Page 107 of Beyond the Hate

“I’m here to make sure no one gets arrested,” Lucas says.

“I’m here to tell you what an asshole you are,” Flynn says.

Caleb looks at him. “Do you tell him what an asshole he is before I kick his ass?”

Flynn shrugs. “I don’t mind. You can go first.”

Caleb cracks his knuckles. “Awesome. I have a lot of pent up aggression.”

Hudson nods. “Did they make Maya drink a gallon of prune juice, too?”

“Yep. She spent the night in the bathroom.” Caleb smirks at me. “She promised I could kick your ass as punishment.”

I hold up my hands. “It’s not my fault Maya drank a gallon of prune juice.”

Caleb glares at me. “It sure as hell is.”

I run a hand down my face. “Help a smuggler out. Tell me what’s going on.”

Flynn lifts an eyebrow. “You’re a smuggler? You’re not running away like a little bitch?”

I growl. “I’m not a little bitch.”

“Then, you’re not running away?”

“I need to be in California for a few weeks.”

Lucas crosses his arms over his chest and leans back into his seat. “Funny how your assistant, Dakota, claims this trip was sudden and she never planned any meetings for you.”

“You can’t blame me for wanting a break.”

“We can’t?” Hudson asks.

“Wouldn’t you want a break from Smuggler’s Hideaway if you discovered Nova was a liar who you couldn’t trust?”

He growls. “Caleb, I’m usurping you. I’m kicking his ass.”

Caleb shakes his head. “I called dibs on the way here.”

The pilot steps out of the cockpit. “Sir, would you like to delay your departure?”

“If he knows what’s good for him, he won’t be departing at all,” Hudson grumbles.

“I need a few minutes,” I tell the pilot.

He nods and returns to the cockpit.

Caleb smiles. “It’s good you recognize how quickly I can kick your ass.”

“You’re ex-military—”

He growls. “Former military.”

“Former military,” I correct. “I keep in shape but I know my limitations.”

“Question.” Flynn raises his hand. “Does knowing his limitations mean he understands he’s an asshole?”

Lucas taps his cheek. “I don’t think so.”

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