Page 64 of Hell and High Water

“Shut the fuck up!” Tell laughs, appearing in my view, leaning out over the banister above me.

“I’m starved for social contact. Starved for affection and sunshine.”

“Get up off the floor and we can go for a walk.”

“Too weak. I’m a flower, wilting in the cold.”

“You’re a drama queen. Open a window. Go out back on the patio.”

“You just want to keep me locked up as your sex slave!”

“Yes. I do. But you can totally go for walks.”

“Alone?” I sit up, getting excited.

“Sure. As long as I’m with you.”

“UGH!” I throw myself onto the couch. “Don’t forget to write down the door code, just in case.”

“If I write down the code, that sort of defeats the purpose of a secret door code.”

“So I’m just supposed to remember it?”

“Yes.” Tell grins, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

I try to pout, but his smile is contagious. “You’d think the six deadbolts would be enough. Captain Overkill, Gavin Rorshak, reporting for duty.”

“I think he was an SOO, not a captain.”

“Do not tell me he’s shared military stories with you.”

“ Just a few.”

“BETRAYAL! He hasn’t told me any.”

“Maybe try getting him drunk?”

“You’ve been drunk with Gavin, too?” I’m exaggerating, being ridiculous.

But I kind of mean it.

Gavin is going to get an earful when he gets back.

“We had a few a couple of nights after you were stable.” Tell shrugs, looking sheepish.

“I am over it. Go buy me food. Just be super careful, okay? I’m worried about Gavin and Evan enough already.”

“Who’s being overprotective now?” Tell cocks his hip.

“Says the overbearing nanny who's been up my ass for the past two days.”

“Hey, I'm just trying to make sure you eat right.”

“And?”

“Sleep right.”

“AND?”

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