Fallen Crest Home (Fallen Crest High #6)(40)

“Why are you here warning me about this?”

“Because I still care about Mason. I think I always will. It’s not his fault he has piss-poor taste in women, but it is his fault if he keeps poking his head around Channing’s bar.”

I felt Mark’s gaze on me. I could feel him wondering what the hell she was talking about. I ignored him. “Channing’s a friend.”

“And Mason has enemies who hang around with Channing. Enemies he doesn’t even know about.”

Oh. That wasn’t good.

“Just warn him for me?” she added. “I’d hate to see that fine, rich ass six feet under, if you get my drift.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Yeah.” Now her sarcasm was thick. “I’m here as a big prank, because I’ve been hoping to seek you out for the last three years. You know, for the fun of it.” Her gaze intensified. “I mean it. This is for Mason’s safety.” She gave Mark another long, considering look, and let out a soft sound before she turned and left.

“What was that about?” Mark asked after a moment.

“I have no idea.” But I was going to find out. “What are you doing here? I thought you finished earlier.”

“I did, but Mom called. Thought I’d give you the heads-up in person.”

“Oh.” That didn’t sound good. “What is it?”

“She’s doing a pool party at the country club, and everyone is invited.”

“Everyone?” The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

“Everyone. Cass, Quinn, Becky, Amelia. Even Peter is going to be there.”

“Why would Malinda do that?”

“Because it’s my birthday.” He threw an arm around my shoulder, pulling me tight. “I want my stepsister there, so buck up, Sam. We’ve got another shindig to look forward to.”

I groaned. I almost would’ve taken more Kate over this event. Almost.

Mark walked me to my car after I clocked out. He followed me home until I turned left toward Helen’s house and he kept going. I texted him after I parked.





Thanks for following me home.


He buzzed back a moment later. No problem. Mason was going to come, but I told him I’d do it.

I found Nate and Matteo taking shots in the kitchen when I went inside. They waved, lifting their glasses in the air.

“It’s Sam!! Samantha is hoooooome!” Matteo bellowed.

“Hey guys.” I waved back. “Mason?”

Nate pointed to the hallway. “Bedroom. He’s changing. He was going to join us until you got here.”

“Yeah, well, here I am.”

Matteo cupped his hands around his mouth, calling out in an announcer-style voice, “And she is off, folks. Like a racehorse running the race of her life. Veering down the hallway, past the other rooms, closing in on the bedroom, she is nearing home. She’s nearly across the threshold. That victor’s crown is just waiting for her—”

“If you don’t stop likening me to a racehorse, I’ll come back there and turn you from a stud to a gelding, Matteo,” I yelled to him.

I heard a smattering of laughter before he called back, “Noted, and I love you, Sam.”

I could hear Nate still laughing. A second later Matteo said something more, and Nate’s laugh got louder, but instead of going back, I went into the bedroom.

I had someone else’s ass to kick.

Mason was coming out of the bathroom, wearing sweats that hung low on his hips. He had a shirt in hand and was about to pull it over his head. I grabbed it and tossed it to the floor.

“What’s up?”

I shut the door, crossing my arms over my chest. “What were you doing in Roussou today?”

“How did you know that?” He scowled. “Mark?”

“Did Mark know?”

“No, but Matteo could’ve told him.”

Okay. I didn’t have to ream my stepbrother out. “I heard it from Kate.”

“Kate?” His scowl lessened to a frown. He began rubbing at his forehead.

“Yeah. Your ex-booty call found me when I was taking the garbage out.”

His shoulders tightened. “Did Caldron send her?”

“No.”

“So how’d she know?”

“She said one of the guys who saw you in Channing’s bar was her boyfriend.”

“What else did she say?”

“That there’s someone close to Channing you and he can’t trust. Whoever that is talks to Caldron.”

“Kate said all this?” He pointed at me. “To you?”

“I know.” I crossed the room and lay on the bed, where he joined me. “Imagine my shock. She still cares about you.”

“I want to know who’s been talking to Caldron.” He leaned forward, his back muscles bunching as he rested his elbows on his knees.

I fought the urge to run my hand over them. If I did, this interrogation would soon change tones, and I didn’t want that to happen. Not yet. I sat up and moved over so I was half-facing him, one leg pulled up to rest on the bed, my other foot still on the ground.

“What were you doing in Roussou?”

“I wanted to find out where Caldron lives and works.”