“Elle,” I warn.
“Look, I won’t tell her you have them. I have to tell her something, though. I’ll keep it surface level.” She pauses. “But you need to clean this up. It’s messy, and I don’t like messy. I can only protect you from so much. You have to decide what it is that you want, because you’re playing a dangerous game and you might lose everything,” she chides.
“Yes,Mom,” I joke. “No, really. I appreciate it, Elle. I will. Thanks for looking out for me when no one else will.”
“You know I’malmostalways your number one fan, kid.” She chuckles.
“Almost?” I ask.
“Yep, almost. You can be a grumpy asshole sometimes,” she says.
“Ahh,that.” I sigh. “Yeah, I should probably work on that.” I laugh.
“I understand. I know what you’ve been through.” She pauses. “Anyways, I’ll talk to you later. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks again, Elle.” I hang up.
I stand outside for a moment longer, wondering how I got so lucky to have Elle, who’s not only my PI but also my good friend. I don’t know what I did to deserve her loyalty, but I’m certainly thankful for it. I pocket my phone and head back inside.
The guys are all in the same places that I left them. No one seems to have lost it or attacked anyone in the minutes that I was away. Thank fuck, because I’ve got enough on my hands. I walk over and take a seat next to Cal.
“Okay, here’s the plan. Cal will investigate on the inside. He’s the best with surveillance and stealth.” Cal nods. “My PI is also looking into it. She’ll let me know if she finds anything. Otherwise, let’s continue to parade as Sabel’s ignorant puppets for now. I don’t want her catching wind that we’re on to Sonus.”
“Got it,” Kai says.
“Whatever you say, leader,” Raithe mutters. I look over at him, noticing how he keeps looking over his shoulder at the back wall.What is his problem?
“Anyway, where were we?” I ask. “Oh, Cal. I forgot to check in with you. Other than installing that security system for me, which is working beautifully by the way, so thank you, what else have you been up to?” Cal’s leaning back against the sofa, assuming the most pathetic excuse for a relaxed posture that I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure he has it in him to justbe.He’s always on edge.
“No problem, happy to help. Sloane’s great, by the way.” He looks away. “I can see why you like her so much.” I don’t take his comment for anything other than its genuine intent. Cal isn’t the “steal your girl” type. He’s more of the “protector” type. I know he’s looking out for me—forallof us,allof the time. It’s kind of sad. Cal deserves happiness as much as any of us. In fact, he’s probably the one who deserves it the most.
“I know. I know, Cal. Thanks, man.” I lean over and pat him on the shoulder. He tenses, always so awkward about physical contact.
“But Sloane did try to set me up with her friend.” Cal huffs out a low laugh. Ahhh, sothat’swhy my little nightmare was asking about Cal’s last name.ForLydia, she said. That would most definitely be a hilarious turn of events. Lydia withCallum? I can picture it now. The two of them could not bemoredifferent. The meet and greet was very telling of Lydia’s bubbly, overflowing personality. I’ve never seen Cal more tense in my entire life than when Lydia Aston was gawking up at him like he was a Greek God.
“Yeah, I kind of gave her your last name?” I wince, hoping this information doesn’t piss him off.
“Oh.” He coughs, clearing his throat. Is he bothered by this? Is hebothered, bothered? “Well, you know I’m not exactly dating anyone,” he says, turning to glare at me.
“Oh, come on, man, Lydia is a fucking smoke show! All that energy in that tight little—” Raithe starts, but doesn’t get to finish his sentence.
“What thefuckdid you just say?” Cal stands, fists pressed firmly into his sides. Cal’s fuming. I’m so stunned by his reaction that I don’t even try to stop him. Cal takes a step toward Raithe, and in an odd turn of events, Kai jumps up from across the room and steps between them.
“Alright, Cal, breathe. It’s Raithe, he says dumb shit all the time, okay? Let it go,” Kai says, placing his palms on Cal’s chest and pushing him back slowly. Cal seems to calm down, stepping backward until his calves are touching the sofa. He sits down facing Raithe.
“Keep her name out of your filthy mouth,” Cal grits out.
“Got it. No names starting with S or L coming from this moutheveragain,” Raithe says, bringing his hand up to his mouth to motion that his lips are sealed. I nearly roll my eyes at Raithe’s constant need to make everything in life a fucking joke.
“Sorry, I gave her your last name, man. I can tell Sloane to tell her—”
“No!” Cal oddly raises his voice. “No, I mean … it’s fine. I’ll talk to her myself if she reaches out.” Okay, I’m also never mentioning names that start with L again.
“Okay.” I turn away from Cal. “Can everyone act civilized from here on out?” I ask, assessing each one of the guys.
“Yes,professor,” Raithe jokes. I decide that I’ve had enough of whatever the fuck Raithe’s problem is today.
“Jesus, man, do you ever take anything fucking seriously? What are you even doing with your life? Chasing women? Having orgy parties? Is that all you’re good for?!” I say, snapping. The room goes silent. Raithe stiffens.
