Page 81 of Whispers of Helena
“No,” I answer quickly. “Just here with Ruth. Now, if you’ll excuse me?—”
He blocks my path, grinning. “Well, if you’re here alone, can I ask for a dance?”
The question catches me off guard. My heart hammers, my body wired tight.
“No, thank you. Sorry, but we’re about to head out.”
A wretched smile forms on his face. “Are you staying out on the ranch? We could have lunch sometime.”
I force out a lie. “Um, no. I have no place there now. I’m just in town for a few days.”
His eyes snake over my body. “Shame. We could’ve–”
Ruth slips between us. “Excuse me, Lucas. But Caroline and I are just heading out. It’s too late for my old bones.”
He tips his hat to us both. “Be safe ladies. And Caroline, it’s very nice to see you.”
His tone turns my stomach as he walks away.
“We need to get the two of you out of here.” She grabs my arm, guiding me back to the table where Marcel waits.
Ruth glances around. “Where is Silas?”
“Sent him out the back with Eli. Are you two ready?”
Ruth nods.
“Both of you head toward the bathroom. There’s an exit at the end of that hall. Meet me at the side of the building.”
“Okay.” I can barely get the word out before Ruth is dragging me toward the hall.
Claim
Silas
The droneof the tires fills the silence between us as the truck rumbles down the dirt road. Eli gives me a sideways glance, his hands steady on the wheel. “Had you ever seen the Everly boys like that before?”
I exhale through my nose, rubbing at the tension in my jaw. “No. Since Lee, it’s always just been Bennett left behind.” The memory of my list flickers in my mind; neatly scrawled names, each crossed out with a single, black line. All but one.
Eli clicks his tongue, shifting in his seat. “Well, you’re not hunting a lone target any longer. They stuck close to him tonight. They’ll be there if you go sniffin’ around his place.”
“I’m aware.” Disappointment eats away at me, a slow-burning frustration that tightens my grip on my thigh. I had my chance. I could have ended this, wiped the last name off the list and walked away without the worry of extra eyes. But I missed it.
Eli lets the silence sit for a beat before his tone shifts, dipping into something smug. “Saw you spoke to Caroline.”
I don’t respond, staring straight ahead.
“Also saw your face when Marcel had her on the dance floor.”
My fingers flex, but I keep my voice even. “I said hello. And who she dances with isn’t any of my concern.”
Eli snorts. “Oh, so it didn’t bother you? Watchin’ her smile at another man? Laughin’ like that?”
“She can do whatever the hell she wants.” My jaw clenches so tight it aches.
“Hmmm, alright then.” He drums his fingers against the steering wheel. “You know, in these parts, there’s a hell of a lot more men’s spirits hangin’ around than women’s. Pretty thing like Caroline? She’s bound to attract some attention. You sure you won’t mind if she welcomes a few advances?”
“Eli,” I growl in warning. “Drop it.”
