Page 51 of Aim Assist

K manages to get their elf ear back on, adjusted just right.

"At least they're cheap to replace?" I offer, to ease their grumpy mood.

"It isn't about the price, you uncultured barbarian." K switches into lecture mode. "You think I wear these for me? It's to lighten the mood, to bring a little fun into our day. We all work around art, around imagination. You want me to be some corporate hard-ass with a metaphorical whip all day long, or do you want K, the delightful fairy who cracks fun jokes and has all the best crowns?"

"I vote for fairy K." Amy raises her hand immediately. "But I confess that I thought you were an elf."

"I can be whatever I want to be, darling."

I snort. "You only vote for fairy K because that's what you're used to. There's also Satan K. Or orc K. I think orc K was my favorite. But Satan K has the most female fans."

"Hmm, yes. Orc K was fun, but the green body paint got a little old after a while." K laughs. "My husband prefers vampire K. I think he secretly watched all the Twilight movies behind my back."

I nod. I can believe it.

"You're married?" Amy asks, and it warms my heart to hear no judgment in her words.

"Jay," K confirms with a grin, flashing their wedding band. "He pretends to hate the outfits, but I think they're his favorite."

"They probably are."

Liam grunts. "They're not, trust me."

Amy and K both ignore me.

"Liam's got the body to pull off Phantom. Not all the popular cosplayers can mimic that intimidating loom of his. It's too bad his gaming skills aren't on par with his looks." K sighs. "It's a problem. I should have thought about that when we hired him on."

Excuse me? I'm a retired professional. It's the genre that doesn't work for me, not a reflection on my skills.

"Beauty and brains don't usually mix," Amy says sympathetically.

Since when did they bond like this? Weren't we complaining about stalkers a few minutes ago? Why are they all chummy and ganging up on me now?

I scowl at K, who knows damn well I'm shooting them death stares and doesn't give a flying pig shit about my feelings.

Instead, they fucking flirt with Amy.

In front of me.

On fucking purpose.

And Amy's lapping it up, batting her eyelashes at them like she's lovesick.

But then her small hand slips into mine, and I can't help the swell of masculine pride that straightens my spine.

She's holding my hand.

That means she won't avoid me anymore, right?

Hah. She might be flirting with K, but who's the one holding her hand? Yep. It's me.

I give K a smug look, and they roll their eyes.

K's banter winds down as we reach the elevators. They jab the button viciously before turning to us, face suddenly serious. "Watch yourselves out there, especially if you leave the hotel. Keep your wits about you."

"We will," I assure them, meeting their eyes. A silent understanding passes between us. Any stalkers would likely target Amy, so we'll have to work harder to keep her safe.

It's been a hot minute since I've had to deal with these pesky things; I'm not thrilled they've come back here, when I'm trying to focus all my free time on the delectable treat walking beside me. "Actually, I was hoping to borrow Amy for a bit, if you don't mind."

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