Page 32 of The Rookie

“Bro, she said no,” I say before I can stop myself, my voice sharper than intended.

Derek looks at me, his brow furrowing. “What’s it to you, Knox?”

I shrug, leaning casually against the bar. “Look…there are times to push it, and times not to push it. Read the room, and just let her drink in peace, Derek.”

“Is that a threat?”

“No, man. I’m doing you a favor. You’re hammered.”

“Dick.”

“Yup. Do you want to do something about it?”

He takes one look at me and leaves. Avery turns to me, her eyes narrowing. “Looking out for me? Really?”

“What can I say?” I reply, smirking. “I’m a hero. I mean, he asked three times. Two I’d be okay with. Three was too many.”

She shakes her head, her lips twitching like she’s fighting a smile. “You’re something. Let’s chill with the self-aggrandizing talk. For like two seconds?”

Before she can say anything else, a woman steps up to the bar beside me. She’s tall, with dark hair pulled into a sleek ponytail and a confidence that could rival anyone in the room.

“Hi. ¿Quieres bailar?” she asks, her voice smooth as silk.

I glance at Avery, whose expression shifts ever so slightly, like she’s waiting to see what I’ll say.

“You okay here?” I ask.

She nods. “I’ll be fine.”

“Me encantaría,” I reply, holding the woman’s gaze for a moment before turning to Avery. “I’ll keep an out for any more threats.”

Her jaw tightens, and for some reason, that tiny reaction sends a flicker of satisfaction through me.

I follow the woman onto the dance floor, feeling Avery’s eyes on me the entire way.

I smile back, maybe a little more than I would have a few days ago.

I mean, she’s single now.

Let the games begin.

ten

. . .

Avery

The music pulsesthrough the cantina, the beat so loud I can feel it in my chest. The dance floor is packed—locals and tourists alike swaying and spinning under the glow of string lights.

And in the middle of it all is Griffin.

He moves like he owns the place, his broad shoulders and easy grin drawing attention from everyone around him. The tall, stunning local he’s dancing with is practically wrapped around him, her laughter ringing out every time he spins her.

I take a long sip of my drink and turn back to the bar.

“Another, please,” I say to the bartender, sliding my empty glass across the counter.

“You sure about that?” Jake asks from the stool beside me, his eyebrows raised in amusement.

---