Page 49 of As Thick As Thieves

“Yep. Let him look and see what he’s missing out on.”

“I think this is as relaxed as I’ve ever seen you,” he grinned.

“I’m hardly relaxed. We need to find a place to live since we can’t live here forever, and I’m constantly wondering when something bad is going to happen again. What if someone really was after Penn tonight? Pretty sure Cruz took a bullet that was meant for her.”

The thought freaked me out a little. We had to keep our eyes open at all times, and as much as we were used to that, I didn’t want that kind of life for Penn.

“If her father found out about the dodgy sale, he would’ve gone after Lopez and Lavaro first. I don’t think he’d try to kill her, he’d want her back to resell. Shooting up a property that’s run by the crews is stupid, and I don’t think even Louis Whitlock’s that dumb,” he offered.

“Maybe it was just a random attack?”

“Possibly. I’ll check in with Beckett later to see if they’ve heard anything,” he nodded, taking the edge of the blanket and pulling it over himself. “I think Beckett’s right, though, and we need to train her. We can go with her to Stoneleigh to check out the gym.”

“I did a quick online check of the place. It seems to have a good reputation, but I won’t trust anyone there until we go ourselves. Tomorrow? We can pay for her to use it so she doesn’t owe anyone shit. She used to give people information as payment, but there’s no way in hell I’m allowing that to happen.”

“Me either. Sounds like a plan.”

I watched him silently for a moment before leaning over to give him a kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too. You’re being really nice tonight,” he said almost nervously, his face softening when I let out a huff.

“It’s nothing. I said it to her, so I feel like I need to say it to you, too.”

“I really love seeing this side of you. I mean, I love the grumpy side, but this side looks good on you too. Is she making you feel warm and fuzzy?” he teased.

“Don’t be a dick.”

“Sorry.”

“No you’re not,” I chuckled, peering down at her. “She keeps asking me questions about my past. I don’t like people getting personal with me. I told her why I was in juvie, and my last name and age. She doesn’t need to know about foster care though, right?”

He shrugged, snuggling closer as his eyes closed. “She’s had a pretty fucked up childhood, so ours won’t faze her. Maybe you’ll bond over it. Relationships need trust, so if you can’t trust her with things that make you feel vulnerable, that's a red flag. You’re either all in, or you're out. Don’t play with her, okay?”

“I don’t even like you knowing, so how can I be comfortable with her?”

“Just tell her. Let her fuss over you, and then you can fuck afterwards, and you’ll feel better. She’s a good listener, Knox. Trust me.”

By the time I replied, he’d fallen asleep.

“But she’ll look at me differently.”

Chapter Eleven

Cruz

I woke up alone, wincing as my wound burned. I could hear the TV quietly playing from the living room, so I popped a few pain pills and grabbed my phone before making my way out, pausing in the hallway as I noticed the three of them sleeping on the couch together. I’d never seen Knox so content, and I was a little surprised he’d tolerated Penn sleeping on him all night. He wasn’t usually the cuddly type.

Drake stirred, blinking against the light that was peeking through the curtains, his eyes landing on me. “Morning.”

“Morning. Did you guys seriously sleep like that all night? You’ll wreck your necks,” I chuckled, moving towards the kitchen. “Coffee?”

“Can you add some cocaine or something?” he joked, pulling himself away from them to join me. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got shot,” I grumbled.

“We’re going to head to Stoneleigh today to check out the gym if you want to come.”

“Sounds good. We can check in with Beckett while we’re out, too.” I checked my phone, sending a text to Luna. I knew she was fine, but I worried about her. She was one of my best friends, and ever since Penn came into my life, I’d neglected her.

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