.

“Are you okay?” I move to Adam, who has since leaned back against the wall. Wallpaper engulfs his head, the blue birds looking like they are nesting in his dark hair.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Like I said, just a disagreement.”

“I thought he was part of Darrin’s group … but your brother?”

“It’s complicated.”

And that’s the second time I’ve gotten that answer today. I fold my arms in front of myself.

“Listen, Adam, I need to?—”

“But yeah, he’s part of Darrin’s group. Working off some debt.” Adam’s pupils seem to go cloudy, and he rubs his forehead. “He’s part of Darrin’s trusted circle.”

“But—”

“Stay away from him, Fleur. Please.”

There isn’t anything in me that wants to get involved, but I’d be lying if my interest wasn’t piqued. Why this feud between brothers?

“Is he addicted?”

“No, no. It’s not like that.”

Tell me what it’s like then.

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