Page 58 of As Thick As Thieves

I frowned, my good mood shifting slightly. “Why? Nothing will happen to me when I’m with you guys.”

“You were with us last time and you were taken. I’m not risking it, and there’s no reason for you to come anyway. Sketch or something,” he answered firmly, dismissing me as he climbed over me to get out of bed.

“Excuse me?” I bit out, following him closely and not caring about my nakedness. “I’m not a dog, asshole.”

“I’m aware. Dogs do as they’re told.” He yanked a shirt over his head, pulling some jeans on before heading along the hallway towards the kitchen, and I yanked Cruz’s shirt over my head to follow him.

“Hey! I’m talking to you!”

“You won’t change my mind, Whitlock,” he replied, Cruz’s brow creasing as we took our argument into the kitchen.

“What happened?”

“I’m going to the compound this morning. If you’re coming, she’s staying home alone,” he said casually, accepting the coffee Cruz handed him. “She’s not too happy about it.”

I crossed my arms, waiting for Cruz to jump in to defend me, so I was surprised when he didn’t. “Sounds fair. It’s not safe for her there anyway.”

“You’re ganging up on me now?” I hissed, making Cruz blink at me as if he didn’t understand my complaint.

“It’s common sense, babe. You’re safe here, and there’s no reason for you to come. We need to talk to Stone.”

“You’re both cut off from the goods,” I said flatly, and Knox rolled his eyes at my dramatics.

“It’s cute that you think you can stop me from getting into your pants.”

“I don’t consent.”

“I don’t give a fuck.” He stood over me, his intimidation not working like it used to. Knox wouldn’t hurt me, and he fucking knew it. “Just stay home and stop being a brat.”

“I can do whatever I want. I’m not a prisoner anymore, and I’m not being hunted. Nothing’s stopping me from walking out that door once you guys leave,” I said sweetly, his jaw clenching.

“Why did you wake up and choose to be a cunt today? Cruz and I both fucked you enough last night to keep your attitude at bay for at least a few days.”

“Time out, can I at least have my coffee before playing referee for you two?” Cruz snapped, not looking amused in the slightest. “Penn, can you just stay home? Did you forget we all got shot at the other night? I did get fucking shot.” That calmed me slightly as I glanced at his bare side.

“Have you cleaned it?”

“Have you cleaned yours? Take your antibiotics,” he said sharply, sipping his coffee more aggressively than necessary as he slid one towards me. Knox backed off, giving Cruz the side-eye.

“Can you put pants on?”

“No.” Well then.

We lapsed into silence as we drank our coffees, and Knox grunted something about going for a shower before stomping off, leaving me with Cruz.

“Are you really going to run off just to be difficult?” he asked with a sigh, frustration burning inside me as I lifted my gaze to his across the dining table.

“I’ve spent my entire life being locked away. Ander and Zavier gave me a fresh start, but so far, all I’ve done is hide in this fucking house. Why can’t I go to the gym? Or make friends? Maybe—”

“You want to have some girl time?” he asked lightly, making me pause to listen to him. “Leah wants to apologize to you for being a shitty friend. If you hang out with her, I won’t worry.”

“I get to go out?”

“Don’t say it like that,” he groaned, walking around to drape his arms over my shoulders, kissing my neck. “I don’t mean to control you. I’m terrified of you being taken again or someone hurting you. Everyone’s on edge thanks to this shooting, so we need to play it safely. So, do I tell Leah to clear her schedule?”

“I’d like that,” I nodded, downing the rest of my coffee before standing. “I need a shower.”

“With Knox? You’re brave,” he chuckled, giving me a kiss. “He’s not even mad, he’s just worried. Go tell him you’re going out with Leah so he stops having an angry wank or whatever it is he's doing in there.”

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