Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

The weeds, like problems, were never truly gone. They’d return with the spring breeze, resilient

as ever.

“We’ll just have to get the gardener to put in some extra work, keep those weeds at bay. If we can’t uproot them, we’ll at least intimidate them. Let them know they’ll be plucked if they grow too rapidly.” Colin whispered.

I caught the metaphor laced in his words, but since he and Eric didn’t seem to mind my presence, I felt awkward asking for clarification.

“How about a play after dinner?” Colin asked, leaning on my shoulder once we finished eating.

With Eric gone, Colin reverted to his clingy, puppy–like demeanor around me.

“I’ll take you to a show.” I said, raising an eyebrow and taking Colin’s hand. “I bet Anthony Larson and Diane would love to have me for dinner.”

They must be distraught, their precious daughter having been left hanging from the rafters all night.

“I’ve got your back,” Colin assured me seriously, as we made our way out.

Following behind him, I couldn’t help but comment, “You’ve really grown, haven’t you? Your legs are so long.”

Had the man been feeding on fertilizer? My memory was a bit hazy, but the last time I measured him for clothes, he was around six feet. Now, he must be pushing six–two?

Colin turned around with a goofy grin and winked. “Everything’s grown.”

I took a moment to catch his drift. His eyes were as innocent as ever, but his words, not so

much.

Upon entering the Langley estate, Diane charged at me like a bull.

Colin stepped in front to shield me, his gaze icy as he watched her approach.

Diane stumbled and, unable to stop herself, fell flat as Colin deftly sidestepped with me in tow.

“No need for such dramatics so early in the morning,” Colin said with mock seriousness.

Diane, fuming, pointed at me and accused, “Foebe Larson, you lunatic! Must be contagious. How dare you leave your sister hanging from rafters? I ought to teach you a lesson!”

As her hand came flying toward me, Colin caught her wrist and pushed her away. Gone was the foolishness that once characterized him; in that moment, he was nothing short of majestic. “Who gave you permission to lay a finger on my woman?”

Diane was taken aback, glancing back at Anthony for support.

11:49

*Caleb. Foebe is our daughter. This is a family matter.” Anthony said, still testing the waters to see if Colin’s wits had returned.

“Your daughter? Didn’t you already take a two–hundred–million investment from Brendan, effectively selling her to me?” Colin’s voice was low and protective as he held me close. “Since she’s sold, she’s no longer your concern. Try touching what’s mine and see what happens.”

Anthony furrowed his brow, sensing a newfound authority in Caleb’s demeanor. Was he pretending, or was this the real him?

L too, was stunned, watching Colin.

Which side of him was the most authentic?

“Foebe, you did go too far this time. Your mother’s just upset. How could you leave your sister hanging like that? It’s dangerous.” Anthony said in a lowered voice, unsure of how to handle Caleb and deciding it was best not to act rashly.

“What can you do?” I said arrogantly, nestling into Colin’s embrace. “Maybe you should call the

cops.”

“You!” Anthony and Diane trembled with rage. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Foebe Larson, get out here! I’m going to kill you!” The commotion outside continued as Coraline and Oscar arrived, looking for vengeance.

Coraline’s face was bruised, bandaged, and she brought a posse with her, intent on settling

scores.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her foolishness.

This was the Langley estate, and I was carrying the Langley heir. Did Coraline and Oscar really think the Langleys were defenseless? They were practically begging for trouble.

Colin’s eyes deepened for a moment, and he glanced at Eric, who nodded before stepping outside to handle the situation.