Page 21 of Hell's Claim

He wandered in my direction, and I almost licked my lips. Sunny had what I called a lazy gait, purposeful while relaxed, and he didn’t rush. No stomping for Sunny or primping around, nope, just two hundred per cent, man.

“You okay? I heard what happened earlier?” he asked.

Really, Sunny wasn’t going to mention last night?

“I am fine. Polly will be in for a shock, though. She thinks it’s all mirrors and smoke. I’m going to enjoy her eating her hat,” I said with heat.

Sunny’s eyebrows rose. “You mean that.”

“Sure as hell do. Do you have any idea how tiring it is to keep repeating myself and saying that? Polly’s signed up for two weeks, and I’m gonna ensure she learns that my career isn’t a joke!”

Sunny rubbed my arm. “Hey, calm down. I know you’ve been feeling shitty about how they treat you, but you are a professional.”

“Yeah, well, my sister is about to discover that.”

“Good for you. Can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“Did you see me talking to any women last night?”

“What on earth?” I exclaimed.

“It’s weird. I never get that drunk that I don’t remember what happened. But last night is gone. I vaguely recall Celt breaking out the moonshine and nothing after that.”

“You don’t remember anything?” I murmured as hurt washed over me. Sunny had given me an evening to cherish, one that would keep me warm when I was old. And basically, I was so forgettable Sunny couldn’t even remember bedding me. Wow! What I thought was wonderful, Sunny thought was subpar because he had no memory of the experience.

“Callie? What’s wrong?” Sunny asked, peering at my face with concern.

“Nothing.” I forced a smile. “No, I didn’t see you with anyone last night.”

“Thanks, Callie.”

“No probs. I am heading back to the hotel. As you know, I only came this weekend because Maylene begged me to try and resolve things. And that was because I was in Spearfish investigating Ravenberry Manor. That place is amazing, and Lavender has agreed to let me have more time investigating it. But my schedule is kicking in, so I’m going to have to return only when we get a chance. However, I came for themeeting, got insulted, and am now taking a non-believer on two investigations.”

“Callie, did I say something wrong?” Sunny asked with a frown.

“No. Why?”

“You seem standoffish.”

“Probably left over from this afternoon. See you around, and stay away from the moonshine.” On that note, I fled. I was barely controlling the blush that was rising. How embarrassing! I’d been daydreaming of last night, and Sunny hadn’t even a clue it had happened. It was a knock for anyone’s ego, but my fragile one was crushed. I leapt into the car and drove off like the hounds of hell were after me.

Life sucked.

Sunny

Callie was running from him, and he’d no idea why. Sunny wouldn’t say they were best friends, but they were close. The two outcasts in the club, him and her, had graduated towards each other and become confidants, if not mates. He hated how everyone took Callie’s job as a joke, taking their cues from her siblings. It seemed only Sunny alone noticed how much effort went into her investigations.

Polly was going to get the shock of her structured, comfortable life. Sunny knew Callie worked damn hard and very long hours. A grin crossed his face, and he quickly wiped it. It’s about time the three sisters learned exactly who Callie was.

He liked Callie. Her confidence had grown in the last couple of years. She remained quiet and unassuming but wouldn’t back down and had a stubborn streak. Polly was confident, overly so, but Callie had a sweetness about her that Polly was lacking. Clioshared the same trait, while Thalia shared Polly’s brashness at times.

Sunny guessed it was the difference between being adopted or having a family and not. Rain also had a confidence about him that Clio and Callie had once lacked. Rain seemed to be the easy-going one, initially stunned by having family but quite happy to have four sisters.

Sunny stared after where Callie had fled.

She’d definitely run from him, but why?

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