Page 78 of Cavern of Silence

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"Don't be checking my woman out, you dirty old man."

"I didn't mean—"

"I'd get her a beer, but I suddenly don't trust you alone with her." It's not true. Tinker wouldn't touch my woman, but I don't doubt what might come out of his mouth.

"Beer coming right up."

He leaves, and I sit on the couch with her. "Are you doing okay?"

She smiles. "Yes. Everything is fine." She strokes my cheek. "Is Hunter okay?"

I snort. "Typical Hunter."

She bites her lip. "What happened?"

"Nothing to worry about." I lean into her. "Let's have a drink with Tinker then find our bedroom."

Her eyes brighten. "Did you sharpen up on your skills?"

"Mm-hmm." I kiss her jaw then under her ear, and make my way down her neck until Tinker clears his throat.

"Oh!" She jumps and blushes.

I put my arm around her, and he hands us each a bottle.

"Cheers," Julieta says, and we clink our beers.

Tinker sits in the chair across from us. "So, where are you headed after this?"

"Not sure, but we need to get out of Latin America. I'm hoping the other guys show up soon so we can figure it out."

"Tinker, are you single or married?" Julieta asks.

I laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Tinker doesn't do relationships."

"That's not true," he states.

"Yes, it is. What's the longest you've lasted with a woman?"

He holds his hand out. "Like how long can I keep it up? I bet longer than you."

I throw the couch pillow at him, and he catches it. "Don't talk like that in front of my woman."

She covers her mouth.

"Sorry, Julieta. I forgot my manners."

"No worries."

"Well? Answer the question," I demand.

He shrugs. "Recently or ever?"

I snort. "Ever. Let's start there."

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