Page 44 of Tarnished Hands

Fuck, I even forget to eat until Aqua comes out and tells me she’s leaving for the day.

“What time is it?” I ask.

“Seven.”

“You should have been gone by now.”

She shrugs. “It’s fine. I had work to do, and it’s not like I have anyone to go home to.” She pauses. “Would it be okay if I stopped in and visited your brother?”

I give her a questioning look, my brows pull together, waiting for her to answer.

“You’ve brought him in a few times, and I like him. And I have a feeling he doesn’t have too many people here. And neither do I.”

“He’s like eight years older than you.”

“I don’t want to fuck him, Ezra, just visit with him. But I would never do so without your consent.”

“If he says it’s fine, you can.”

“Okay, I’ll text him.”

“You have his number?” I ask.

“Yes, he gave it to me. We chat often. Sometimes, he asks when you get home late if you are still here.”

“So you give him insider information.” I raise a brow jokingly.

She laughs. “Yes, I guess I do. Is that bad?”

I shake my head and hear the click-clack of heels on the concrete floor. Instantly, I turn and see her.

Looking ravishing as ever, Piper makes my heart rate pick up. A smile lifts the edges of my lips, and I have this need to grab for her.

“Okay, well, I will head to your place, Ezra. Nice to see you again, Piper.” Aqua waves to Piper as she walks past her. Piper doesn’t respond. She simply watches her leave.

“Why is she going to your place?” Piper asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

“To see my brother.”

“Ohhh,” she says and eyes me.

“I’ve missed you,” I tell her, wiping my hands down my dirty jeans.

A small smile tugs at the side of her mouth. “You have?” she asks, coming closer.

“I thought you wouldn’t be back for another day.”

“I left early.”

“Why?” I ask when we’re within touching distance of each other.

“I figured someone couldn’t go long without a second date.”

“Just a date?” I ask.

She nods, then goes back to her car. I stand there confused and wait for her. Is she coming back or running away? I see her lean into her car and straighten again, then she turns, and I see two bags and drinks in her hands. “You brought me dinner?”

“I did. Have you eaten?”

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