Page 33 of These Pucking Boys

“Thank you, Paul,” I say, loud enough so he can hear me.

I wish he could have stayed longer to assist me in getting everything out of the elevator and into my car, but oh well. I race down the stairs and arrive before the elevator. Then I place one box in front of its door to prevent it from closing, and begin to take everything out.

I’m halfway done when someone yells from a few floors up. “Who’s holding the elevator?”

“I’m sorry. I’ll be done in a minute,” I reply.

A moment later, an angry man stomps down the stairs and points a judgmental finger at me. “You’re not allowed to move during peak hours.”

“I didn’t plan to move at all,” I grit out. “I’m almost finished.”

“I’m still going to write an email to the building’s administration.”

“What for? I’m moving out. What are they going to do about it?”

“They can send you a fine.”

I’m about to tell him to go to hell but think better of it. They can send the fine to Bill. “Go ahead. I’m apartment 202.”

He scowls as he types on his phone, then strides out of the building. The altercation has left me shaking and on the verge of tears again. I resume unloading the elevator, making sure I put all my things in a corner of the lobby and out of the way, but I take Toby out of the box. I have to get my car and park in front of the building, and I’m not going to risk him being stolen.

Outside, I finally decide to call Katrina. I need to stay at her place for a few days to sort out my living situation. But of course, my phone is dead. “Son of a bitch.”

I stride toward my car. I can charge my phone using the car charger. The most important thing now is to load my things in it and get to work. Then it dawns on me. I’m still wearing a cocktail dress and probably smell like a sex dungeon. I can’t teach like this.

As if things weren’t already going swimmingly well for me, when I try to start the car, nothing happens.

“No, no. Come on, Betty. Don’t do this to me.”

I try again… and nada. I rest my forehead against the steering wheel, fighting more tears. This cannot be happening. Is it punishment for sleeping with three men last night? My very religious parents would say so.

I can’t even call roadside assistance, because the charger won’t work if the car won’t start. Hell. I have to return to the apartment and beg Bill to let me charge my phone. The thought of further humiliating myself in front of that jerk makes me sick. But sitting in my car while all my belongings are in the foyer won’t do.

I return to the building, but just as I’m about to enter, I see Bill’s car exit the garage. I wave at him with both arms, but if he sees me, he chooses to ignore me. Dejected, I sit on the curb, and rest my forearms on my knees, dropping my head between them. Tired of keeping my sadness bottled inside, I finally allow myself to cry. I know not all is lost. I can bother a neighbor, but right now, I want to feel sorry for myself.

The sound of car doors opening and shutting nearby makes me look up. My eyes widen, and I stare at Lachlan, Jake, and Ryan in disbelief. Am I hallucinating now?

They walk over, and thanks to my utter shock, I forget to wipe off my wet cheeks.

They all furrow their brows, but it’s Lachlan who drops into a crouch in front of me and asks, “What happened to you, lass?”

Concern shines in his eyes as he searches mine. Even though it’s bruised, my heart does a backflip. But instead of answering him, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

CHAPTER 14

JAKE

When I couldn’t find June to return her wallet, there was no question about what we should do. Unanimously, we decided to drive by her place and return the wallet in person. I didn’t expect to find her sitting on the curb, crying her eyes out.

I tense, guessing her asshole ex put her in this state. The instincts to protect and avenge her mix in my veins, a powerful and dangerous combo. I’m on thin ice already with the organization, thanks to my bad temper. If I pick a fight with June’s ex, there’ll be hell to pay. Melissa will kill me.

I hang back while Lachy drops into a crouch and asks what happened. June’s beautiful hazel eyes are brighter thanks to the tears swimming in them.

“What are you doing here?” she asks instead of answering him.

“You forgot your wallet, lass.”

“Oh?” Her brows arch. “I didn’t even notice.”

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