Page 150 of Ready to Cash Out

“I have no doubt that you would try.” Cold tipped his head. “Valiantly even, but there won’t be a need. Just remember. No matter what happens, stay in the restaurant until the meal is over.”

Trev flinched. “The fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Cold smiled. “Good night, Trev.”

“Hey!” Trev scowled as Cold walked away. “Are you serious? You’re just gonna say some weird mysterious ass shit and leave? What the fuck?”

Cold kept going.

“Hello?” Trev seethed. “This is bullshit. Fuck you, damn crunchy griffin ass and your fucking riddles!”

“It was the Sphinx who told riddles, not a griffin!” Cold called back cheerfully.

“Fuck you and your damn sphin-sphink, sphincter whatever bitch ass! Oh my God!” Trev wished the horn on his pajamas were real so he could stab Cold with it.

Repeatedly.

He stomped back to the living room and then immediately grabbed a margarita to chug. The brain freeze was a welcome distraction from how irritated he was, and he growled as he plopped down next to Jupiter. His food was waiting for him on the coffee table, but he wasn’t that hungry now.

Rowena and Roger were busy yakking about something in the movie and eating. Juicy was nibbling away, totally entranced by the screen while Jimmy appeared to be ready to pass out.

Jupiter wrapped his arm around Trev, drawing him in close. He didn’t look away from the TV screen, asking casually, “What happened?”

“Roddy continues to be a fucking delight,” Trev grumbled sourly, keeping his voice low as he picked at his food. “That cocky motherfucker. Said this shit about making sure I stay in the restaurant tomorrow until the meal is over and like what? What does that even mean?”

“Did he say anything else?”

“He…”

When and if you’re fortunate enough to find someone who loves you, not in spite of your faults but in part because of them, hold them tight.

And never let go.

“Just a bunch of bullshit,” Trev said quickly, ducking his head against Jupiter’s broad shoulder. His chest felt a little funny when Jupiter kissed his forehead, but that was probably just indigestion. “I thought I’d finally figured him out, at least a little, but I might have been wrong.”

“You? Wrong?” Jupiter gasped.

“Fuck off.” Trev rolled his eyes.

Jupiter chuckled, cutting himself off with a yawn. “I don’t know about you, but I’m about ready for bed.” He rubbed his eyes. “Rowena makes a strong fucking drink.”

“Is it strong or are you just a bitch?” Rowena taunted.

“Definitely a bitch,” Roger declared.

Jupiter chuckled. “Just tired, I’m afraid.”

Trev glanced over at Jimmy for his input.

Jimmy was curled up in the chair, fast asleep and snoring lightly.

“I think Jimmy wins the bitch award for tonight,” Trev said affectionately.

“Poor baby.” Rowena reached over to lightly pet Jimmy’s hair. “Roddy will be back to collect him.” She chuckled, glancing over at Trev and Jupiter. “You two wanna head to bed then? Big day tomorrow.”

Trev stiffened. “What do you know about tomorrow?”

Rowena shrugged. “Just that you and Roddy are going to lunch with the mayor and gonna stick it to the Luchesis.”

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