Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [54]
Someone knocked against the door as the dead bolts slid back. An older version of Braden walked through the door, followed closely by Braden himself. Beth stopped pacing and took several steps toward the opposite wall, assessing them as she placed the bed between them.
The resemblance between them struck her first. They shared the same sharp jaw and slightly dimpled chin, the same hairline and the same wide mouth. The elder even had two small wrinkles that marked his dimples at the corners of his mouth; no doubt he had the same disarming smile. As far as she could tell, the physical differences between them were few and subtle.
Their body language, however, couldn’t have been more different. Braden stood near the door, his expression sullen, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze raking over the room, determinedly avoiding Beth. The man who could only be his father strode into the room and took a seat in the small armchair by the bed, maintaining eye contact with her the entire time.
“Please, Ms. Williams, sit down.” He gestured for her to take a seat on the bed across from him.
Beth weighed her options briefly, opting to sit stiffly on the edge of the bed, carefully beyond his reach.
I won’t give them the satisfaction of acting like some cornered, defenseless animal.
“My name is Matthew Edwards.” He leaned forward in his chair, as though he’d extend his hand in greeting. Instead he gave a wry grin and said, “I believe you’re already acquainted with my son.”
Beth followed Braden in her peripheral vision as he settled into the desk chair, but she refused to turn her head to meet his gaze.
“I apologize for the manner of your arrival,” the older man said, looking her over.
Beth shivered under his thorough inspection. She was a mess. But no matter how tempting, she hadn’t been willing to undress and take a shower last night. Embarrassed, she pushed her hair out of her face, then caught herself and pulled her hands down to her lap.
What do I care what they think of my appearance? They’re responsible for it!
“Do you need anything? A doctor?” His focused on her hands as he asked.
Beth glanced down and realized he was staring at the damage inflicted by her struggles with the zip ties.
“I’m fine.” Beth pressed her lips into a grim line and picked a point over his shoulder to focus on.
“Alright. We’ll come back to that.” The sound of rustling paper filled the air before he continued. “We’ve compiled a thorough report on your past, Ms. Williams. We’re hoping you can piece together some information for us.”
Beth bristled and met his gaze with a steely look. Her past was no one else’s business; they’d had no right to go digging through her personal history.
“I don’t have anything to say to you.” Beth forced herself to remain still when Braden surged out of his chair and crossed the room in four long strides.
“Don’t be stubborn,” he said, his voice rough and frustrated.
She pressed her lips together. Petty or not, whatever made his life more difficult was fine with her.
“You owe us an explanation.”
Owed them?
Beth tilted her chin and met his angry gaze with a stubborn one of her own. “I don’t owe you anything.”
“The hell you don’t!”
“That’s enough.” Mr. Edwards’ voice sliced through the tension mounting in the room. Braden clenched his hands but kept his mouth shut. Beth followed suit.
“I certainly understand your reluctance to speak with us.” Mr. Edwards’ warm brown eyes sought hers. “But I’m afraid I must insist.”
Beth straightened her back and clenched her hands in her lap, coolly staring at the man across from her. His gaze remained warm and open, almost friendly. But