Page 47 of Legacy of Lies
“It’s not right. And you know what? I’m sick of the hiding and the fear. And no one is going to tell me who I can and cannot associate with.”
A flicker of optimism popped up in his chest. “All right.”
“I’m tired of being scared and intimidated. I’m tired of being told I’m not good enough.” Her hands punctuated each statement with a slash.
What the hell? Of course she was good enough. Too good for a guy with rough edges and baggage like him. And way too good for a bastard like Hank Brand. But good enough for a nice, normal man who could give her the time and attention she deserved.
Something shifted inside of him, like a car revved up and ready to speed off down the road. Hope. “So then, you don’t want me to leave?”
“Not at all, I—” At a loud knock at the door, she yelped.
“Open up, Sara.” Hank’s harsh voice drilled through the door.
Her mouth opened and eyes widened as her hand fluttered to the bruise on her jaw. Garrison hoped like hell there wouldn’t be a crime committed here tonight, but he had no guarantees.
• • •
Her stomach dropped to the floor.
Hank. Here. And Garrison here.
Flashes of her job, Garrison’s kisses, Hank’s wild-eyed visit last night, and the broken picture frame all hit her at once like punches to her sternum. She couldn’t get enough air in her lungs. If ever she wanted to quit her life and go hide in a hole somewhere, it was now. No nice guy needed to get involved in her mess.
“Please, don’t let him see you,” she whispered as she motioned for Garrison to step away.
God, she was such a coward.
His burnished eyebrows rose as he moved next to the door. He crossed his arms, hands gripping his biceps as his mouth compressed into a thin, angry line.
Hail Mary, full of grace. Sara was screwed no matter what she did.
Panic created sweaty pinpricks on her skin. Her back twitched like a knife was about to be thrust between her shoulder blades.
Hank pounded on the door again until the windows rattled in the casings.
She took a deep breath, flicked a glance at the unhappy man standing next to her, and opened the door a few inches, keeping Garrison hidden behind it. Even then, she could still feel his disapproving stare.
“Hank?”
“Why didn’t you listen to me?” he growled.
His voice remained so calm. Too calm.
“What?”
“I’m very disappointed, Sarita.” The man fairly vibrated, so well did he hold his emotions in check.
But his darting eyes and vein pulsing on his forehead told a different story. He was about to blow.
And behind the door, Garrison was probably fuming.
Goose bumps rose on her arms.
Now everyone disapproved of her. She couldn’t catch a break.
Maybe she could bluff her way out of this mess. “Seriously, what are you talking about?”
“Can I come in?” His voice was too sweet, too quiet. Not good.
