Page 96 of Dean

“You get near him again, you message him, and I find out…I’m going to come back here and make you regret it.”

“Fuck off,” he wheezes, holding on to his neck and pulling in ragged breaths.

I take a step toward him and press my boot against his bare foot, putting all my weight on it and making him grunt in pain.

“I mean it, Nick. Fuck off or find out.”

When I hear the crack of his bones, I step off and let myself out.

He’s really not worth my time, I think as I stalk toward my motorcycle and hop on.

He’s not fucking worth it.

But I’ll make him my problem if he keeps bothering Avery.

I’ll make him regret it.

“So, where did you sneak off to for lunch?” Avery asks. Kit is standing near him, bouncing on his toes. I’m not surprised he hasn’t left the shop yet. Kit never seems to leave, no matter what anyone suggests.

I peer at him and then back at Avery.

“Uh, just went for a short ride around town. Cleared my head.”

Avery purses his lips and arches an eyebrow. “Cleared your head for what? Why don’t I believe you? You’re a terrible liar.”

Kit nods. “I don’t believe you either.” He lowers his voice and whispers, “He looks guilty.”

I glower at Kit, who shrinks back slightly.

“Avery, can I speak to you in the office?” I murmur and then turn around and stomp up the stairs.

I can feel him following behind me. It makes my skin tingle and my heart race in my chest. Something about him being nearby gets me going. I guess it’s always been like this. I just never knew what that telltale feeling was until now.

Attraction. That’s what it was.

I’ve always been attracted to him. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I wanted him. I just didn’t know it until now.

When we arrive in the office, Avery leans against the shut door, his hands behind his back, those pretty eyes glancing up at me.

“What do you need, Boss?”

“I need Kit to not be part of our conversations.”

His lips twitch, forcing down a smile. “I know, but he just won’t leave.”

I can’t help the laugh that leaves me at that. “He’s like a cat. An orange one.”

“He is. He’s found a home and refuses to go.” I run a hand across my face as Avery takes a step toward me, his fingers landing on my chest. “But really. Tell me. Where were you? You really are a shit liar and now I’m worried.”

“I don’t know if I want to tell you.”

“You should tell me.”

I glance away from him and then back at his beautiful face. “Fine. I went to see Nick.”

Avery’s face falls, his eyes wide. “Oh god, Dean. Don’t do that.”

“I want him to leave you alone.”

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