Page 30 of Defend Me

His mouth dropped open. “You’ll let me drive it?”

“Guess so. You have a license, right?”

“Yeah, I’m twenty-one.”

“Never know. My buddy has a suspended license, so it’s best to ask.”

A smile curled his lips and his eyes crinkled. With the sun shining in the window, the blue was intense. All it took was the prospect of driving my car to get him smiling like that. Maybe I’d have to offer more often.

*****

The Newly Labeled Apartment From Hell

Damn, this place was trashy, and that was putting it nicely. These guys did not understand the assignment. Granted, their budget was pretty damn low, but still. This was… not it.

Well, time to put on a brave face for my buddies. It was their first place and that was a cool move regardless of the dated floors and cabinets and paint and counters and lights and… Anyway.

“Neat, huh?” I said to Tilian.

He looked around, seeming unfazed but unimpressed. “I used to buy weed from a guy in the next building before I was twenty-one.”

“I’m sure he was a nice guy.”

“He got arrested for sleeping with a sixteen-year-old, so no.”

“Ah, well, good thing I don’t need a plug. Fake IDs go a long way.”

“Cause you’re a special rich kid,” West bellowed from right behind me. My shoulders rose, but I forced myself to relax.

“I see a beer in your hand,” I noted when I turned around. “We’ll all get our substances one way or another.”

“Maybe you can make it easier and get me one of those IDs. Make it a housewarming gift.”

“I thought you guys decided that wasn’t a thing.”

He smiled conspiratorially. “Kai isn’t the boss. Come on. Share what you’ve got in those deep pockets.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. It was all fun and games. I didn’t mind most of the time, but West knew how to beat a dead horse. Pretty sure he’d developed the ability to kill it again somehow.

“You shouldn’t judge people for the parents they have,” Tilian said.

West looked taken aback, but he quickly composed himself. “I can’t argue, I guess. I’m West.”

He held his fist out and Tilian bumped it, looking more confident than he probably felt.

“I’m Tilian.”

West flashed him a manic grin. “Make yourself at home, Tilian. But nottooat home. If I find you in my bed, I’ll be cross.”

He danced away like the nutcase he was. I glanced sidelong at Tilian. He was taking in the crowd silently.

He’d defended me, even though I didn’t need it. But why?

“I’m gonna mingle,” I announced. “Wanna come?”

He considered for a moment. “I’m just gonna grab a beer and chill for a bit.”

“Cool. I’ll be back.”

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