Page 50 of I'm Not in Love (I Promise)

I tuck my gun into my pants. “I’m sorry, man. We had an intruder here earlier, just being extra careful.” I pull a few extrabucks from my wallet and walk toward him but he’s already jogging away. I guess I don’t blame him.

As the kid peels out, I hear the growl of Leon’s bike flying up the street. Jasper’s clutching his back like he’ll become a flying projectile.

I jog up the driveway to meet them as Leon turns the engine off. “Thanks for coming.”

“Are you safe? Blake?” Leon dismounts and scans the area frantically. Jasper follows, immediately drawing his gun.

“I just walked the property and nothing looks amiss. This was definitely a message.” I follow them down the driveway while they spread out and search behind trees and in shadowed spaces. “Listen, I should have asked you guys but I told Blake to pack a bag. Do you mind if she stays with us?”

Jasper grins. “It’s fine with me. It’ll be nice to have a girl with us. Hey, can she cook?”

I smack him on his good shoulder. “Misogynistic much?”

“Of course she can stay,” Leon adds. “I was going to insist she does.”

Everything is fucked, but I let myself smile, only for a moment. Because I have to admit I’m one lucky bastard to have these two as brothers.

“Come on inside, let’s grab her stuff.”

I show them through the door, and Jasper walks in like he owns the place. “Fond memories here,” he says wistfully. “Speaking of, where’s my blonde friend?”

“She hasn’t been around. Blake’s been here alone for over a week. You think it’s something to worry about?” I lead them to Blake’s bedroom and knock on the door.

Jasper cuts in front of me and squeezes Blake in a giant bone-crushing hug. “Doc, I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks?” she wheezes, until he gets the hint and lets go.

Leon holds his hand out to shake hers, giving her one of his mysterious, quiet guy smolders. “Blake, we weren’t properly introduced last time. I’m Leon Colter.”

My girl’s cheeks tinge pink as she takes his hand.

“Alright, well now that you’ve all officially met, time to go. Got everything, Angel?”

“Aw, Angel… How adorable,” Jasper singsongs. I make a mental note to kick him in the sack later.

Blake’s smiling though, so at least Jasper’s good for easing tense situations. “Yeah, I’m good. You guys have basic stuff, right? Toothpaste, soap, towels?”

I close my eyes and sigh at the mention of towels, knowing exactly what Jasper will say. Three, two, one…

“Damon and I have this sort of communal towel thing going. I’m happy to share with you too. Right, buddy?” Jas slings his good arm over my shoulder. Yup, a kick in the balls it is.

“You’re going to get your ass beat,” Leon says, holding back a laugh. “I’ll answer for them, Blake. If I were you, I’d grab a towel or two and some extra toiletries. Some of us in the apartment are better at hygiene than others.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I scowl and follow them out of Blake’s room. “I’m extremely clean. Some might say I shower too much.”

Leon turns to me. “What makes you think I’m talking about you then?”

We both stare at Jasper until he realizes what we’re doing and gives us the finger. He’s too busy staring at the pile of photos on the counter. “These what they left?”

“Yeah… and that bullet,” I answer.

“Grab all that, we’ll bring it back with us,” Leon adds. Jasper takes the pile and heads outside. Once Blake’s ready, I open my car door to find Jasper already in the back seat.

“What are you doing?” He moves to the side as I toss Blake’s bag next to him.

Maybe it’s the lighting but I swear his face pales. “No way in hell am I getting back on that bike with him today. I almost pissed myself.”

“He rode that fast?” I ask.

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