Page 38 of Dean

He snorts and leans back in his chair, his shirt riding up slightly. He’s really taken to wearing crop tops. Yesterday and then again today. I didn’t know he was into that, but it suits him.

“Anyway, what’s up?”

“Someone’s here for you.”

“Oh? Is it someone hot? Oh god, let it be my future husband.”

The corners of my lips fall even further, a frown evident and unable to be hidden. Not that Avery sees it. He’s stalking past me, smelling like something floral.Probably his shampoo, I think as I follow him down the stairs. He looks giddy, but then it all disappears in a flash, his body stiffening as he reaches the main floor.

His steps falter and he groans.

“Ugh, Linc. Honestly? Why are you here? I really don’t want to see any of you.”

Linc shifts on his feet and holds up his hands. “I just wanted to talk…”

“I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Yeah, but I need to…”

“Fine. Fine. We can chat outside.”

Linc nods, and I watch the two of them disappear out of the warehouse door. Ford steps up next to me, clapping me on the shoulder. I don’t know where he was, but he has impeccable timing. Always seems to pop up out of nowhere.

“If you went out there and listened in, I wouldn’t be opposed. That guy was creepy as fuck. Gave me bad vibes.”

“Yeah?” I ask, feeling suddenly anxious.

“Yeah. Gave me the worst gut feeling.”

I don’t like that at all. I stalk forward, my hands set in fists near my side. This is only so Avery doesn’t get hurt. I don’t like the fading bruise on his pretty face. I don’t want him to get another.

I stride outside, pulling out my phone like I’m texting someone when in reality, I’m watching Avery and Linc stand opposite each other several yards away from me. Avery’s hands are on his hips, his back to me as Linc stares down at him, looking a little contrite.

“You can’t just show up at my place of work, not after what happened,” I hear Avery say, and Linc nods.

“Yeah. I know, but I felt bad, and listen…”

His voice lowers and my jaw clicks. Dammit. I want him to speak louder, so I can hear what they’re saying.

But they speak in hushed tones until Avery says, “I didn’t steal shit and you know it.”

Linc runs his hand through his hair and nods. “I know.”

“I don’t want any trouble. I just want you all to forget I exist. Honestly, if I never saw any of you again, I’d be happy.”

Linc rubs the back of his neck and blows out a breath. “Just wanted to give you a heads up. If the police show up. You know how crazy Nick gets…”

“Jesus Christ.” Avery turns slightly and catches me moving toward him. I’ll punch this fucker for making him upset…make his head fall off.

“Do you know if that’s him—” His words are muffled as he leans forward, showing Linc his phone, and I see Linc shake his head and then shrug.

Before I can reach out and throttle him, Avery rolls his eyes, and I feel my cheeks flush. Busted.

Majorly.

He stalks the few feet toward me and pokes me in the chest. “You don’t need to eavesdrop. I would have told you if you asked.”

I catch his finger and squeeze it gently. “Okay, then what was that?”

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