Page 199 of Those Who Are Bound

He pressed forward, tossing her a look as he placed his hand on her waist. Yes, he was going to make the gesture of staking a claim as he reached around with his other hand to shake, about to introduce himself when Elliott said, “Oh, this is Jonah. He’s… Lucy’s friend.”

What. The. Fuck?

“Her pastor, really. Well, both her and Killion. You know, from the program Killion’s in?”

Jonah dropped his hold on her as Becks grasped his hand. He followed through on the gesture out of respect for her, although she’d done it again, taking his heart and stomping on it.

Becks shook his hand, arching an eyebrow. “You’re the reason an ex-con is living on her property?”

“What? No,” Elliott said.

“It was me,” Lucy said. “I did it, blame me.”

Killion looked between them, angry and astounded. “I’m not a fucking dog someone brought home from the pound!”

“Not at all! You’ve been a godsend.” Elliott glanced at Jonah. “Just a saying.”

Now she was trying to be funny?

“How long are you here for?” Lucy asked.

Jonah was as eager for the answer as anyone, but he didn’t like that his friend was looking at the man as though she was looking at Thor. One compliment, and Lucy was tripped up.

Becks looked at Elliott, eyes dropping over her—again, not the way an uncle should be looking at his niece—and answered, “A few days, at least.”

“Where are you staying?” Again, thank you, Lucy.

“With my girl here.”

Elliott didn’t deny it. Instead, she asked, “Where’s your bag?”

“Already took it to the house.” He winked. “Brought you cupcakes.”

“Well then, let’s go.” She took his hand and led him away.

Jonah watched her, trying to catch her eye, but she wouldn’t look at him. She waved off Lucy and Killion, waved them all off in general, and walked out the front door with Becks.

He tracked their progress and watched them walk by the front window. Becks had his arm around her neck, pulling her in, talking to her. She glanced up, finally making eye contact. He could tell she gasped. It gained the attention of Becks, who also turned and looked. Jonah met his gaze unflinchingly until they passed.

“Oh, fuck,” Killion said quietly.

“He’s cute,” Lucy enthused.

“Lucy, shit, read the room,” Killion chided.

Jonah pushed the beer bottle away. “I’m heading out. Do you still need a ride in the morning, Luce?”

“Yes. Why are you leaving so early? The party isn’t over for another two hours.”

Jonah simply looked at her. Lucy hadn’t picked up on anything. He loved her for it, her innocence.

“Because no dude wants to hang out while his girl is getting banged just a few feet away,” Killion said in exasperation.

“Jesus, Killion,” Jonah rebuked.

“Sorry, man, but we all saw what we saw.”

Lucy was looking between the two of them. “What did you two see? All I saw was Elliott and her uncle or whatever. And he’s super cute. You two are jealous.”

Jonah gave her a weary smile.

Killion gave him a look of sympathetic apology. “I don’t get it, man. I don’t. Because when she’s with you, she melts. Stupidest fucking saying I ever heard until I saw it in real life.”

The words were meant to provide comfort, maybe encouragement. But they gutted him. Because they were true; she melted in his arms. So, to see her walk out with someone else—a man she’d never run from…

Gutted.

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