You Belong To Me by Patricia Sargeant Read Free Book Online Page B

pie.”
    â€œOkay.” Lynnette hopped off the chair and dashed out of the room.
    â€œThank you for keeping her company,” Nicole said.
    Malcolm grinned. “It was my pleasure.”
    Pride and joy tinted her cheeks. “I’d better supervise her bath.”
    A knock sounded at the door as Nicole turned to leave the dining area. She tipped her wrist to check the time before answering it.
    â€œYou’re early.” Her words floated back to Malcolm as she greeted the new arrival. Although he couldn’t see them, he could hear them, and Malcolm was concerned by the strain in Nicole’s voice.
    â€œHow long does it take you to make cereal?” A male voice teased. Malcolm recognized the voice and prepared himself for the reunion with Nicole’s overprotective younger brother.
    â€œI have to do a bit more than make her cereal,” Nicole said. “I can’t send her out on the street naked.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Derrick asked.
    â€œWhat makes you think something’s wrong?”
    â€œWell, for starters, you’re blocking the door,” her brother observed dryly.
    â€œOh. Sorry. Come in.”
    â€œThank you.” Sarcasm dripped playfully from the baritone voice.
    The door closed, and Malcolm heard footsteps coming toward him.
    â€œDerrick,” Nicole said as she and her brother entered the room. “You remember Malcolm.”
    Derrick’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. “How could I forget?” he drawled.
    Eyes that once had offered Malcolm friendship studied him coolly. Derrick took in the two place settings and the breakfast remains.
    â€œGood to see you again, Derrick. How’ve you been?”
    â€œFine, thank you,” Derrick replied. “And you?”
    â€œFine.” Malcolm decided Derrick was probably waiting until Nicole was out of hearing range before delivering the retribution promised in his eyes.
    â€œAunty Nicky,” Lynnette sang out, “I’m ready for my shower.”
    â€œI’ll be right there, sweetie pie.” Nicole considered the two large men taking each other’s measure. “Do whatever you want, but don’t bleed on my furniture.” She turned in the direction of Lynnette’s voice.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” Derrick asked.
    The younger man’s hostility triggered an answering antagonism in Malcolm. But Malcolm also had a sister. He understood Derrick’s need to protect Nicole, so he decided against arguing and tried to reassure him.
    â€œI wanted to discuss the movie project with Nicky,” he explained.
    Derrick nodded. His gaze slid back to the table settings, half-eaten bagels, and coffee containers. “What are you really doing here?”
    The question poked at Malcolm’s temper. “I told you the truth.”
    â€œLook.” Derrick’s tone hardened. “I’m not comfortable with the feeling that we’re sacrificing Nicole for Simone. But I know we don’t have any choice.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Malcolm asked.
    Derrick charged on, refusing to be sidetracked. “I’m warning you. If you hurt her again, you won’t be able to hide this time.”
    Malcolm’s temper jerked against its leash at the accusation he had hid after the divorce. He had a feeling rousing his temper was Derrick’s goal. Malcolm further suspected Derrick’s cool exterior belied a desire to punch him out.
    They stood in silence, ignoring each other. The minutes dragged by until Nicole glided back into the room with a skipping Lynnette in tow.
    â€œWe’re clean, clean, clean,” Nicole sang. Her smile faltered as though sensing the tension in her modest dining room.
    Derrick’s face glowed when he saw his young cousin. Malcolm blinked at the speed with which the younger man’s earlier animosity disappeared.
    â€œHow’s my best girl?” He hunkered down to allow