Page 29 of Conquered Obstacles

Them? As horrible as it was, it was their job.

Jamie’s friend helped him get outside and then offered to get him to my vehicle. I lied and said we had a ride coming, so if he could just get us off to the side it would be fine.

He did and sighed as he pushed Jamie’s hair back off his forehead. “I think it’s time we ditch them, buddy. Their jealousy is eating them. They didn’t come out on top like they had been in college and it’s making them vicious instead of growing up. It’s why I said I wasn’t coming.”

I glanced between them. “How long have you had feelings for Jamie?”

He didn’t even try to deflect. “The moment I laid eyes on him.” He smiled at me. “Do you blame me?”

“Not in the slightest. Sorry.”

“He says you’re good to him even if it’s complicated and you’re dating someone else too. He’s not into guys, so as long as you keep being good to him, we’re fine.”

“I’ve got so many issues we could fill Boston, but he’s got a lot of them too,” I said after a few moments. “I think ours are so different that we’re the right fit to help each other. If that changes—I won’t ever intentionally hurt him, and I’m very careful to be honest so he doesn’t unintentionally get hurt. I’m not sure what else I can do.”

“Then you’re better than the rest of the women who have come near him.” He gave Jamie’s forehead a kiss. “Let me know you’re okay in the morning, yeah? If I have to beat someone up—”

“Arabella will handle my cousins, and I’m telling my mom on them,” Jamie said, giving the guy a sad smile. “Sorry, Todd.” He cupped his cheek. “I’m really sorry, Todd.”

Todd’s eyes flashed shock, but then he smiled too. “Of course you knew. Yeah, I’m not as smooth as I think. Don’t be sorry. She’s gorgeous and everything you deserve. Just don’t cut me out, yeah?”

“Never, Brother.” He patted his shoulder. “She’s healing me. She spoils me. It’s not ever about Barb or being a Kraft with her. She’ll take me home and probably make me fresh cookies when she has to get up in a few hours for the bakery. She sees me like that.”

“I’m glad. Really.” He dipped his head to me. “Lovely to meet you.”

“You safe to get home?” I checked.

“I valeted and didn’t drink. I was waiting for Jamie. I thought he was just calling you. Sorry I was wrong.” He shot Jamie an apologetic look. “Sorry I let them hurt you.”

“I was too messed up to know you were there.”

And clearly, the human didn’t know the full story and was upset Jamie had been “drunk” and ignoring him. Mistakes like that happened.

I dosed the human with my power when I saw he was a good soul and then got Jamie out of there. There was a lot to handle.

And most of it had to do with punishing people.

8

I didn’t bake cookies for Jamie, but I did give him everything he wanted, chuckling at how happy he was. I did also agree that he call his mother and tell her what happened no matter the time.

I contacted Hades and asked to speak with him. I was texting that I hoped his minions could do me a favor when he appeared right in my kitchen.

He simply took in Jamie and raised an eyebrow. I sighed and explained. To say he was upset was an understatement.

Yeah, I felt the same.

“Are you asking me to fix it or my help to handle it?”

I let out a slow breath. “I think the three of us should agree how to handle it since Poseidon wants to reinvent a life here as well.”

“Fair, but I want to know where your head is,” he said after a moment.

“I want your minions to drag their asses to that warehouse or wherever and give them each a whip mark that won’t heal. Have their grandmother give it even. I’m done with this shit.” I nodded when he seemed like he didn’t believe me. “They smirked at me, Brother. I am not allowing the past to repeat itself and letting slights go and being the bigger person.”

“Agreed. And it will compound going forward. They are insane to think this was only for Jamie’s sister or something.”

“My mom wants to talk to you,” Jamie said in between stuffing his face with cookies. “She’s pissed and wants to punish them but doesn’t want to step on your toes.”

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