Page 107 of Pretty Nightmare

“Fine. Whatever. I agree, Adam.”

“Good.” I turn my body and lean against the wall next to him. He turns with me, never letting go of my cock.

And then he’s pressing his body into mine. One working my dick while the other tugs on my balls like he knows just what to do. “If I find a nice girl with a dirty mouth and sense of adventure, I’ll be sure to let you know and invite you in. Happy now?”

I nod and close my eyes. Smiling.

And then I come in his hand.

The meeting place is in Forsyth Park. The only detail Wendy gave was to meet at the fountain at eight forty-five. It’s right across the street from the mansion, but we head out a little early. And even though the sun is still low, and mostly hidden by the large Southern live oaks the park is famous for, it’s nearly ninety degrees.

McKay and I walk with purpose down the wide asphalt walkway lined with trees that leads to the fountain. Our eyes wandering. Looking for the boy who caused us so much worry and stress over the years.

There is no way to mistake the blond man leaning up against a huge oak tree just west of the fountain. He’s wearing a pair of desert camo pants, a tight mustard-yellow shirt, and mirrored sunglasses, which he removes to see us better as we approach.

And there… are his eyes. Those piercing, spooky fucking eyes. In the sun they are so blue, they’re nearly silver. Like ice. But in the shade—Indie’s description in the journal McKay found was dead on. The color of almond shells in the shade. Which is almost like no color at all when you think about it. And she saw that in him.

McKay and I are both wearing boots, even though it’s way too hot. They thud on the asphalt, then go quiet as we veer off and step onto the grass to head in his direction.

I don’t take my eyes off him as we approach. He’s not a boy anymore. That boy is long gone. And the first thing I want to call out, before we even reach him, is… What have you seen? Where have you been? What have you done?

Because it is immediately clear he has seen, and been, and done a whole helluva lot.

This man is grown. Lean, but broad in the shoulders. Not as muscular as he was the last time I saw him, but the tight t-shirt shows off every single abdominal muscle. His mouth is a tight slash across his face. Neither friendly, nor mean. And his arms are covered in tattoos.

McKay and I stop about six feet short. McKay says, “Nathan.”

But Nathan’s eyes are on me when he nods his greeting.

“So why are we here?” I ask. Because I don’t like this. I don’t like it one bit. Nathan St. James is a man with secrets. And I have enough secrets of my own, thank you. I’m not really interested in his.

He looks around with a critical eye. “Anyone else come with you?”

The accent is the only thing that feels the same. It’s thick. Very hick. His grandfather never bothered to tamp it down the way my father did.

“No,” McKay says. “It’s just us.”

But Nathan isn’t satisfied. Because he continues to scan the area as he talks. “I need to see Indie.”

“That’s not gonna happen.” It comes out of my mouth so quick, Nathan’s brows go up as his eyes track to mine. “It’s not even up for discussion.”

“I don’t think you understand—”

“Oh, I understand plenty. You need to stay the fuck away from my Indie. Forever. She’s in a good place right now—”

“Fuck!” Nathan’s laugh takes McKay and I both back a step. That’s how loud it is. “Good place? Have you lost your goddamned mind? Do you have any idea where she was the past four years?”

My heart skips. “Do you?”

“Were you with her?” McKay asks, taking a few steps forward, like he might start choking Nathan out any second now.

I grab his arm and pull him back. Because I get the feeling that Nathan St. James can turn violent on a dime if the occasion calls for it.

“No, I wasn’t with her. But I’ve seen things, you guys. I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m just here to help Indie. She needs—”

“You don’t get a say in what she needs,” McKay interjects.

“Why?” Nathan growls it. “Because I walked away?” He narrows his eyes at McKay. “I didn’t walk away. You chased me. I’m the one—”