Page 19 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus
Fuck.
Everly leans in close to Luke's side, and I crack my knuckles.Do not sucker-punch one of your most reliable employees. Not because I'm afraid I'll hurt the fucker, I'm definitely not. That pretty face of his could use a little character. A broken nose or a scar or two would… Okay, I'm definitely toeing the line of going feral.
"Murphy," Evie says when she spots me. A bright smile graces her face.
My pulse pounds so hard I can feel it in my ears.She looks happy to see me. No oneeverlooks that excited to run into me.
"Why are you carrying your jacket?" I ask. The words rumble out before I can hold them back.
Everly takes a step back, and Luke holds her in place with his arm around her lower back.
"It's too cold. You should be wearing it, not carrying it," I clarify, like that has a hope in hell of helping.
Luke shoots me a look that screams,What the fuck is your problem?
"I like your pants, they're pretty," I say.Yeah, that helped.My head hangs.
"Thanks," Everly says, glancing down at them. "The gift shop had these in stock. They kept me nice and toasty during our excursion. Although, I'm a little afraid to know how much they cost."
Luke scoffs. "Those are on me, darlin'."
I barely hold back the growl. He doesn't need to treat Evie to anything. I should be buying her things.All the things. If she needs it thenIshould be providing it.
I like the way she smells. I want to get to know her better.
Court her. Breed her. Claim her.
Or is it court her, claim her, breed her?
What order does that need to be done in, in order to be a gentleman about it?
"Thank you," she says, giving his arm a squeeze. "But you didn't have to do that."
Luke replies, but I tune his ass out. I'mhere, but I want to figure out how to getthere. To that place where she's touchingmeand leaning againstmychest.
"Did you need something, boss?" Luke asks.
"Everly," I say, clearing my throat. I try to give her a reassuring smile. My facial muscles aren't used to the pattern, and they rebel against it. I probably look even scarier trying to smile than I do being who I am.
Luke grimaces, shaking his head no.I guess that answers that.
"I need to talk to Everly," I try again, this time without the smile.
"That works perfectly," Luke says, breaking the awkward pause. "I've got to get the tree up to y'alls place. Do you mind getting Evie to her room when you're done?"
Evie looks at me, and I nod.
"All right, I'll see you later?" she asks Luke.
I'm very sure I'm going to have to murder a friend before this week is out.
"Of course," he agrees.
Evie gives him a bright smile and comes to my side.I should chain her to my bed.Then she wouldn't be able to smile at him like that again. Once she's claimed she can be around him, but only if she gives me smiles like that, too.
I scratch at my jaw. I think my impulses are trying to cross the gentleman line again. Fucking Archie and his bullshitgentleman line. I still don't understand what the line is, and I think that's half the problem.
I need to refocus my attention.
