Page 44 of Fanatic

“And you can tell me about that date,” I said, and Fanatic groaned.

“Can we not?”

“Nope.”

“It was a freaking disaster, Willow,” Fanatic called as I headed for the kitchen.

“And I need a giggle,” I retorted.

Fanatic’s second groan came through clearly, and I smiled. I needed a few minutes to make coffee because I was overjoyed Fanatic’s date had been bad. Why I was happy his evening had been a fuckup, I didn’t know, but I was.

I laughed all the way through Fanatic’s explanation, and I did feel sorry for him. Poor Fanatic. He thought he was getting a sweet girl, and she turned into the whore of Babylon. Tears fell when Fanatic told me April had offered him a threesome, and he’d worked out why. Sadly, I shook my head as Fanatic looked thoroughly disgusted.

“Bitches look at me and see a fat bank account. Hell, I wonder what they’d do if they discovered my trust fund supported the scholarships and I live on my earnings.”

“They would probably try to change your mind somehow. Honestly, I feel sorry for them because they’ll never be happy. Constantly chasing the next rich man, nah, that is not a life. Or worse, becoming a trophy wife that’s changed after ten years. That’s tragic. None of them consider what happens when their looks fade. And they do because it’s all fake plastic surgery.”

“Tomorrow, I’m meeting a client, Harper, he’s a street racer with deep pockets. He’s coming to approve a design. Come with me until security is updated here,” Fanatic said as he yawned.

“FBI here, remember?”

“Yup. And you’re my family, please indulge me,” Fanatic asked.

Shit. That made me go all mushy inside. “Okay. I’m off to bed. Sweet dreams.”

Fanatic

Sweet dreams, my ass. I was awake half the night, wishing it had been Willow I’d been on a date with. If I never saw April again, it would be too soon. Finally, I succumbed to sleep, but it was unsettled and left me grumpy the next morning. After we’d got ready, I rode my Harley while Willow followed in her SUV. I’d informed Willow to wear her cut as it would protect her.

Harper was due soon, which allowed me time to go over the design again and check on the charity build. Harper arrived with two friends in a souped-up car that drew everyone’s attention.

I smirked as Harper climbed out and headed towards me with a huge grin.

“Fanatic! My main man! This is Taillights because all you ever see are his lights, and this is Nitro. What genius you got to show me this time,” he called. “Woah, who the fuck is that?” Harper demanded, catching sight of Willow.

Willow was standing talking to Big Al, who slung an arm over her shoulder and hugged her close. Her ass looked fuckin’ amazing in those jeans, and clearly, Harper and his friends agreed.

“That’s Willow, my best friend, and she’s unavailable,” I stated. Harper couldn’t take his eyes off her, and that was starting to bug me.

“Off-limits?” Harper drawled.

“Dude, roll your tongue in. It’s embarrassing,” I said jokingly, but there was an undertone to my voice.

“Woman’s yours?”

“No. A friend. Willow’s dead fiancé was also my best friend. Grey died last year in the war. Willow’s not looking,” I stated firmly.

Harper faced me with a searching stare. Fuck, had I just given something away? A slow grin stretched across his face. “Introduce me.”

“You’re here to look at designs, not flirt,” I retorted as Willow turned and noticed me.

Shit.

A smile crossed her lips, and Willow kissed Big Al and headed over. Harper stood up straighter and offered Willow his most charming smile. Willow blinked and tucked under my arm.

“Hello gorgeous,” Harper smooched.

“Hey, handsome and overly confident. Whatever you’re selling, this girl ain’t buying. Now that shit’s out of the way, I’m Willow,” she said.

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