Elsie laughs but does indeed drag me into the dining hall to feed me. She’s such an angel that she even deposits me at our usual table and goes off to get me coffee and a full English fry up – something I love and missed when I was back home – and I have to smile. I’m lucky to have such a good friend.
Baxter flops down into the chair across from me. “You know, you are becoming a pain in my ass.”
“Is that so?” I smirk.
“Yes, babysitting is not something I want in the Baxter Branson repertoire.”
“I know something is going on. Your ‘Debbie’ cryptic clue was bullshit. Just tell me and whatever this is...” I gesture between us. “Can end.”
He leans back in his chair, arms folded behind his head, and my eyes wander to his shirt that has lifted showing his abs.
“Don’t you have enough guys on the go?” he asks in a low seductive tone. My eyes snap to his and he laughs.
“I friend zoned you,” I reply. “But you have this evil allure that sucks me in. My eyes still work though, so I’ll take advantage of that whenever I can.”
“Who are you taking advantage of?” Elsie asks, placing a tray of food on the table and sitting beside me. “Is it Kalen again?”
“Elsie,” I chastise. “Some things are secret.”
“Doubtful, he is over there moping about it and I’m sure half the school knows.”
I groan, because of course he is.
“Can we get back to my issue at hand?” Baxter demands. “I have considered hiring a security guard to follow you around.”
“Then what else would you do all day besides skulk in the shadows?”
“I do my best work from the shadows.”
“I can handle myself, I have a tracker on my phone now.”
“You always had a tracker on your phone. These people don’t care about something so trivial as privacy. If you don’t want security, then it pains me to say it, but you need to forgive the dickheads. Their claim will save your ass.”
“Security it is,” I say immediately before shovelling food into my mouth. They’re not getting out of my bad books that easily.
“Oooh, can he be hot?” Elsie jumps in, rubbing her hands together with excitement. “Six foot or taller, shoulders for days, and a nice ass? Not too old though.”
“I thought you liked pussy?” Baxter asks with confusion wrinkling his brow.
“I prefer it, but I am not opposed to the odd cock...if it’s the right fit.”
I snort when Baxter coughs. Elsie isn’t usually so…whatever this is. She’s always so...put together.
“I’ll see what I can do for you, ladies.” Baxter pushes away from the table and winks before he disappears.
As soon as Baxter has gone, Onyx takes his place.
“What?” I snap.
“We are starting family training this week, the obstacle course is being set up.”
“And what does that have to do with me?”
“The Knox family event is coming up, and since you’re part of the Knox family, you’re required to join in.”
“Hard pass, but thanks for offering.”
Onyx brings his palm down hard on the table. Half the room, including myself, jump.
