Credible Alibi. Tyler Anne Snell

there Madi’s thoughts of the future spiraled. Fear and uncertainty pricked at her eyes, blurring her vision. She didn’t realize they were at the main house until Julian cut the engine.

      “Madi.” His voice had gone low, a sound that normally put the fire of longing beneath her skin. This time, however, it wasn’t the sound of lust she heard. It was severity. Like a moth to a flame, she met his stare. She was unable to look away as he continued. “There is nothing you can tell me that would make me take back the alibi. Okay?”

      Madi shouldn’t have been surprised that once again, Julian Mercer had read her like a book. He had a knack for that sort of thing. She nodded. He kept on.

      “There’s no ring on your finger. You’re not married or engaged,” he continued. “Are you seeing someone?”

      “No.”

      Julian nodded, more to himself than the conversation.

      Caleb’s truck door slammed shut near them. The porch light flipped on, bathing the SUV’s cab in an eerie glow. Julian wasn’t done yet, but Madi wanted to finish what she’d been trying to do for months.

      Because as ridiculous as it was, Madi realized she trusted that Julian would keep his word. That even if he didn’t like the news, he wouldn’t betray her.

      At least, she really hoped he wouldn’t.

      “Julian,” she said, cutting him off just before he could say anything more, “she’s yours.”

      Madi might have trusted the man, but in that moment, it was startlingly clear to her that she didn’t have his gift of observation. She couldn’t read his book. Not a single word.

      Julian was a mystery to her.

      And Madi was afraid he always would be.