Page 72 of Mack

“Yeah,” he said. “Of course.”

She grabbed her purse, pulled her coat on, and they walked out together. Shane stayed close, guitar case in one hand, scanning the parking lot without making a show of it. Shane noticed things quietly.

When they reached her Tahoe, she unlocked it and pulled the door open.

“Thanks.”

“Mallory.” He stopped her. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I told you, I just didn’t want to walk out alone. It’s late.”

Even as she said it, she could hear how thin it was. Shane could too. She could tell by the way he looked at her, steady and patient, waiting to see if she’d say anything else.

She didn’t.

“Okay,” he said finally. But his eyes said something different.

“Well, isn’t this cozy.”

She closed her eyes when she heard his voice. Beside her, Shane swore under his breath. She didn’t have to look at him to know he’d already put it together.

“What are you doing here, Simmons?” Shane set his guitar case down.

Troy was leaning against the front fender of her Tahoe, arms folded, looking at Shane like he was something mildly interesting. Then he pushed off the SUV and shook his head.

“Don’t see where that concerns you, Nichols. This is between me and my wife.”

“She is not your wife.” Shane’s voice was flat. “Something you need to get through your head.”

Troy stepped closer. Shane didn’t move. He stood with him, toe to toe, and held his gaze without blinking.

She was terrified they were going to fight. Shane could hold his own, but Troy fought dirty. He’d use anything he could to take someone down and feel nothing about it afterward.

“Shane. He’s not worth it.”

Shane glanced at her and whatever he saw made him step back.

“I’ll let it go this time,” he said, eyes still on Troy. “Next time I won’t.”

Troy laughed.

“We’ll see.” He looked at Mallory. “I’ll see you soon.”

They watched him walk away until the darkness swallowed him.

“I can follow you home,” Shane said.

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I’ll keep an eye out. If I see him, I’ll call you.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” She hugged her brother. “Thank you.”

“No need.” He kissed her forehead. “Call me if you see him.”

“I will.”

She climbed in, started the engine, waved at Shane, and drove home with her eyes on the rearview mirror the whole way.