Page 152 of Sin Like the Devil

“I wasn’t going to apologise.” He stops and crosses his arms. “Raine told me about the pills. Someone else is supplying him.”

“You believe me now? Awesome. Thanks for taking my word for it before trying to drown me alive.”

“Because your track record is so spotless,” he gibes, palming the back of his neck. “Are we going to stand around talking about our feelings, or do you want in?”

“On… what?”

His mouth hooks up at the corner. “I got the name of his dealer.”

“Well don’t hold me in suspense.”

That hint of a smile disappears. “I’ll tell you when I have your word that you’ll cut Raine off. Stay the fuck away from him. Don’t even look at him. You’re never going to sell him another pill.”

“I told you what they do to nuisances in this place.” Tampering my immediate desire to hurl abuse and threats, I summon a sense of calm. “You really think he should detox under Harrowdean’s supervision?”

“No, but I don’t want to see my friend half-dead again!”

“That’s exactly what he’ll be if management decides to intervene.”

“What’s the alternative, huh? Let him kill himself?”

A snore emanates from the bed, prompting us to lower our voices. Lennox spares Raine a glance, my gut twisting when his gaze briefly softens. His protection isn’t love. It’s control.

“And what about the day he crosses you?” I rebuke. “What about when he displeases you? Will you be the one to throw him in a pool then?”

“I would never hurt Raine.”

“You don’t know how to do anything but hurt people.”

Any hint of softness dissipates the moment I finish my sentence. “Move away from him. You’re done.”

“I have every right to be here. You’re the one who isn’t welcome.”

“Like I give a fuck where I’m welcome.” Lennox scoffs. “I go where I’m needed.”

The curtain twitches, silently parting to add another complication. Xander’s in a fresh pair of jeans and his usual smart polo shirt, though his hair is still slightly damp. He halts to look between us both.

“I see I’m interrupting.”

“Ripley is just leaving,” Lennox chides.

“You think I’d leave Raine with you when he’s vulnerable?” I laugh at him. “He’ll find himself zip tied and underwater the moment he steps a foot out of line.”

“That little dunking was just a taster?—”

“No,” Xander interrupts.

Lennox swivels to stare at his best friend, mouth hanging open slightly. Seeing him gawp in shock is so fucking satisfying.

“Stay away from Ripley,” Xander orders unequivocally.

“Xan?” Lennox scowls. “She… What? You know what she’s done.”

“I know.” His voice is ice-cool.

“What the fuck, man?”

“You didn’t hear me? Stay away from Ripley.”

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