Reed (Book 2, Southern Royals Saga)

Chapter 10: Supper with a Murderer

When we got to my house, it didn't take long for Anthony to appear before us.

Liv's legs bounced nervously next to me as I shut off the engine.

"I'd never put you in any danger," I turned towards her and tilted her chin up, forcing her eyes upon mine, "You know that, right?"

She nodded; I smiled gratefully.

We got out of my car, and walked up the cement walkway; worry rolled off her in waves.

She knew I'd never let anyone hurt her.

I'd kill them if they tried.

I reached out and clasped her clammy hand.

My uncle's gaze never ceased; I willed him to lay off as Liv's hand tightened around mine. I pulled her close to me, placing an arm around her waist.

"Good evening, Olivia." And just like that, the coldness vanished.

That was the Reed way.

Cold as ice on the outside; warm as wood on the inside.

"Good evening, Mr. Reed." Liv responded coolly, "You can call me Liv, by the way. My apologies for my appearance, Brandon was anxious for me to meet his family and didn't allow me to clean up after working in my grandmother's garden all afternoon."

Anthony shot me a faux frown; he wanted Liv here tonight, one way or another.

"Well, Liv, I owe you an apology, then," My uncle smirked at Liv, "My nephew is nothing if not impatient. I'm sorry for his rudeness; he should've allowed you to clean up before supper."

The man was a master patronizer.

"But, I do have to say, I admire your guts, the first Walker girl to stand beside Brandon in my home, and on obvious upgrade, if you know what I mean."

Of course, he had to mention my previous indiscretions.

I tightened my arm around her waist, wishing we both could vanish.

Liv was silent at his snide comment.

She was gonna think I was some kind of playboy that hopped from bed-to-bed.

But, as Liv often did, she surprised me.

"It's a shame that Brandon's kept such poor company." I looked at my girl, stunned.

Not only was she the sexiest woman I've ever laid my eyes on, but she had fight in her.

My uncle smirked with sparkling eyes.

That was the thing about Liv: it was impossible not to like her.

"Why don't we head inside?" Anthony suggested, turning to open the front door, "Brandon, you can help Liz finish up supper. I'd like to get to know this gal a little better."

I obliged, swearing my uncle to hell if he said anything to make Liv run.

I walked through the living room after squeezing Liv's hip, then into the kitchen on shaky legs; Liz worked on cutting up some lettuce and emptying it into a large blue bowl.

"Hey there, Romeo," Liz smiles brightly, "Where's Juliet?"

"She's uh...talkin' to Anthony." I point my thumb over my shoulder towards the living room.

Liz's smile faded, stopping her stirring, "You're lookin' a little pale, sweetie."

I shake her off, gearing to walk back to the living room when a bout of dizziness washed over me. I grabbed onto the wall to stop me from falling.