Chapter 22

We don’t speak for several minutes, but for once, I don’t like it. I have a hard time sitting still. Anger crawls and prickles and sparkles along my spine and I force myself to draw deep breaths, so I won’t start hyperventilating.

How can anyonedo this to Poe, let alone his own father? Poe’s a big softy behind that hulky-looking exterior, kind and caring and the nicest man I’ve ever met. He doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment.

It makes me furiousand my brain buzzes like it’s about to short-circuit.

A knock on the doorpost announces Emily’s presence. “Rob sent me to tell you the twenty minutes are up. And I come bearing gifts. The doctor prescribed you Ibuprofen.” She grins and hands Poe a couple pills and a glass of water.

Poe puts down the peas and accepts the medicine, chasing it with the water. “Thanks.”

She smiles at him, a real smile, none of that polite shit she’s been doing this past year in his presence. “Dad and Dylan just pulled up.”