Page 89 of Property of Bones

“Can they prescribe your anxiety and depression meds?” Tank asks, one brow lifted.

Abby glares at him, but I give her hand a squeeze of support.

“We just want you okay,” Jack says gently.

She exhales hard. “Whatever,” she says, her voice smaller than before. She tightens her grip on my hand. “You guys just… don’t understand.”

Tank leans forward, elbows on his knees. “You’re right. We don’t. But we’re trying.”

And in that moment, the tension shifts.

Still there. Still heavy.

But held.

Together.

I canseehow much Tank loves this woman. It’s obvious. Clear as day.

I even understand why he’s not making a move to claim her. Even if it’s the dumbest reason I’ve ever heard.

“Why are you glaring at Tank, baby?” Jack asks beside me.

“I’m trying to decide how much force I’d need to choke the life out of him,” I admit, deadpan.

“Your woman has an urge for violence, today, brother,” Tank says with a grin. “I like it.”

“I’d need you to bend down, though,” I add. “And don’t fight back.”

“I can do that for you, darlin’,” he chuckles. “Just tell me when and where.”

I glance at Abby, who’s trying, and failing, to stifle her laughter.

“That’s all up to you, big guy,” I say sweetly.

Tank’s smile falters just a little as he looks from me to Abby. He knows. Heknowshow I feel about his dumb, noble, self-sacrificing decision to keep her at arm’s length.

I tried to throat-punch him yesterday.

Didn’t work.

His throat is way up high and I am… waynot.

“We’re not talking about this again, Sunny,” he sighs.

“I know,” I smile, innocent as sin. “That’s why I was just calculating how to unalive you with minimal damage to my own body. You know…just in case.”

Abby ducks her head, but not before I catch the shimmer in her eyes.

Dang it.

Maybe I pushed too hard.

Tank sees it too. His entire posture shifts. Less playful, more protective. But still… still holding back. Like he’s afraid loving her out loud will break her.

He clears his throat. “I’m gonna go grab some coffee. You want anything, Abbs?”

She shakes her head without looking at him.

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