Macon doesn’t move, doesn’t show an inch of emotion, but I feel the recoil in his body, the hurt that he undoubtedly hates acknowledging. Because family, whether we like them or not, has the power to tear our hearts out. They know just where to twist the knife in.

My hand goes to his chest and presses lightly against his racing heart. “Come away now,” I say, looking up, the whole of my attention given just to him. “There is no reason for you to be here anymore.”

His eyes have a sheen, but he blinks, a sweep of thick black lashes, and his gaze is clear. “No reason at all,” he agrees in a soft voice. “Come on, honey.”

He turns us to go when George Saint lashes out a final time, his ugly barbs finding their mark on my skin. “Put on your airs, girlie. But I know you’re nothing. A by-blow, unwanted and left behind. Only picked up by the Bakers because they felt sorry for you.”

Macon halts, his long body humming like a struck tuning fork. I, on the other hand, am numb. It serves me well when I place a hand on Macon’s back and urge him forward, silently pleading with him to ignore the hateful man who gave him life. And he does. His arm is firm around my waist, holding me up, as he guides me away.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Delilah

There is an incessant ringing in my ears as I walk along with Macon, a pained smile plastered on my face. I suppose he’s wearing some semblance of a pleasant expression as well, but I can’t make my body work enough to check. The entirety of the nasty encounter with Macon’s father probably took all of two minutes. And yet it was enough to feel as though I’m coated in a sticky grime from inside out. A greasy lump of emotion slides down my throat, and I swallow convulsively.

Blindly, I let Macon lead me, the crowd ebbing and swelling around us. And then we are at the car, North stepping up to open the back door for me. But Macon touches his arm, leaning in so that no one else can hear. “I need the keys.”

Whatever North sees in Macon’s eyes is enough to sharpen his gaze. He gives Macon a quick nod. “In the ignition.” Shutting the back door, he then opens the front passenger door for me. His eyes hold concern, and I give him a tight smile as I get in.