Page 58 of Strelitzias in Spring

“It’s not my story to tell, but they betrayed her. Two people who have known her since she was a child betrayed her trust and her heart.”

I mull it over, working my jaw until I rationalize that what they’re doing—minus the dumbass binoculars—is a good thing.

“Make some room,” I grind out, gently pushing my cousin further into Ava’s side so that I can get more comfortable in the booth. I’m happy that the three men are sitting together in the long booth so that I don’t have to sit on that fucker Dante’s lap.

“Wolf,” Celeste clears her throat. “You know Ava and Dante, but this is Greyson, Ava’s boyfriend, and Lincoln, Dante and Grey’s roommate.” I look over at the two guys, a blonde with long hair and tattoos on one arm, and the other with caramel skin, a buzzed head, and light eyes. All of his visible skin is covered in ink, and he has a scowl that makes him look like he’s miserable being here.

Fucking same.

I nod at both of them, receiving the same greeting in return.

“Linc, I’m shocked you had the night off,” Ava comments before turning to me. “Lincoln works in the kitchen atGarganello’s,Dante’s sister’s restaurant.He’s also a culinary student.” The tattoos make more sense now; most chefs are covered in them.

Lincoln grunts at Ava’s words and Greyson turns his head to glare at his roommate. “You’re not going to answer her?”

The tattooed fucker rolls his eyes at Greyson’s comment but turns back to Ava. “Frankie gave me the night off,” he pauses, seemingly considering his next words as his mouth twists. “How’s your sister Seraphina?”

Ava’s face falls. “She’s still with Mitch.”

Before Lincoln can put words to the thunderous expression on his face, Celeste claps, interrupting their conversation. “Shhh, guys, look at how Jack is looking at Serena.”

The menu covers Serena’s face, but it’s not difficult to see the look on her date’s face: he looks infatuated by her. As she lowers her menu, his head whips forward, concealing his admiration from her eyes, though she probably felt his stare like a thousand ants crawling on her skin.

“He looks like an obsessed stalker.”

“As someone who has dealt with an obsessed stalker, I can assure you that is not what it looks like.” Ava looks up at her boyfriend, offering him a sweet smile like she knows he needs it.

“I should drag your ass over here, vixen. I don’t like you this far away.”

“Curb the caveman for now, Grey. Anyway”—she looks back over to Serena—“if anything, he looks smitten.”

“He looks like a jackass.”

Dante leans forward, lowering his voice until it’s barely above a whisper, “Your jealousy is showing.”

I scowl but don’t respond.

“Oh my God. Look. I think he’s trying to kiss her.” I adjust my head in time to see Jackass lean in, further crowding Serena against the wall. Serena’s body tenses like she’s preparing for an assault, and I’ve had enough.

“Absolutely fucking not.” I’m out of the booth and across the bar faster than any man my size has the right to move.

“Serena, I need to speak with you.” Both of their heads turn at the sound of my voice. Serena’s face looks stunned—and stunning—while Jack looks like I pissed on his Cheerios and forced him to eat a spoonful.

“Wolf? Am I seeing things?” She waves a hand in front of her, testing to make sure I don’t disappear. When I remain standing, arms crossed, she shakes her head. “What are you doing here?”

“My gym is a few blocks away, and I stopped by after training. Now, can we speak for a minute?”

“Holy shit. You’re Wolf McCleery. Man, I follow all your socials. Your work is sick.”

“Thanks. Serena?” I raise a brow, waiting to see how long it’s going to take her to get up.

“We’re in the middle of something here.”

“It’ll just take a minute.”

She stares at me, contemplation flitting across her face before she lets out a sigh. “Fine. Jack, can you let me out?”

“We’re about to order, Ser.”

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