Page 124 of Coveted

I’m sick of waiting, that’s what. Sick of not knowing who the fuck is tearing through my nearest and dearest with such viciousness.

Damon’s expression darkens, his back stiffening.

“Get to know me, Lucan,” he says. “You’ll soon understand that stealing isn’t my style.”

Without another word, he stalks away, leaving my father and me alone.

Dad lets out a short sigh. “He tried to help Parker, you know? Got him a place at a private rehab upstate. He offered to drive your cousin there himself.”

Uncertainty trickles through me. “I didn’t know that.”

“An unfamiliar experience for you, I’m sure. He didn’t want to embarrass Parker by making it common knowledge.”

“His generosity could’ve been a ploy. And what about Adelle?”

“What about her?” Dad grunts. “You want to go over there and insult her too? I might ask you to wait until after the appetizers are served. I’m famished.”

Damon speaks quietly to his sister, and her sharp gaze flicks to me.

Shit. Did he tell her what I just said?

I should’ve been more careful. I approached the conversation with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

A murkier question dwells beneath the suspicion dominating my mind:

Why didn’t I help my cousin with his drinking problem the way Damon did?

I gave Parker an ultimatum and not politely. He was my blood, yet the last words he heard from me were full of frustration.

His grief for Hannah was overwhelming. By drinking, he just wanted a break, and me pressuring him would’ve only made him want to escape more.

My shitty behavior haunts me now more than ever. The crack Sadie put in my armor seems to be widening. Emotions are pouring through that gap in a way I’ve never experienced.

I dearly wish I had done better by my cousins. Sadie’s the only one I can save now, and I will, even if it kills me.

Dad examines me, his eyes narrowed. “I’ve never seen you like this. Sadie’s making you come unhinged.”

She’s making me care.

And yeah, unhinged.

Our butler appears on the terrace, murmuring brief words to my father.

“Dinner’s ready!” says Dad to everyone.

As we walk inside, Sadie and I link up like we’re magnetized.

I gently squeeze her hand. “How are you doing?”

“Me?” she whispers, glancing behind her. “What on earth did you say to Damon?”

“Nothing. Er, much.”

“Do you think he’s the killer?” she breathes.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “Do you recognize anything about him? His voice? His size?”

Her brows knit. “I couldn’t say. The man who attacked me spoke in a low tone, almost a growl.”