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“You know,” he says, flashing a smile, “if your boyfriend isn't taking care of you, I could help with that.”
I look him over with considerable interest. The man has approximately seventeen abdominal muscles, and I'm fairly certain that violates at least one law of human anatomy.
“Are those real?” I ask.
He grins. “Wanna find out?”
“Do they come indivi... individually, or is it like a subscrip... subscription service?”
Trey snorts into his glass while the stranger laughs and steps closer. His hand settles on my hip, and before I can decide whether I'm offended or merely curious, Trey catches his wrist.
“Hands to yourself, handsome.”
“Relax, man. We're just talking.”
“Then use your mouth.”
I glance at Trey. “That's what she said.”
“Not now, baby girl.”
He releases the man's wrist once his hand is off me, keeping himself between us as my phone vibrates again. I hit the red button and ignore it, far more interested in why Trey suddenly looks like somebody's disapproving father.
“It's fine,” I tell him. “I was just conducting an abdominal inves... investigation.”
“Yeah, well, the investigation is closed, and if he touches you again, we will be having a different kind of investigation.” He looks down at my phone and reaches for it. "Babes, you answered it.
Nate's voice comes through so loudly that even the stranger takes notice. “Who the fuck was touching her?”
Oh, wonderful. The board of directors has convened again.
“Somebody better answer him,” Jace adds, the amusement gone from his voice.
Then Elias, quieter and considerably more unsettling. “Trey. Is she safe?”
Trey looks at the phone like how dare you even question that.
“She's with me. Of course she's safe.” His attention returns to the stranger, who has apparently decided this conversation is more trouble than it's worth. “Move along, handsome.”
The man raises his hands and disappears into the crowd. I watch him go with a mournful sigh, then turn back to Trey.
“Great. My one opportunity for a normal hookup, ruined by the Gay Avenger and the Fortune Five... Five Hunnerd.”
Trey stares at me for a full second before folding over the bar in hysterics.
“THE GAY AVENGER?”
“Don't encourage her,” Nate warns through the phone.
“Oh, I'm encouraging the hell out of this,” Trey replies, still laughing. “You boys have a good night.”
He ends the call and slides my phone into his pocket before turning toward me with a wicked grin.
“C'mon, girl. You need chaos, and I'm delivering it.”
“I think I've had enough chaos,” I inform him with all the authority I can muster.
“That's adorable. Now finish your water.”
