Page 215 of Those Who Are Bound

“Rah, rah.” She raised her fists to mimic pompoms as she said the words.

“Fucking smartass.” But at least she heard him. He knew the defensiveness was from pain. He also knew, as soon as he left, she’d be beating the crap out of the heavy bag.

Something he didn’t think he’d ever admit: he was glad Killion was on the property to look after her.

“You know how to get a hold of me.”

Her slight nod was like a win.

“Love you, kid.”

She sighed. “I know. You, too.”

Yeah, she was going to be okay.

Becks eased along the row of seats behind Lucy. She was edging toward Jonah. That man was staring at them with barely restrained fury. He wasnothappy to see them. Together, at any rate.

Sitting next to Jonah, who was still looking back and forth between them like a scandalized parent, Lucy smacked her friend’s arm. She hissed, “Stop it!”

“He could be your father,” Jonah whispered tightly.

“I thought we didn’t judge,” she snapped back snidely. “I thought we didn’t do that.”

Becks smirked; she had some fire in her. She’d certainly surprised him last night. In a good way. And thankfully, she did not seem the type of woman to want to be tied up. He didn’t think, after Ellie, he could go that route again. Call him vanilla, because that’s what he wanted, and his little Tinkerbell fit the bill perfectly.

Leaning forward, Becks stuck his hand out to shake Jonah’s. One, it was polite. Two, it was to irritate the man. And because they were in church, Jonah was compelled to respond.

But he wasn’t happy. He wasn’t going to be happy with his lunch date, either. It didn’t matter, because Becks was going to have a conversation with this man, with the man he saw as Ellie’s… not to be dramatic, but as Ellie’s salvation. At least her best shot at it, if he’d step up to the challenge.

Becks studied him. Jonah Montgomery was an adventurer; he liked challenges. He was a rope master, according to Lucy. It was like the man was created for Elliott Rork. And she loved him.

That’s all Becks needed to know.

As though sensing his assessment, Jonah looked over, the animosity from yesterday still there—maybe a little more intense. Yeah, the guy didn’t like him, but that was okay. He was being territorial over his woman, and Becks was more than happy to let him have her. Protect her from herself; keep her safe.

After the service, Jonah, ignoring him, said to Lucy, “What are your plans?”

“I’m going to lunch with Pastor Vanessa and Rick. But you,” she drew out the word, “are going to lunch with Beckman.”

Jonah let out a short laugh, looking at him. “No, I’m not.”

Lucy patted his chest. “You are. Jonah, you’re going to want to hear him out.”

Becks added, “This is for her, not you.” Because it was the truth. And he knew the man wouldn’t turn his back on anything he thought would benefit Ellie.

Even with that caveat, there was a slight hesitation. It gave testimony to either how much Jonah didn’t like him, or how little he trusted him. Or both. But he nodded shortly, tense.

Looking at Lucy, he said sternly, “But afterward, you and I are going to have a chat.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, unconcerned.

They went to a rooftop restaurant close by, taking a table that provided them with a view of the Spanish architecture of the Country Club Plaza. Their waitress was quick to bring water and their initial order of beers. All the while, Jonah held his counsel, few words coming out of him except to order. He was too busy trying to take Becks’s measure, which Becks didn’t mind. He appreciated the other man’s careful assessment, his caution.

After taking a healthy drink, Becks asked, “What about our girl drew you to her?”

He flinched. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t refer to her that way.”

Becks nodded. “You got it. Ellie.”

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