“A flavored water, please,” I reply with asmile. I hadn’t settled on a favorite drink yet. I was still trying new things every day.
Pete raises a brow. “That’s it? No caffeine, no sugar? What happened to you?”
“She’s evolving,” Sly says, deadpan. “Next, she’ll start ignoring your jokes.”
Pete gasps in mock horror. “Never!”
Jagger signs something quickly.“That would be a sign of maturity.”
Dex bursts out laughing, and even Elias’s mouth twitches. Pete throws his hands up dramatically. “You see this? Mutiny. Complete and total betrayal.”
Elias shakes his head. “If you’re done, I’ll get the drinks.”
Pete salutes. “Aye aye, Captain Buzzkill.”
Elias sighs but doesn’t rise to it. He just turns toward the convenience store, and Jagger steps up beside him, tilting his head toward the doors in silent question. Elias gives a short nod, and the two of them head off together.
“Now there’s a pair,” Pete mutters, watching them go.
“You’re lucky Jagger’s patient,” Sly says. “Anyone else would’ve knocked you out by now.”
Pete grins. “You haven’t.”
“You’re not worth my time. Ignoring you is easier,” Sly replies smoothly as he moves over to stand in front of me. His eyes roam up and down my body, like he hasn’t seen me in days, and with just that one look, I feel my body heating again.
Pete crosses his arms, looking amused as he watches us. “You know, you’re getting a little pink in the cheeks, angel. I think you like us starting to corrupt you.”
I lick my lips, my eyes still on Sly. “Starting?”
Dex laughs, and Sly hums in what sounds like approval.
“Fine,” Pete says, pretending to scowl. “But if we’re being honest, pretty sure it’s your fault.”
I arch a brow, finally turning my attention to him. “How do you figure that?”
I expect Pete to respond, but Sly’s the one to answer. “You were brave enough to write to four monsters. You can’t be surprised we’d tear the world apart to keep you.”
My chest tightens from his romantic words. Every time one of them mentions keeping me or belonging to one another, my heart does a happy little dance in my chest, feeling loved and appreciated for who I am for the first time in my life. It makes me feel… free.
My eyes catch on the large expanse of grass, and I step up to the edge of it. Pete and Dex move to stand on either side of me, staring out at the open area.
“Well, angel? Ready to spread your wings?” I grin up at Pete, and his smile widens as he taps his chin in thought. “Actually, on second thought…” He side-eyes Dex. “Maybe we should warm up first. Don’t want to embarrass ourselves trying to keep up with her.”
Dex raises an eyebrow. “Pretty sure the only thing you’re capable of warming up is your mouth.”
“Funny,” Pete says, taking a step into the grass, “because last time we wrestled, you tapped out in… What was it? Eight seconds?”
Dex gives a low, dangerous chuckle. “You’re remembering that backward, farm boy.”
“Am I?” Pete asks, mock-innocent. “Because I distinctly recall you squealing like a?—”
That’s all Dex needs. One second Pete’s smirking, the next he’s flat on his back in the patchy grass with Dex’s knee pressed to hisribs.
Pete wheezes out a laugh. “I wasn’t ready! You cheated!”
“Excuses, excuses,” Dex says, shaking his head as he tries to pin him. Pete bucks his hips and twists beneath him. “All I see is that you lost.Again.”
Pete manages to wiggle free, then tries to tackle Dex. They end up a tangle of limbs and laughter, rolling dangerously close to the SUV. Pete manages to flip them, then straddles Dex and throws both arms into the air in victory. “Ha! Dominance re-established!”
