Free Suspicion At Sea by Amie Nichols Page A

He sways a little bit and is noticeably drunk.
    “He's not my kin, and the only slut in this building is your sister,” I growl, feeling my jaw twitch with anger.
    “Fuck you, Justin,” Tammy shoots back. “Jade needed a real woman, your sister couldn't give him what he really wanted.” She holds her belly tight and I know I have a look of utter shock on my face.
    “That's right, that there kid in there guarantees that everything will go to Tammy.” Jake smiles evilly, pointing to his sister's stomach. “Hey, you, I like it rough if you want to give it another go.” His slimy face turns toward Ellie.
    “You've got to be fucking kidding me.” I have to laugh at their stupidity as Ellie makes a noise of disgust to Jake's comment.
    “It's not my fault your sister is all dried up,” Tammy adds vindictively. My body hardens; I've been trying to stay calm. I go to drop Ellie's hand, but she squeezes tighter, not letting it go. Damn, she is strong too. I turn to look at her standing next to me, no distance between us.
    “Are they worth it?” she asks, looking up at me.
    It's like a magic spell; her face and her words make me forget all about the waste of spaces in front of me.
    “Hell, no.” I give her a smile and a wink then lead her out of the diner, leaving Jake and Tammy with open mouths. Their goading didn't work like Jake knew it usually did. Been in a few fights with him when we were kids. He's always known how to push my buttons.
    Chapter 18
     
    Ellie
     
    Justin drives back to the B&B in silence. When we pull up to the front of the house, I ask, "Jade was your brother-in-law and I take it he was cheating on your sister with that girl?” I'm hoping I'm not hitting a nerve, but there was some really bad blood there.
    “Yes, I can't believe she's pregnant. This is going to kill Suzy.”
    “Was she having trouble getting pregnant?” I recall the dried up comment from the tall, skinny, bleached blonde at the diner.
    “She can't have children. Something is wrong with her ovaries or something like that,” Justin tries to explain.
    “I'm sorry.” I can hear the pain he has for what his sister is going through.
    “Thank you.” He turns to me with a half-smile.
    “Is there money to be inherited? You don't have to answer that, I'm being so nosy. It's just, what Jake said back there...” I back pedal, not believing I just asked such a question.
    “We don't know, he's done a lot of work to keep Suzy from any money. The worst part is that she spent her whole inheritance on his business.” Justin explains about his and her trust funds, and about what they found out from the lawyer. “So, whatever the hell Jake Coons was talking about is news to me. Damn it, this is going to put Suzy over the edge.” Justin grunts, hitting the steering wheel with the palm of his hand.
    “Is there anything I can do?” I ask helplessly, feeling so bad for him and his sister.
    “No, but thank you. Just you offering means a lot.” He gets out of the car and walks around to open my door.
    I get out and I lean up against the car. My heart starts racing, really wanting another amazing kiss. Justin places one hand on the roof of the car by my head and the other goes to my waist as he leans in closer.
    “I'll pick you up at eight a.m. tomorrow,” he whispers, his mouth brushing my ear. He looks down at me with his big dimpled smile that gives me goose bumps every time. Leaning down, he kisses my cheek very softly then hands me the keys. As he turns to walk away I grab his forearm. He twists back around and gives me a questioning look.
    “That's it, that's all I get?” I pout, wounded by the very bad goodnight kiss. He moves my hand from his arm and, taking it in his, brings it up to his mouth. Kissing my palm gently, he stares at me.
    “If I start, I won't be able to stop. So yes, gorgeous, that is it. I'll see you tomorrow,” he says with one of those panty-wetting winks. I'm shocked, my mouth has to be hanging open as I