Page 77 of As Thick As Thieves

“Nope, do that at home,” I answered, tugging her against me. Public bathrooms weren’t safe. I couldn’t go in there with her without making other women uncomfortable, and I didn’t have any of our scanning devices on hand to make sure there weren’t any hidden cameras.

“Are you serious?” she scowled, but Will nodded, giving Sandra a look.

“You too.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue, knowing we were right. The girls had been with the Thieves for a long time now, so they knew the dangers that others were oblivious to.

“You just want to fuck in the shower,” Penn deadpanned, a smirk taking over my face.

“Aw, how’d you know, baby?”

Her lips twitched but she fought the smile, trying to act mad. “You’re a pig.”

“I know.” I gave her a kiss, trying not to get annoyed when Owen joined us, obviously overhearing our conversation.

“The girls are perfectly safe here in the bathroom.”

“They can do it at home,” I answered, tucking Penn against me while holding his gaze. “But thanks.”

His brow creased in confusion but he nodded. “Okay, sure. I guess I’ll see you guys next time then.” He turned to Penn, his confusion being replaced by a smile. “I’ll text you later.”

“Thanks for helping me,” she said warmly, sensing my shifting mood from his friendliness, and started to tug me towards the door.

Jai and Leah seemed to be in a heated discussion by the time we got back to the cars, so I volunteered to go in Will and Sandra’s car with Penn to give them some privacy.

“What are they fighting about?” Penn asked softly as we slid into the backseat, making Sandra sigh.

“Leah thinks he’s getting too clingy. It doesn’t feel too casual right now.”

“I don’t understand what the problem is though. Why wouldn’t she like that?” Penn asked, glancing at me with a frown. “I love it when you guys are clingy.”

That made me chuckle. “No, you love it when we smother you. You hate it when we’re clingy because you feel cornered.”

“Yeah, but I’m traumatized. Why doesn’t Leah want clingy, though?”

“All the thieves came from messy home situations. Leah’s no different, and neither is Jai. You’ll have to ask her if you want answers because even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you, no offense,” I smiled, grabbing my phone to check it, surprised to find one from Knox.

Knox: Take Penn home then come to Harley’s.

Drake: Why?

Knox: Psychos and Devils are dealing with Stone. Cruz needs you, man, but he doesn’t want Penn to know just yet.

I swallowed, glancing at Penn who was looking out the window. She’d be hurt, but we couldn’t risk her trying to get involved, which she would. I’d been with Stone and the guys for years now, and knowing he wasn’t going to be breathing by the end of the day tore something inside my chest. He’d fucked us all over, but he was family.

Drake: Okay. Tell him I’ll be there soon.

“I need to go and help the guys with something. Will you be okay at home by yourself for a few hours?” I asked once my phone was in my pocket, her eyes finding mine as she smiled. It looked forced, telling me she didn’t want to, but she wasn’t going to tell me no.

“Is everything okay? Cruz and Knox?”

“They’re fine, they just need another set of eyes and asked me to tag along.”

“I’m a big girl, I don’t need a babysitter,” she teased, her attention going back out the window.

“You cool to drop me off in Ashburn Valley?” I asked Will, knowing it wasn’t going to be a problem before he even answered.

“Sure thing. Do you need more backup?” he offered, but I shook my head.

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