Page 31 of Sir Avery's Wish
“Water would be great,” Eli replied, surprised at how dry his mouth had become. Anxiety had a way of doing that to him.
“I’ll take the same,” Avery said, his thumb continuing its soothing circles on his shoulder.
“Cool.” Ty turned to Eli. “I got your favorite. The orange creme.”
An irrational burst of emotion tore through him at Ty’s words, and he thought he might cry because Ty had thought ofhim when buying flavored water. He felt as if he was losing his mind, his nerves raw and exposed.
Ty disappeared back into the kitchen, and Zane patted Ryan’s butt, encouraging him to go and help Ty with the drinks and food.
“Rogan texted that he’s about five minutes out.” Zane’s expression turned serious. “Before he gets here, I wanted to ask how you’re holding up, Eli.”
Eli shifted under Zane’s intense gaze. “Better than yesterday.” Eli reached for Avery’s hand. “Sir Avery has been incredible.” The Dom gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
Zane nodded, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smile. “I’m glad to hear that. Avery has always been good at taking care of people, even if he doesn’t like to admit it.”
Avery cleared his throat. “Let’s not make this about me.”
Zane arched an eyebrow. “Just putting it out there.” He turned to Eli and winked. “You’re in good hands.”
The tightness in Eli’s chest loosened. Zane’s approval wasn’t necessary. but it was a nice reinforcement that he was on the right track.
The doorbell rang, and Eli’s stomach tightened. This was it. The moment when he’d have to relive everything that happened in Los Angeles. His palms grew clammy, and he wiped them against his jeans.
Zane rose to answer the door while Ryan returned with a tray of drinks, placing them carefully on the coffee table. Eli reached for his water immediately, grateful for something to occupy his hands. The cool liquid slid down his throat, a momentary distraction from the thundering of his heart.
Avery leaned closer, his breath warm against Eli’s ear. “Remember what I said. I’m here for you.”
Eli squeezed Avery’s hand in silent thanks, his heartbeat steadying. Through the hallway, he could watch as Zane greeteda tall, broad-shouldered man with short, but tousled dark brown hair. He was dressed less formally than Zane and Avery, wearing a long-sleeve tee that hugged his muscled chest and a pair of dark jeans. The cop’s presence filled the entryway—not only physically, but with an air of quiet authority that reminded Eli of Avery.
Rogan stepped into the living room, and Eli noted that Rogan was similar to Avery in age, too. The slightly weathered appearance of his ruddy skin and strands of gray put him somewhere in his mid-forties if Eli had to guess. His shrewd, hazel eyes took in everything at once and when his gaze landed on Eli, there was no judgment, just assessment.
“Eli, this is Rogan Steele.” Zane gestured between them. “Rogan, Eli.”
As Rogan leaned down to shake his hand, a sympathetic expression crossed his features. “Eli. I’m going to do everything I can to help you.”
Eli swallowed past a lump in his throat as he shook Rogan’s hand. “Thank you, Sir.”
“Rogan, thank you for coming on such short notice.” Avery rose to shake Rogan’s hand.
“Of course.” Rogan gave Avery’s hand a firm pump, then straightened.
Everyone got settled, with Ty and Ryan traveling back and forth from the kitchen to bring my drinks and the tray of finger foods Ty had prepared. While the tiny, spicy crab cakes, steak and bleu cheese bruschetta and zucchini discs topped with a crispy melted parmesan mixture looked and smelled amazing, the bubbling water was about all Eli could handle at the moment.
He didn’t want to be rude, so he took one of each, balancing the small plate on his knees while everyone ate. Zane and Rogan chatted about how the club was doing, then the subject ofRogan’s boy, Tate, was brought up. From what he gathered, Tate had experienced something even more gut-wrenching than he had. His curiosity was piqued, and he wanted to know the whole story someday. But for now, knowing that Rogan had helped his boy through a terrible experience filled him with hope. Rogan would understand, would work hard to find a solution.
Zane set down his plate and wiped his mouth. “Eli? Would it make you more comfortable if Ryan and Ty went upstairs while you tell Rogan your story?
Ryan’s features fell, but he clamped his lips shut. Eli imagined that Zane wouldn’t like it if Ryan protested that he wanted to stay. In truth, Eli felt Ryan, more than anyone, had the right to know the full story. Ryan had gone out of his way to help him when he’d been alone and afraid. However, the gruesome details might be too upsetting for him. He still didn’t know Ryan well enough to determine if his story would be too much for him to handle.
“I don’t mind if they stay.” His gaze flitted to Ryan. “But it’s pretty awful. If you guys bow out, I’ll totally understand.”
Ryan shook his head, but he set his dish on the coffee table and climbed on Zane’s lap. “I want to stay.”
Ty nodded. He reached over to stroke Ryan’s back. “Me too. We know all about what Tate went through, and you know my story.” He also set down his plate. “You’re my friend. If there’s anything I can do, I will.”
Eli’s eyes burned, and with all the emotion coursing through him since he’d arrived, he already knew he’d be bawling like an infant before the evening was over.
“Thanks.” His voice caught in his throat. “I really appreciate it.”
