Page 74 of What I Should Have Known

Bernie’s head tilted up, hiding whatever expression coated his face from me. “A week.”

Neither man spoke, but they stared at each other, some silent communication crossing boundaries I knew nothing of. And then a glimmer sparkled in Ford’s eye.

“Self-defense?” Bernie started.

“Violent options are a last resort, remember?” I emphasized, confusion bubbling in my veins. “What is going on?”

Bernie spun around between my legs and looked directly at me. “We know Sawyer is going to tell them sometime this week. But my guess is he’ll push it until the last minute, so Saturday. Which means as long as we know where Wyatt is, we can keep you safe. So, you need to find out where he will be on Saturday.”

“I already know that.” I narrowed my eyes, studying the shimmer in Bernie’s gaze. I knew that look. It was the same one he’d had before getting on the bronc. The same one he’d had when we snuck up to my room. Which led me to conclude that there was more to asking that than simply keeping me safe.

“How?” He arched his brow.

“Because it’s a small town, and it’s the only thing happening this weekend. Plus, his parents make huge donations every year,” I explained.

“Kit Kat.” He tucked both hands around the outside of my legs, dancing his calloused touch lightly across my skin. “What is happening this weekend?”

“Prom.”

His lip curled as a green hue slid across his face. “Prom? Why the fuck is a grown-ass man going to prom? That’s nasty.”

“Nasty like your shits after we’ve lived on nothing but MREs and fucking worm-infested water,” Ford muttered through a final mouthful of cookie crumbs.

“I warn you, every fucking time, to find yourself scarce when I gotta shit, so that’s on you,” Bernie said and spun around.

“I’ll just let you die from Lyme disease or whatever the hell ticks give you next time then.”

“I won’t check your fat ass either, mother fucker.”

“Nah, but your mom will.”

“Right before she—”

“Boys,” I quickly inserted, stopping Bernie from saying whatever crass thing I just knew was going to come out of his mouth.

He inhaled deeply and sheepishly returned his attention to me, a small pout on his face.

“Now, would you like me to answer why Wyatt is going to prom, or are you two going to continue to bicker like an old married couple who hasn’t fucked in ten years?” I asked.

The pout immediately wiped from Bernie’s face. “Only Ford’s been dry for that long, Kit Kat.”

Ford frowned. “You’re lucky I don’t—”

“Seriously! You two!” I exclaimed.

Bernie merely shrugged. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, baby. But please, explain why this grown-ass man is going to a dance meant for high schoolers. Minors.”

Rolling my eyes, I pulled my lips into a thin line. “He’s going as a chaperone. His parents donate a lot of money to the school, and hechaperones.”

He rolled his eyes with a soft groan. “Oh, shit. Now I’m the dumbass ’cause I agreed to chaperone prom for Raiden just before you two showed up. Let’s blame the brain fog on sex.” His brows jumped up as a crooked grin slid across his face, a twinkle deepening in his eyes as his gaze slid over his shoulder. “This Saturday…”

A smirk lifted on Ford’s lips, but he remained silent.

I narrowed my eyes and gestured between the two of them. “I really hate when you two do whatever that it is you’re doing. Use your damn words.”

Ford snickered. “You should go on a date. To the same place. That way we can keep an eye on Wyatt and keep you safe.”

Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “No. I am a big girl and can handle myself.”

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