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“Yeah, I did.”
Hyde took a sip of his drink. “Guess that doesn’t matter much anymore since he’s dead.”
Imogene was accustomed to cruelty when it came to her father. Usually, she let it slide off her shoulders. But this time? It stung a little deeper. His tone was callous, as if he was trying to get a reaction from her. Or at the very least hurt her feelings. Well done, Hyde!
“I should probably go.” She started to wrap up the remainder of her sandwich but froze when Hyde rested his hand on her shoulder.
“Finish your lunch.”
She could’ve protested, but she didn’t. Imogene kept expecting him to walk away, but Hyde remained seated next to her on the picnic table. She grabbed her drink, washing down the last of her meal. She balled up the wrapper and made a small pile.
“So?” He laughed, shaking his head. “Why Lawry?”
It was strange he’d been almost obsessed, but in fairness he’d asked a few times, and she’d unintentionally evaded the question. It wasn’t so much a secret, though her reasoning came off a little desperate. But at this point, she suspected Hyde didn’t think much of her anyway.
“I don’t have much family, but I have a cousin.” Well, second. “And um, he lives there. Thought it would be cool to reconnect. But he’s really busy.” She smiled and turned slightly. “He’s actually a detective with the Lawry PD. It’s pretty impressive, don’t you think?”
Hyde raised his brows. “Asking me what I think about law enforcement?” Hyde cupped his mouth, but she noticed a small semblance of a smile. “So that’s the reason, huh?”
This was slowly becoming an inquisition. But for some odd reason, she felt compelled to share. Maybe it was because someone was finally asking.
“If I’m being a hundred percent honest, I like the idea of nobody knowing who I am or my family and past.” She snorted. “Of course, it’s like a catch-22. No one knows me, which is good to escape your past, but it also leaves me with no one.”
He slowly nodded, scanning the parking lot. “You better head out.”
She stood, and he pointed to the front of the building. “Garbage can is by the door.”
She flattened her lips into an awkward smile and grabbed her bottle and sandwich wrapper, rounding the front of the store. When she returned, Hyde was standing near the table.
She tossed her banana in her pocketbook and hooked it over her shoulder. “Thanks for lunch.”
“Yeah, you’re welcome.”
She started toward her car and glanced over her shoulder. “It was nice seeing you again.”
He lifted his chin but didn’t say a word. She walked to her car and got in. As she pulled out of the lot, a tremble skated over her skin. Hyde was staring at her again. But she remained focused on the road ahead, resisting the urge to look over.
****
The sun beamed through his window like a silent alarm clock. I have to get fucking shades.
Jekyll rolled on his side, dropping his feet to the cool floor and dragged his hand down his face, threading his fingers through his beard. It was a miracle he’d even managed to fall asleep. The whole night played over in his head. He shouldn’t have touched her, but she’d proved impossible to resist.
Being in prison, there were boundaries he was forbidden to cross. When he was released, the miles of separation served as another boundary, making her less tempting. But now she was here, and he was left relying solely on his self-control. It shouldn’t have been a feat. He’d been connected to his emotions and actions his entire life. Nothing rocked him to the core. Except her. My Achilles fucking heel.
“Fuck me,” he muttered and stood, making his way to the bathroom.
Jekyll should’ve made the decision to keep his distance, but he had an incessant need to hear her voice. He glanced down at his phone and forced himself not to pick it up. This woman was testing him in ways he’d never had to deal with.
After he’d showered and dressed, he made his way into the clubhouse and found Hyde and Cypher sitting at the table. On first glance, they seemed to be heavily into their conversation. But when Hyde looked over, it abruptly ended.
“Rough night?” he asked, smirking.
Jekyll ignored his cousin, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a coffee. When he walked over, he sat on the opposite end, eyeing the two brothers.
“Got tired of playing house with Penny?”
“Never get tired of that.” Hyde laughed. “She’s working. Thought I’d come home, catch a run or two.” He gestured to Cypher. “He was just filling me in on everything that’s been going on.”
