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“I guess you’re not a fan of chocolate.” She laughed without an ounce of humor and glanced down. Her awkwardness was wreaking havoc on her uncontrollable blush.

He extended his hand, palm up, and she peeked up through her lashes. His jaw was square, and his gaze hard, but he wiggled his fingers slightly.

She smiled and placed it in his palm, inadvertently grazing his hand with her pinky. Or maybe subconsciously she’d done it on purpose. It was the first physical contact they’d ever had. For such a small interaction, her body responded instantly. Her heart pounded, and her blood heated. Something shifted in his eyes. They hadn’t softened, but the corners crinkled and the lines in his forehead smoothed out.

“Let’s go!” Lance shouted.

For crying out loud, Lance, can’t you give me this moment? Asshole!

Imogene cleared her throat. “Well, um, I wish you both the best. And if you ever need a letter of reference, whether it be for work or character? I’d be happy to give you both one. It would be my pleasure.”

She shifted her eyes between the cousins, careful not to linger too long on Zane.

“Thanks,” Xander said with zero emotion. Zane didn’t say anything. He turned, and they started down the hallway.

The pit in her stomach only grew tighter as she watched him walk away. They hadn’t had a relationship outside of the prison, and there wasn’t an attraction on his end, and yet somehow the idea of never seeing him again struck hard. A harsh brutal blow. And it hurts.

“Heard your man is getting released.” The teasing female voice at her back had Imogene spinning around, knocking into Gayle.

She was another volunteer who worked in the home economics department. Gayle was a bit older than her, but they’d grown close. They shared a vested interest in the betterment of the inmates. Plus, she was extremely entertaining. Except when she was taunting Imogene about her secret crush on Zane.

Her cheeks heated, and she swatted Gayle’s arm, whispering, “He’s not my man.”

She chuckled, looking past Imogene and down the corridor. “You do know there’s no rule against volunteers hooking up with inmates after they’re released, right?”

Yeah, I know because in a weak moment, I looked it up. It was silly. There was no chance that he’d be interested in her. A man like Zane would have a line of women waiting to welcome him home. And I’m not one of them.

Imogene sighed, pleading with her eyes. “Please stop.”

“What?” Gayle grinned, shrugging. “I’ve watched you lust after that guy for over a year.”

Imogene gasped, darting her eyes around their immediate area. Thankfully, there was no one around. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “I didn’t lust after him. That would be highly inappropriate.”

Gayle snickered. “Yeah, you’re right. Lust is when you constantly stare at him, watch his every move, and turn a tomato shade of red when he’s within fifty feet. That’s definitely not you.”

Imogene had never spoken a word about Zane to anyone. But clearly, she hadn’t done a good job of hiding her interest. This wasn’t the first time Gayle had teased her about him. But Imogene was going to shut her down.

She straightened her shoulders. “Well, it doesn’t matter because he lives out of state, and long-distance relationships never work out.”

Gayle’s eyes widened, and she waved her hands dramatically. “Woah, woah, I never said anything about a relationship. Scratching that itch and hopping in bed with him, yes. But actually dating him? Abso-fucking-lutely not, Imogene. That’s the kind of guy you spend a night with, not a lifetime.”

A night with. Imogene had thought about that more times than she could count. She glanced over her shoulder. Zane was standing in a group with Xander and a few others. He wasn’t talking, but it was as if he was holding court in the small gathering. Everyone kept their distance, but they definitely respected him. Or feared him.

“Walking red flag, Imogene.”

She kept her eyes on Zane, nodding.

Gayle nudged her shoulder, giggling. “But I’m sure one hell of a good time.”

I’m sure he is.

****

Hyde stood near the bars, staring out while Jekyll remained seated on the bottom bunk. They were waiting to be escorted for their release. They’d spent two years in lockup, and in thirty minutes, they’d be free and headed home to Killcreek.

With the early morning release, they’d been up since four. Hyde stationed himself near the bars for the last hour. Jekyll was equally eager to get out, but it hit a little harder for his cousin. Hyde would have someone waiting for him. The same woman who had stood by his side during his entire incarceration.

“What the fuck is taking so long?” Hyde asked.