Page 103 of Dean

“I mean, I guess it makes sense. He probably didn’t like you showing up to threaten him. He does this. He just reacts when things don’t go his way. Hence the way he snapped and punched me in the face for no good reason.”

“Yeah. No one else has the motivation. And just so you know, I didn’t threaten him, per se. I warned him away, and it apparently didn’t work like I thought it would.”

“Oh fuck, I wish you would have just…not.” I sigh and set the fire extinguisher down with a loud clank. “I just feel bad this is all happening because of me. This is so fucked up. Maybe I should just leave. You don’t need this.”

“Hell no. You’re not going anywhere,” Dean growls and pulls me into him, his eyes meeting mine. “But you are going to tell me what happened, why he thinks you stole his money. I want to know. I want to know everything about you, even the hidden parts.”

My forehead hits his shoulder and my eyes sting. “I know. Are you sure you don’t want me to leave? I can totally do that and you can go back to your life where nothing bad ever happens.”

“I don’t want you to go.” He sounds sincere, so I just shake my head.

“Okay, well, should we report this? Will they do anything if we do?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I really have no idea what the cops will be able to do.”

“Maybe we should just let it go.”

Dean looks unsure but then sighs. “For now. How about this? I’ll get some cameras installed. Make sure we can have this documented if it happens again. When he fucks up again, then we can bring it to the police.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Yeah, I think Ben knows someone who can help.”

“Good. I’m glad. You need someone to keep an eye on you.”

Dean pulls me inside, shooting off a text as he locks the door. “I guess I do.”

Guilt gnaws at me and I feel my stomach clench. “I’m really sorry. I know this is all my fault.”

“It’s not your fault that asshole lost his mind. People don’t go around burning down backyards. He’ll do something soon and get caught in the act.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to leave?”

“I’m sure. You already painted a wall purple, and it’s growing on me. And I still want a painting hung on my wall. I want more color in my life, Avery. I’m not ready for you to leave. Not any time soon.”

“Oh. Okay. Does this mean I can paint the bedrooms, too?”

“Yeah. Whatever you think would look good.”

“All right. I can do that.”

“Good, because I like you here, in my house, in my life. If it means we struggle through this drama, then we struggle through it. I watched my wife die. I can handle a little aggression from Nick. That’s nothing. I promise it’s nothing.”

“Oh god,” I murmur as Dean leans toward me, pulling me in for a kiss. As soon as our mouths meet, I fall into him, holding on to him and kissing him like my life depends on it before he finally pulls away.

“Do you still want to talk?” I ask, worrying my bottom lip. Dean nods but then takes my hand.

“Let’s just put it on hold for a bit. We need a minute of calm.”

When we’re cuddled on the couch, my head on his shoulder, my body tucked into his, he finally asks, “All right, Avery, talk to me. Tell me what I’m missing. What don’t you want me to know?”

I sigh loudly. “I don’t know if I want to tell you.”

“I want you to.”

I sit up slightly and meet his stare.

The way he’s looking at me, so intent and unwavering, makes me feel just a little more confident in what I’m about to say. I really hope none of this taints how he sees me. Just when we were doing so well, too. Just when I was starting to see my dreams come true.

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