Page 139 of Ruined Beta

I can still hear E.A.’s snoring lighting in the other room and it’s oddly soothing.

This might be the most relaxed I’ve been in a long while.

I’m enjoying the rest of my coffee when there’s a knock at the door.

That sound makes me tense right up. I stare at the door, and even locked with the keys hanging from the lock, and with the lamp table wedged in front of it, I feel rattled.

I go still, staying quiet and hoping whoever’s on the other side will just go away.

I know it’s not Secret. She’d never just drop in on me like this.

Another knock. And another.

Ugh! Whoever you are, just go the fuck away.

“E.A.! Leanne! It’s Toshi. Spencer sent me over to walk you two home!”

Oh, thank God!

I let out a relieved breath as I set my mug down and move over to the door. Habit makes me check the peephole before I open it, but I knew it was Toshi the second I heard his voice. He has a sunny tone that warms me a little inside the second I hear it.

I open the door and smile at him. “Hey.”

The raised collar of his jacket probably hides his marks when he’s walking around out there, but I zero in on them because I’m actually looking. Spencer and Echo claimed him like they intended.

He blinks at me. “Oh … Wow …”

“Looks like we both have news,” I tell him, pleased that I was able to help Spencer and Echo realize Toshi was ready to be claimed.

“Well, you knew this was happening,” he reminds me, motioning to his throat. “I had no idea E.A. could defrost so quickly.”

I roll my eyes. “He’s not a glacier.”

Pulling the door open wider, I invite him in.

“And he’s currently sound asleep,” I add. “Do you want coffee while we wait?”

He steps into the apartment and closes the door. “I’m not a big fan of coffee, despite my regular lurking around in coffee shops.”

“Maybe you’ll be doing less of that now that you’re done tailing me.”

He laughs. “Maybe.”

I pick up my mug and take another sip of my coffee.

He looks around. “So, when do you hand the keys back for this place?”

“I hadn’t thought about it,” I admit. “Everything’s been happening pretty fast.”

I take one last sip and the mug is empty. I rinse it in the sink.

“Too fast?” Toshi asks, moving over to the counter.

I can’t help but smile. “It probably looks that way from the outside, but it’s not too fast for me.”

“I’m glad,” he says, smiling back a little wryly. “The last two nights have been incredible. I wish it hadn’t taken so damn long. It felt like forever.”

“It was totally worth the wait, though, right?”

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