Page 16 of Yearn

“He’s coming with Gabriella,” I announced, glad the liquor worked fast. “Probably to torture me. What a dick.”

“His dick is as famous as his tolerance,” Coop quipped.

“What are you talking about?” Daisy asked.

The guys shared a look. “Never mind,” Max said.

“Oh, hell, no, you’re telling us now,” Elle said.

Max groaned. Noah finally spoke up. “Adam is known for his big dick energy.” A grin curved his lips. “He’s built like a motherfucker.”

Daisy and Elle groaned. “Ugh, TMI,” Elle said, but she was giggling.

I felt the threat of a flush, but fought it back. The memory of what I’d seen taunted me. Oh, how I despised that I’d seen it was a fact. “Another rumor started by him,” I stated.

“Nope, we saw it. He’s a monster. Probably why he’s still the only one single. He likes to gift everyone,” Coop said, laughing hysterically.

Daisy stared at Noah. “Do you actually compare your sizes?” she asked with wide eyes.

Noah shrugged. “Sure. Don’t you do that with your tits? When you all go to the bathroom together?”

My jaw fell open. “No! Are you nuts?”

The girls shrieked at the thought. I reached out and cupped Elle’s breasts, squeezing. “A generous B, baby,” I said with a wink, making everyone laugh harder. “Big tit energy.”

“Hell, what did I miss out on?” Adam’s voice boomed in my ear and I turned. He was grinning but his gaze slammed into mine and grew immediately cold. That usual prickle chased down my spine, which I’d noted as disgust. It was odd because I’d never instinctually disliked someone this intensely before. Oh sure, when I heard what he said about me, he was on my shit list. But before I’d focused on Max? Adam caught me with such an intense stare, it made me uncomfortable.;

Like he saw things no one else did.

Like he knew my secrets.

Max was so much easier to deal with, from his light hearted personality, charm, and open affection. I knew exactly what I’d get with Max and I’d been right, He was safe, even though I knew he was a bit of a player.

I’d never be able to control Adam. He’d challenge me at every turn. Push me to edgy limits. I’d sensed it in my gut, and maybe for a few awful, terrifying seconds, I saw the other road, if I changed my target and let Adam buy me a drink.

My mind screamed hell no and I stuck up my nose like he was beneath me and went all in with Max.

Sometimes, when Adam looked at me like he’d stripped me bare and seen my truth, I was reminded that he’d also let me run. If he’d been intent on pursuit, I’m not sure if I could have handled it.

But that was a long time ago. Now, we were enemies, and understood each other perfectly. There was no reason his cold stare should throw me off.

“Nothing,” I said immediately, yanking my gaze away. I wrapped my arms around Max’s waist for comfort.

“Dicks and tits, buddy,” Max said cheerfully, tilting his beer to his lips.

“I knew this group wasn’t boring,” Gabriella said, appearing behind Adam. She was dressed in a black leather corset with a blazer, and leather pants. She looked hot, but I told myself leather in the summer was overdone and out of date. “How was everyone’s shift?”

Elle looked at me for permission, but I gave her a small shake of the head. An uneasy silence came over us. Adam looked at me in disgust. “Really, Landon? You playing mean girl again? This is Gabriella, everyone. She’s with me, so try and be nice to her.”

Everyone obediently greeted her except me and Elle. I hated the way Gabriella had gone for Adam so she could be around us. Then again, knowing Adam, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’dpursued her just to annoy me. He’d be happy to break Max and I up.

Thankfully, Max kept his hello polite and eased back near Coop and Elle. I relaxed.

“I’ll buy next round,” Adam said.

“Then let’s party,” Coop shouted, as if sensing the mood had dipped with the unspoken tension.

I reached up, bringing Max’s head down for a long, sexy kiss. “Gonna dance with the girls. Come find me,” I whispered against his lips.