Claim - Page 56

“And I’m Daisy.” A cute girl with her hair in crooked pigtails grinned at me. “Do you like pink, purple, red, or blue?”

“Um, all of them.”

She beamed at me. “Me too.” The little girl edged closer. “You work with Uncle Beau.”

I nodded. “That’s right. Here in the gym.”

“Do you swear a lot?”

I blinked. “Oh, well, not really. Only when I’m really, really mad.”

“Daisy has a swear jar,” Macy explained.

“And Uncle Beau putslotsof money in it,” Daisy added.

I laughed. “I bet he does.”

“Where are you from, Bell?” London asked.

I fought back an uncomfortable feeling. I’d gotten used to not sharing my secrets. “Texas.”

“Sorry I’m late.” A woman with dark, tousled hair rushed in. “I got caught up in the lab and lost track of time.” She paused and looked at me. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Frankie.”

“I’m Bell.” I knew that Frankie was Reath’s woman, and that they’d recently gotten together.

“Right.” Frankie clicked her fingers together. “You’re Beau’s.”

I blushed. “Oh, well…I’m his new hire.”

Mila snorted. “We know you’re sleeping together.”

My mouth dropped open.

Frankie nodded and smiled. “The man watches you like you’re a steak dinner.”

Macy giggled. “And that manloveshis steak.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt, being compared to meat. “Um…”

Macy touched my arm. “Colt told me that you’re in trouble.”

I froze, and my skin flushed hot.

Frankie’s face was solemn. “Reath mentioned the man after you is really dangerous.”

Now, I felt the color drain from my face.

“You don’t have to talk about it, if you don’t want to,” Macy hurried on.

“God, you must think I’m horrible.” I took a step back.

The women all look confused.

“Daisy, go out and help your dad and uncles,” Macy said.

Daisy hesitated, and looked like she wanted to argue, but then the little girl ducked out of the kitchen.

“What do you mean?” Mila asked. “No one thinks you’re horrible.”