“You know what she said isn’t true, right? She’s just upset. As time passes she’ll see that,” Grayson says, breaking into my turmoil.

I shrug. “I’m not sure she will ever see it, but I know I’m not a murderer and neither is Pap. I feel terrible for what happened, and if anything I blame myself for not digging deeper into the changes I saw in him. But his death was not intentional, Pap would have never pulled that trigger if he didn’t feel threatened.”

“Anyone who knows your grandfather knows that. It’ll blow over, Liv, it’s just going to take some time.”

I look over at him with a sad smile, appreciating how kind he’s been to me. “Thank you again, Grayson, especially for stepping in front of me like you did. I’m sorry you got hurt.”

He shakes his head. “It’s fine. She was way out of line. I would never stand by and let someone hurt you, no matter who they are.”

Warmth explodes through my body. I’m quickly realizing there is a lot more to Grayson Taylor than his insane good looks, and although I know he would do it for anyone, it’s still nice to hear. I’ve never had anyone protect me like that before, except Pap. I just pray he’s right. I hope this all blows over, and I’m hoping it will be sooner rather than later.

CHAPTER 4

WHEN FEAR OUTSHINES COURAGE

A secret POV

I stare at the men in front of me, my heart pounding like a jackhammer in my chest because I know I’m in way too fucking deep. I might not even make it out alive.

Just like Jamal.

The thought brings on an ache so deep. The loss gnaws at my heart with its sharp, unrelenting teeth, but I ignore the pain. I’ll acknowledge it later, when I’m alone and can grieve in private. I can’t show weakness here or they will kill me without a second thought.

Fuck, they already look like they’re ready to kill me now.

“I can’t believe they ain’t chargin’ the old fool.” Reggie seethes, pacing back and forth. “I just left my aunt’s house, she’s a fuckin’ mess because her boy ain’t gettin’ no justice.”

“It’s bullshit that’s what it is.” His right-hand man spits, getting just as worked up as Reggie. “They ain’t sweatin’ that shit ’cause he’s black. Just look at what those assholes did to Baker. They don’t give a shit about justice. Corrupt motherfuckers.”

“You,” Reggie bellows, pointing an accusing finger at me. He charges, and it takes everything I have not to cower. “How the fuck could you let this happen, huh?” He snarls only inches from my face. “How the fuck did y’all let some old motherfucker gun you down? All you had to do was run back to the fucking truck.”

Keep calm, man. Keep it together and stick with the story, it’s the only way you’ll make it out alive.

If I were braver, if I had more courage, I’d tell this asshole to go fuck himself. Tell him it’s his damn fault Jamal’s dead. But, of course, I don’t because there’s a difference between being brave and being stupid. This is one of those situations where you do what you can to survive.

“I’m tellin’ ya, Reggie. There was no getting out of it; the old man caught us off guard. He didn’t even give a warning, he just shot Jamal dead, and I got the fuck out of dodge when I heard the sirens. I didn’t want to lead them back to you, and there’s no way I was gonna let those assholes get ahold of me after what happened with Baker.”

His cold, crazy eyes bore into mine, searching for truth, and I see the exact moment he buys it. As he backs out of my space, I withhold the breath of relief craving to be exhaled. Taking a joint out of his pocket, he lights up and takes a long pull. He exhales the plume of smoke and the contemplation on his face morphs into something else.

Something chilling and sinister.

“Whatcha thinkin’, Reggie?” his buddy asks.

“My baby cousin deserves justice,” he replies, his tone a little more calm, which terrifies me even more. “And we’re gonna make sure he gets it.”

Oh shit.

“What’re you gonna do?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Doesn’t Bradshaw have a granddaughter?”

“Yeah, but she’s innocent in all of this.”

“Yeah, well, Jamal was innocent too and way too fuckin’ young to die. Since the cops ain’t gonna seek retribution, we will, and that old fuck is gonna know what it feels like to have someone you love bleed.”

Fuck, what have I done?

CHAPTER 5

Grayson

The following day I park on the square in front of the courthouse. It’s early but the farmer’s market is already filled with people. When I spoke with my mom last she’d mentioned needing some fresh vegetables for dinner tonight. Knowing it would give me the opportunity to see Liv again, I insisted she let me pick them up. Mainly because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since I dropped her off yesterday.

I hated leaving her after everything that happened. Her panic attack scared the shit out of me. The moment I saw Mrs. Jenkins storming toward Liv with her two sons, Darius and Kenton, my protective instincts immediately kicked in. I think the only other time I have ever run that fast in my life was when I was on the field. Thank fuck I made it in time, because the thought of that slap being delivered to Liv’s delicate face has my blood spiking with anger all over again. I thought for sure we would miss running into the family, but I guess they decided to come back alone, which makes sense. I just hate that it ended in such a clusterfuck for everyone.

Shaking myself of the memory, I get out of my truck and head over to where I know Liv and Walter’s stand is. Most people greet me as I pass by their table but something feels off. Their interactions are brief and halfhearted, definitely unusual considering how friendly everyone always is. I notice Mr. Jefferson over to the far left and not in his normal spot. As his gaze meets mine I give him a brief wave, but he doesn’t return the gesture. His eyes dart away, as if pretending he didn’t see me.

What the hell?

Before I can think too much about it my gaze lands on Liv and everything else falls away. She’s talking with Fletcher Green, who sells local honey at the stand next to hers. She giggles at something he says and the infectious sound has a smile tugging at my lips.

As I make my way over to them I take in everything about her. The way her short, white sundress hangs loosely off her in all the right places, but does nothing to conceal her slender curves. Her long, blonde hair is swept to the side in a braid that hangs over her bare shoulder, lying against the swell of her perfect tits. The sun beams down on her, as if it’s shining just for her…

Jesus, I sound like a pussy.

“Pull yourself together, Taylor,” I scold myself under my breath.

“Well heya there, Grayson,” Walter greets, noticing me first.

Liv’s eyes snap to mine and widen in surprise, her cheeks instantly flushing pink. It brings another smirk to my lips. I fucking love how easy she is to read, and I get a deep satisfaction knowing the attraction is mutual.

“Hey, Walt,” I respond, not taking my eyes off the girl in front of me. “Hey, Liv.”

“Hi, Grayson.” My dick hardens with her shy smile and the soft sound of my name passing through her lips.

“How ya doin’, Deputy Taylor?”

I manage to pull my gaze away from Liv long enough to look over at Fletcher. “Hey, Fletch, I’m good. I’m going to need a jar of your honey for my mom.” I reach into my pocket and pull out some cash, handing it over to him as he passes me a mason jar.

I turn my attention back to Liv and Walter’s table where crates of a wide assortment of vegetables are spread out. “I’ll be needing some of these too, Walt,” I say, and hand him the list I have with me.