Page 49 of Skin Deep

I frowned at him, shaking the sting from my fingers. The less everyone knew about what was going on, the safer they’d be. It was bad enough that Paxton and Xander were involved. I didn’t want Shepherd in it too. If there was one of us that could handle himself on his own, though, it was Shepherd.

With a sigh, I leaned against the counter. “Simeon found out about Paxton. Killing Bowen buys him and his daughters protection.”

Xander leaned on the counter. “Wait a second. Why does Simeon want Bowen dead? Isn’t he a lieutenant or something?”

I shrugged, trying to ignore the unease churning in my belly. “Maybe he finally realized the asshole was more trouble than he was worth. He did just shrug off another battery charge.”

Xander gave me a doubtful look before he turned to Shepherd. “Does anyone else think this stinks?”

I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. I have to do it.”

“You could walk away, Warrick,” Shepherd said, lifting the lid on the pot. My mouth watered as the savory scent of chicken broth filled the air. “I’m not sure you’ve thought this through.”

“Yeah,” Xander said, spinning on his stool. “You’re really going to kill a mobster for some guy you met like a week ago? I mean, the sex can’t bethatgood.” He grabbed the counter to stop spinning. “Is it?”

“None of your fucking business,” I growled.

Xander let out a squeak and, supporting his elbows on his knees, leaned in. “So you are fucking! I knew it. Xavier owes me fifty bucks.”

“Xander’s right,” Shepherd said.

That made Xander perk. “I am? I mean, of course I am.”

Shepherd pointed his wooden spoon at me. “You’re risking a lot for what could easily be a fling.”

“That’s not what this is,” I growled and glanced between them.

Where was all this caution when River practically kidnapped Theo and decided almost overnight that they were soulmates? Nobody fucking objected to that. Well, I did, but that was my job. I had to keep the family together, keep everyone safe.

“Aww,” Xander cooed. “War’s inlove.” He started making kissing sounds.

“Fuck you both. I don’t stick my nose in your love lives.” I shoved Xander off the stool.

He hit the floor and started laughing hysterically.

“That’s because we don’t have love lives,” Shepherd said, sounding irritated. “There isn’t room for it in my schedule and Xander…” He looked over his shoulder at Xander with a frown. “Well, some people are better off staying out of the gene pool.”

Xander cackled and stood, putting an arm around my shoulders. “Bro, can you imagine Shepherd in love? He’d be all conflicted about whether he wants to blow the poor guy or eat him. Speaking of, what’s on the menu? Or should I saywho?”

“We’re having chicken,” Shepherd said and scowled at Xander. “Unless you continue to irritate me.”

“Ah, you wouldn’t eat me. You like me too much.” Xander sat again, spinning on the stool once more.

I reached over to stop it from spinning because it was makingmedizzy. “Pretty sure you’re tainted meat at this point with all the drugs you have in your system.”

“It’s mostly pot, Adderall and poppers. I don’t fuck with that heavy shit,” he said.

I sighed. “I wish you wouldn’t at all. That shit could be laced with fentanyl, Xander. It only takes once.”

He gave my arm a shove. “You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough,” I grumbled.

“Anyway,” Xander said, “I thought you were going after the ripper? How does killing Bowen get you closer to that?”

“It doesn’t,” I said. “It’s unrelated. Doing this job buys protection for Pax, who’s helping me with the ripper case.” I eyed Shepherd’s broad back. “You know, Shep, I’m surprised you haven’t hunted this guy yourself,” I said, finishing off the apple bread. “I know how you don’t like letting other predators operate in your territory.”

Shepherd shrugged. “The ripper isn’t my type of beast.”

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