Free Evaleigh by Alexia Stark Page A

on you. What are you doing dropping off the radar?”
    “Aww, Mom and Dick told you to keep an eye on me?” She stood as he took her arm and hauled her to her feet. “Seriously, though, I’m twenty five. I don’t need to be babysat.”
    “Your lack of social skills aside, yes, you do. Evie, you got suspended from work because a body disappeared.” He led her toward the door amidst gasps of patrons.
    “It’s not like I stole it and hid it under my bed. Seriously, they checked my house already.” The buzz of voices trailing them made her want to laugh, but she tamped down the need.
    “ Damn it , Evie, this isn’t a joke.” Her brother halted and turned to glare down at her. At six foot three, he towered over her five foot four frame.
    Needing to tease him, she widened her eyes. “Language, brother. And you have to admit, it’s kind of funny.”
    With a muttered curse, he dragged her out into the cold night air. She shivered, crossing her arms over her chest. The silk dress she’d worn did nothing to protect her from the biting air. Without a word, her brother released his death grip on her arm and pulled off his jacket. Whisking it around her shoulders, he put an arm around her, holding her close to his warmth.
    “I was worried about you.” The anger in his words surprised her.
    “I’m okay.”
    He stopped beside his dark grey Jag, his hands on her shoulders. He studied her face for a few moments, as if words settled on the tip of his tongue but refused to roll forth. When he released her, she turned, running a hand along the shiny XK180.
    “You love this car.” The words were only to fill the uncomfortable silence he’d let hang between them with his inability to speak his mind.
    “It’s just a car, Evie.” He got into his side and leaned over to open her door. She got in and the engine roared to life, the thick chorus of Tear You Apart prompting her to sing along.
    “I’m taking you back to my place.” Her brother pulled out of the lot a bit too quick. She loved his driving. Everything was a bit too fast, too abrupt, too sharp. There seemed to be no answer to his words, so she focused on the town whizzing by.
    “I didn’t like him,” he said, his voice thoughtful.
    She glanced over at him. “Really? I don’t think he liked me either.”
    “Nah, I’m sure he thought you were a doll.”
    She shook her head with a grin. Declan’s hand left the gearshift to come to rest on her knee, and she put hers on it. They pulled up in front of her brother’s cute little place on the edge of town, she glanced at him.
    “I forgot Sandra left.” She hated herself for saying it, but control wasn’t her strong point. Her brother looked out his window, refusing to look her way and she sucked in a deep breath.
    “I’m sorry,” she said.
    “No, don’t be. I’m used to you, you know?” He got out of the car and she couldn’t help but feel the words were a jab, though she doubted it. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. She got out, walking up the walkway behind him. They hesitated at the door, and he stood, an air of dejection pressing his shoulders down.
    She reached out and touched his arm, needing to offer comfort. His hand came up to cover hers and he pushed the door open. They walked toward the living room, but he grabbed her and tugged her toward his room.
    “I told Dad and Lanie I’d keep an eye on you, and I’m serious. No sneaking out.” He looked down his nose at her, and she stifled a grin. He had no idea how fun the challenge in his voice sounded.
    “I wouldn’t do anything like that.” She pressed her palms to her thighs, the silken dress smooth under her fingers.
    He stopped in his doorway, turning a quizzical expression to her. She jerked a shoulder up, keeping her face as innocent as she could. The gentle bounce of her breast under silk reminded her she hadn’t worn a bra.
    “You know, the parents might fall for it, but I know better.” He hauled her into his room and