Page 109 of Inexplicable

I pulled back from Brock to look at the man behind him.

I almost flinched as I looked into the eyes of the man with Brock.

My heart tripped with anxiety as I tried to find a sliver of lightness in the enormous man by Brock’s side.

He was about Brock’s height and built like a tank.

This guy was solid and, quite frankly, he was terrifying.

His eyes were dark, and the expression on his face was hard and scary.

I shuddered a little as he moved closer and kissed me on the cheek. “Hello, cousin,” he said in a deep and unnerving voice.

Brock tightened his arm around me as he said, “Jenna, this is Conner Moran.”

Conner Moran.

The man was beautiful but deadly, like a cobra ready to strike.

“Are we really cousins?” I asked as I tightened my arms around Brock.

“Second cousins,” he said smoothly.

God, even his voice sounded dangerous, and I was having a very hard time believing we were family, even if we did share a last name.

I thought about the comment the girl had made about him being a powerful man.

“Did you negotiate my release?” I asked him.

“Yes,” he answered simply.

It was beyond my understanding right now how this man had coerced the cartel into releasing me, but I was grateful.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

This man was obviously acquainted with Brock.

He couldn’t possibly be as dangerous as he seemed.

Maybe the drugs were still making me a little wacky.

“Can we stay in touch?” I asked impulsively. “I’ve never had any blood family.”

I felt a little brokenhearted when he shook his head. “Not possible, I’m afraid. Brock will explain everything to you later. You two need to go now, but I brought something for you, Jenna.” He pulled a small object out of the pocket of his suit jacket. “Let me see your arm.”

I held out my arm. When Conner Moran requested something, I had a feeling that everyone jumped to obey.

I watched as he wrapped a beautiful, delicate cameo bracelet around my wrist and fastened it.

It look like it was gold and antique.

“That belonged to your great-grandmother,” Conner explained. “I think it belongs with you.”

I was so shocked that I didn’t know what to say. “I c-can’t take your bracelet,” I stammered.

“You can,” he replied. “I have quite a few things that came down through the family. I’m definitely not going to wear that. Take it, Jenna. I have a feeling you have nothing that came from your family.”

I didn’t, and I had to admit that it felt really good to feel some kind of connection with my ancestors.