Page 21 of Exile
"I'm always nice," Grey exclaims happily. "Do I need to remind you just howniceI am? After all, I do prefer to complete things in sets of three. So, I should be extra nice and give you two moreniceorgasms with my tongue."
She shifts slightly, thighs obviously clenching together. "Anyway," she murmurs, deflecting. "I'll organize the food if you can ensure the library gets set up. Hopefully we don't experience any access issues tonight."
"Whittingham won't be back tonight," I say confidently. "He hightailed it out of here awfully quick like the gutless fucker he is."
"I agree," Grey nods. "We're in the clear for now."
Avery's face flashes, as if a light bulb has gone off above it. "Damon said something about Mark and Louis—whoever they are."
Using his middle finger, Grey points out two men sitting at a table down the other end of the hall. They are large men—built like linebackers. Judging by their antisocial behavior and annoyed expressions, they keep to themselves.
Intelligent, unlike others here.
"Right," Grey answers in surprise. "That's good thinking. I'll catch them after lunch."
They continue talking, dropping more names I can't be bothered to learn. As I continue my initial observation of patients, someone grabs my attention.
That new patient keeps glancing over at us. I didn't take much notice at first—everyone was doing the same. But as the hype has worn off with people going back to their conversations, he's continuing to sneak glimpses.
I lower my head so as to not make it obvious that I'm watching him, and when he lifts his head again for another peek, I check to see who he's looking at.
Well, it appears Rian Thatcher has a kink for pain. Because I'm going to cave his face in and rip out his eyes since he's so fixated on my girlfriend.
Aves has temporarily forgotten about her leadership role, engrossed entirely in a sandwich that's as big as her head. To my surprise, there are no pizzas at all tonight, let alone a single piece of pineapple. Instead, Avery has opted to arrange sandwiches and finger foods for the circus gathering.
I linger close by to her, sending Damon's minions in the other direction if they attempt to approach while she's eating. They can wait. Avery didn't eat lunch and I wouldn't put it past Whittingham to resort back to old tactics of starvation if he can find his balls.
Without warning, said sandwich is thrust into my face, Avery grinning at me. "Try it. It's good."
I shake my head, amused. Her eyebrows pull together in frustration, stepping closer until she's got me caged in against the wall.
"Eat, Theo Ashwood," she demands.
Snorting, I hold her locked gaze, leaning down to take a bite. She looks satisfied, ready to step away when I grab her waist and pull her against me.
In my peripheral vision, I spot Grey watching our exchange, grinning while chatting to the one who's permanently attached to a laptop—Byrone, I believe—and as I focus, I catch little snippets of their discussion.
From what I can make out, someone died during the hallway ordeal. He's briefing the guy quickly and quietly, probably while Avery is distracted with her desire to shove the sandwich down my throat like we're on a cute couple's picnic during a random Tuesday afternoon.
That's good though. Avery doesn't handle death on her conscience well. Grey probably wants to sort out a plan before he updates her so that she doesn't have to do anything in regards to it.
When she starts to glance around, likely searching him out, I grip her chin and face her toward me.
"How are you feeling?" I ask.
I know she's handling things exceptionally well. I'm proud of her for that. But the exhaustion and stress is still present in her eyes as well as a lingering longing and sadness. It's clear who it belongs to—the one person who should be here, dealing with this.
I never thought I'd see the day where I cared, let alone, acknowledged, Damon's welfare. But he's grown on me as well. It's evident he loves Avery and will protect her withhis life, and despite my desire to remain away from people, I believe in morals.
Damon is a loyal man, and he treats people well—most of the time. He's looked out for me despite our differences, and I respect that. This dynamic was never going to be easy for everyone, but we've all made it work, and by bringing me into his circle, I've given my loyalty to Damon. As long as he treats Aves well and doesn't hurt her, it will stay like that.
I appreciate the fact he took a bullet for her. We'd have all done the same, but we're here with her—he's not. He's paying a price that we'd all struggle with, while still ensuring that she's protected and loved.
Madison deserved that. And she paid the ultimate price for people's selfishness.
While I never saw eye to eye with Damon and Grey, we can all agree on one thing: Avery is the priority.
She has brought us together. What was it that Grey called us? Brothers-in-law? I guess that rings true now that Avery is a married woman.
