A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh #1)(34)

“Nice to see you, Kat,” he said as she approached. “What can I get you to dri—”

“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was f*cking terrible and the cabdriver was a complete ass!”

Kat turned toward the voice to see a head of chaotic black hair. It was that just-got-out-of-bed look, and he worked it well. The man was tall, towering over Kat and Beth, who was still at her side, and smiled at them both before turning his attention to Adam, who slapped him on the back before ordering a round of drinks.

“Kat, this is Austin Ford, Adam’s brother,” Beth said. “Austin, this is my friend Kat Lane.”

“Hi,” she said, holding out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Austin stooped and took her hand, placing a soft kiss on the back of it. “Likewise.” He smiled.

Yeah, he was very attractive. He had broad shoulders covered in a black polo shirt that was open at the neck, showing a black string that hung down underneath it. His arms were tanned and strong-looking, which matched his masculine, angular face. He resembled Adam but appeared rougher around the edges.

Kat studied him discreetly while sipping her martini. He had all the traits she usually went for and, if he was as nice as his manners, he’d be golden. Yet a feeling of unease in the pit of her stomach made her pause in her visual examination of Austin. It twisted uncomfortably, settling like a weight deep within her.

The sensation became stronger when Austin smirked.

It was an unnervingly familiar gesture, which made Kat’s skin heat.

“So what do you do, Kat?” Austin asked, noticing her stare.

“I’m a teacher,” she answered quickly. “English literature.”

“Like Beth,” he offered. “That’s great. What school do you teach at?”

“I teach at a prison, actually. Arthur Kill.”

Austin’s eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. “Wow,” he said, glancing surreptitiously at his brother, who coughed uncomfortably into his palm.

Kat frowned. Okaaaaay.

“Beth didn’t mention it,” Adam said quietly, staring at his fiancée.

[page]Beth shrugged. “Why would I?”


“Kill, huh?” Austin mused, his eyes still on his brother. “What a small world. We know a guy who’s spent time there. It must take some patience.”

Kat nodded, the loaded looks between the two men making her very curious.

“Come on,” Austin said, gesturing Kat toward their table. “Tell me all about it.”

*

Monday morning couldn’t come fast enough for Carter, and he made sure to take out all his nervous energy on the punching bag Ross held in front of him.

He’d been allowed into the prison library Sunday afternoon. After learning from a verbose Riley which play the class was studying, Carter immediately found a copy of The Merchant of Venice and some analytical studies on the text, which he proceeded to read from cover to cover through the night. He’d read the play before and knew the characters and storyline, but, once he was finished, he knew he was ready for anything his Peaches could throw at him.

He was sitting at the table of their usual room when she entered. Shit, she looked great. Her hair was down and a soft wave had appeared in the sections that framed her face. As much as Carter loved her hair, he loved seeing her face more, and he was at once annoyed that it was partially covered. He crossed his arms to stop the urge he had to push it behind her ears.

“Good afternoon, Miss Lane. How are you today?”

She paused, looking puzzled. “I’m well, and yourself?”