Page 108 of Seduction in Spades

“Then we’ll get you to work.”

It’s late by the time the elevator brings us to the penthouse. I open the door and bump into Trey as he’s leaving.

“Wasn’t expecting to see you out of work already,” I say.

“Fucking drunk dipshit spilled a rum and Coke down my leg and covered my shoes.” He tips his chin to Avery. “You good?”

She nods. “Tired.”

“I was planning on staying here tonight.” Trey lifts his brow, the only sign of emotion on his face. “If I hear anything coming from your room, I’m going in and cutting off your dick.”

I can’t help my smirk. If Avery wasn’t standing with us, I’d have an awesome comeback.

“Seriously, Trey. He has a knife wound in his side. Nolan isn’t—”

“The fuck?” Trey’s gaze drops to my torso.

“Just a scratch. Nothing to prevent us from making all sorts of noises.” I don’t want Avery and me to slip back into a purely sexual relationship, but it’s the only topic to distract from the seriousness of the situation we’ve been in.

“Seriously.” Avery pushes past both of us and heads toward Trey’s bedroom. A moment later, she comes back out. “Where’s all my stuff?”

Trey tucks his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “Tired of your shit all over my space. Moved it into Nolan’s room. And bought myself a new fucking bed.”

Shock is too tame a word to describe the expression on her and my face. Trey is giving us his blessing with actions instead of words. Avery tucks her lips inward and blinks back what I’m pretty sure are tears.

Happy tears, I hope. Trey gives us both a nod, then leaves.

Avery and I stand in the entryway, and I wait for her next move. She’s steering the ship. I’ll be there to nudge and help guide, but she’s captain.

“If you don’t want myshitall over your room, I can move it to Ryder’s. At least until I’m allowed back in my apartment.”

“The hell you are. You’reshitstays in my room.”

“Do you want me sleeping in your bed?”

I give her a deadpan glare. As if that’s even a question.

“Okay, but we’re only sleeping. You’re hurt, and I’m... still trying to figure out if I’m capable of being in a relationship.”

“You’re quite capable. We’re taking things slow. I’m not going anywhere. And in the meantime, you’re off the market.”

“Market? What, am I a piece of meat?”

I step into her space and brush her hair back. “You’re an incredibly valuable, beautiful, priceless human being and I don’t want anyone else putting in an offer.”

“An offer? So now my body's for sale, like a hooker?” The lift of her lip tells me she’s teasing.

“An offer on your heart. I want it and will move heaven and fucking earth to own it.”

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