Page 16 of Handcuffs & Honey

Julian laughed. “It’s literally a minute away on foot.”

Dominic gave him a look that said he wasn’t budging on this. With a roll of his eyes, Julian walked to Dominic’s truck and slipped into the passenger seat, but before he closed the door, he said, “This is crazy, you know. It’s like moving from one parking spot to another one only a few spaces down.”

“And my mind will be at ease knowing I watched you walk into work.” Dominic headed around the hood then jumped into the driver’s seat. “Buckle up.”

Julian wrinkled his nose. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope.” Dominic started the truck.

“By the time I have my buckle clicked, we’ll be there.”

“Not pulling away until you buckle up.”

Julian wasn’t sure if he was touched by Dominic’s concern or irritated with it. They were literally a block over. Julian could see people inside the diner sitting at their tables. If he ran, he would make it there in about fifteen seconds.

“Fine.” Julian buckled his seat belt. “Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” Dominic said before he pulled away. Five seconds later, they were parking in front of the diner. “I’ll pick you up when I’m done.”

“You live in town,” Julian pointed out. “I can walk back to your house.”

“Do I have to call Roman and tell him to take you hostage so you won’t leave?” Dominic asked.

Julian narrowed his eyes. “I don’t like to be bossed around and told what to do.”

“Roman does that.”

“He’s my boss,” Julian argued. “I see you’re a high-handed guy.”

“I see you’re a stubborn one,” Dominic countered.

Déjà vu struck Julian. He’d had arguments like this with Rob. His ex thought it okay to boss Julian around, to try and make Julian bend to his will. He had flashbacks of Rob intimidating him or using scare tactics. The feeling of utter helplessness clung to Julian even now.

“You know what?” Julian said, those memories still riding him hard. “Fuck off. Don’t bother to come get me. I’m going home when I’m done.”

He got out and slammed the truck door, uncaring that Dominic’s ride looked shiny and new. If Dominic thought he was going to micromanage Julian’s life, he was delusional. Julian understood the man’s concern because of the attack, and Julian was still shaken by it, but he’d rather go home than let Dominic boss him around.

“Julian.” Dominic had gotten out and was now on the sidewalk with him.

“No.” Julian spun around. “I’m pissed at you right now, so leave me alone. If you follow me inside, I swear to god, I’ll cause a scene.”

He left Dominic standing there looking helpless. Julian didn’t care. His former boyfriend had tried to run Julian’s life, too, all the while cheating on him.

Nope. Julian wasn’t having it. He was his own man, and he would be damned if he let anyone dictate to him.

Roman arched a brow when Julian stormed into the diner but didn’t say anything as Julian took a seat at the counter. He slapped his palm on the top of it. “Give me a club sandwich and some fries.”

His boss smirked. “Coming right up.”

Of course, Elijah ran over to him and sat next to him. “Whoa. I’ve never seen you yell at Roman. I also saw you yelling at the sheriff outside. What’s going on?” Elijah lowered his voice. “Did he want to do something kinky with you?”

Julian rolled his eyes. “This has nothing to do with sex, and, no, I haven’t slept with him, so get your mind out of the gutter.”

Elijah clucked his tongue. “You’ve been staying with him for the past few days and you haven’t jumped on that opportunity?” His eyes grew large. “Did he turn you down?”

“Did he…” Julian shook his head. “Please go wait on tables, Elijah.”

“I was just trying to be a friend,” Elijah huffed before he walked away.

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