Read Online Protecting You (A McCord Family Novel Book 1) by Amanda Siegrist - Free Book Online

time. If it wasn't her who had been attacked, it would've been somebody else. Second of all, the man who pulled the trigger took Jimmy from us, not Ava. And third of all, why don't you go look for yourself and see what I mean by helping me? It'll only take one look." Austin turned around and grabbed the door handle. He started to open it and then whipped around. "I mean it, Zane. Leave her alone if you can't be cordial. You're my brother and I love you, but I will deck you if I have to."
    Austin didn't wait for a response and walked out.
    ***
    Zane stood staring at the door. What had gotten into Austin? It occurred to him, he wasn't exactly sure, as they didn't talk much about anything anymore. The minute Jimmy died all the life inside him died as well. Austin had been partly right about him being a grouch. Lashing out was easier than dwelling on his guilt and regret with Jimmy.
    Zane picked up his chair and sat back down. The anger still raged inside. He wasn't sure he could be cordial to Ava. And damn. Never was he threatened by one of his own brothers. Over a woman, no less. One he despised. He wasn't sure how he felt about that.
    He stared at his computer screen until he could calm down, and even then, he remained in his chair, afraid of what would happen when he walked inside the house.

Chapter 4
    Zane sat outside on the porch swing, enjoying the night air and the calming sounds of the farm. The brisk wind bit into him, but not enough to go grab a jacket. His phone started ringing, drowning out the distant moos he heard coming from the pasture. He always found the night sounds peaceful, even in the light of day. They settled his emotions better than anything else.
    "Hey, Jimmy," Zane answered.
    "Hey, big brother, how's life?" Jimmy asked sincerely as if he missed the sound of his voice, even though it had been only a week since they last talked.
    "Good. Busy. You know how it is. It might not be as bad if you were here," Zane replied, pushing his foot to make the swing continue its momentum.
    Jimmy sighed. "Can't I call and talk without you reminding me why I should be there instead of here? Ava, a friend of mine—"
    "I don't wanna hear about that friend of yours. She doesn't sound like a good influence, not with what I hear."
    "And just what do you hear? Besides things from me, and maybe Austin, which is all good things. So she encourages me to speak out more. What's wrong with that?"
    "Doesn't matter anyway. Just come home already. I miss you," Zane said with a slight pleading tone.
    "I'm not coming home, Zane."
    ***
    Zane stood outside Ava's door. Should he knock or just enter? He had finally decided to confront her and inquire why she was feeding his brother lies. There could be no other reasonable explanation why Austin wanted this woman here, unless she talked him into it. He wouldn't have her in this house. He just wouldn't.
    Eleanor saw him come in, but he didn't stop to say anything to her. He hoped that she didn't go fetch Austin because he wanted to do this without interruption. He wasn’t looking forward to a potential fistfight with his brother. A very strong indication that could happen with him entering this room.
    Damn it, this was his house. He shouldn't have to knock. Whipping open the door, he saw Ava sitting on the right side of the bed, close to the edge, staring at a picture in her hands. He couldn't see her face as her hair covered it, but her hair didn't seem right. It seemed dull, not vibrant and colorful the last time he burst into a room where she was.
    He was still holding the door handle when Ava said vacantly, "I'm not hungry, Austin. Please, don't make me eat. I just want to be left alone."
    "I'm not Austin. Why the hell aren't you hungry?"
    Ava gradually stood up and turned toward the door, the shock written on her face. If Zane hadn’t been holding the door handle he probably would've fallen over. Nothing could've prepared him for the sight in front of his eyes. She wasn't the woman he