Page 53 of Dean

“Thank you. But this is my life now. I’ve come to terms with it.”

I snort a small laugh, and he grins at me. “I have to get back to work. But again, thank you for monitoring them.”

“Always.”

Just as I say this, Luke meanders up and slaps Whit on the back again. Whit doesn’t even flinch. Must be used to it.

“All right, future lawyer man. Let’s get you back to your place of work…studying or some shit.”

“Don’t say a word about this, Luke. I want this to be a surprise.”

“Pfft. I’m like a locked box.”

Whit rolls his eyes and the two of them walk to the truck, leaving the trailer behind. Ford has already pulled the dune buggy into the shop, leaving Dean and me to walk back inside. As we do, Ben and Cash appear, Ben looking a little nervous and Cash looking as if he could rip the world apart.

Probably has something to do with that poorly concealed hickey on Ben’s neck.

Shit. That’s not good. Seems my conspiracy theories aren’t just theories anymore.

And if Cash’s behavior is any indication, he wasn’t the one to put it there. I eye Ford and then Dean.

Well, hell.

“Come on, Dean,” I say, putting my arm through his. “We have lunch to finish.”

And hopefully this will give Ben a chance to clean this mess up without anyone noticing. And by anyone, I mean Dean.

When we get home, Dean leaves to talk to Ben, who left work early. I know he’s worried about his son, and I know he needs to check in. It’s been bothering him all day. So, I stay in the house to get things ready for dinner while he makes his way over to the garage apartment just a few yards away.

I’m in the middle of marinating some chicken when the doorbell rings.

Quickly, I wash my hands and move toward it, pulling it open to see a police officer standing there. My stomach immediately clenches and I feel my body grow warm with nerves.

“Oh,” I say, my voice coming out a little strained.

The man meets my eyes. “I’m looking for Avery Mitchell.”

“That’s me.”

I tug on my braid as the officer takes me in. Probably shouldn’t have worn my romper with the cute little rainbows on it today, but I saw the way Dean eyed my body in it and I couldn’t help myself.

“I’m following up on an incident reported by a Nick Duerte.”

I bite my bottom lip and nod. “Is this about the assault?” I point to my fading bruise and then the police officer’s eyes narrow. I want him to know that it’s more than what Nick says it is. I can play just as dumb as he can.

“No, it’s about the report of a theft.”

I peer over the officer’s shoulder as Dean makes his way toward us, his steps quick and assured. The cop turns around slightly and steps out of the way as Dean moves up next to me, his hand immediately going around my waist.

And honestly, some of the fear dissipates. I’m not doing this on my own. I’m not alone.

For the first time in my life I feel like someone has my back.

What the fuck does that say about my parents?

“What’s going on?” he asks no one in particular.

“Oh, this lovely cop here is asking about Nick. The same Nick who is saying I stole his drug money.”

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