Free A to Zane by Cherie Nicholls Page B

lying on his back.
    “Thank you.”
    They lay in silence for a few minutes. Zane saw her biting her lower lip out of the corner of his eye, a sign she was thinking—which never led to anything good as far as he was concerned.
    “How are you feeling?” he asked, trying to distract her.
    “Better, thank you. Who knew I had such a glass jaw?” She gave a soft laugh.
    “Yeah well, he wasn’t exactly fighting fair.” Considering the amount of drugs coursing through the scum’s veins, if he was honest, Zane was surprised she wasn’t more hurt.
    “Thank you for staying with me. My mother says you were at the hospital. I’m sorry they called you. Laney seems to think there’s more between us than one little night of fun. I’ll straighten her out, and I’ll get you your own room…assuming you still have to stay…please don’t think you have to…you can leave at any time. I am so sorry they did this. I could die. I’m so embarrassed.” She’d spoken with practically a single breath.
    He was impressed. Not only had she thanked him for his help, but she’d given him a way out and dismissed him all at once.
    Zane rolled to his side, so he could see her better. He reached out and brushed the hair out of her face. The color was creeping up her cheeks, and she looked adorable.
    “Hey, stop.” He caught her chin, forcing her to look at him. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
    “But they didn’t even give you your own room.”
    “I have a room, far away from yours. I think your dad did that.” He gave her a wink. Abby groaned and tried to pull the covers over her head. Zane pulled them out of her hands, keeping her where he wanted her.
    “I promise I’ll sort this all out. I just wish I could say I was adopted,” Abby muttered as the door opened, and her mother walked back in.
    “Nope, thirty-six hours of labor. Trust me, you’re definitely part of this family,” her mother said, having caught the last comment. “Ah good, you’re awake. There is food downstairs for you, boy. Best get it while it’s hot.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Did it sound like I was asking? Because I’m pretty sure I just told you to get downstairs. Do I need to repeat myself?”
    And just like that, he went from adult to child.
    “No, ma’am.”
    “Good, now go. I want to check my baby girl out, and I don’t need you getting in the way.”
    “No, ma’am.” Zane rolled away and grabbed his jeans. When he had them on, he turned back and gave Abby a quick kiss. “I’ll be back,” he promised her and walked out to hunt down his own food, but could still hear a little of their conversation.
    “He does have a fine butt, Abby.”
    “Ma!”
    Zane was still grinning when he got to the kitchen.

Chapter 9
    Breakfast was a strained affair. Zane arrived at the kitchen to find it full of the males in Abby’s family. Her father, uncle, cousin-in-law, and three cousins. He thought they’d come to drag him off to the woods and give him a beating for touching their Abby. Instead they filled their plates, and his, and sat at the table eating.
    Abby’s mother came back just as they finished.
    “She’s fine. She’s properly awake this time and starving.” She stopped and looked around the room. Zane watched as her eyes narrowed after looking into each family member’s face.
    She didn’t say a word when she pulled open the fridge door to get the eggs. She didn’t even say anything as she turned on the stove. It wasn’t until the eggs were cooking that she finally turned around wearing the sweetest smile Zane had ever seen.
    “I know I’m just a silly female…”
    He was more than aware of the sarcasm in that statement.
    “…but I know you boys aren’t here to cause Zane any problems now, are you?”
    “Emily,” her husband warned.
    Zane tensed. He’d been waiting for the move since walking into the kitchen. Not that he blamed them really. He’d do the same for his little sisters.
    “That boy spent every hour watching