Page 141 of Make Me Trust Again
His taunting has me narrowing my eyes, but Thorn is in his element and continues telling them some of the stories from those first days.
Both women’s attention is on the guy as they listen intently to what he’s saying. It’s all fun stories. Camaraderie. Hazing and joking around. The good days, glimpses of light in that hellhole.
Shadow, who’s been lying under the table this whole time, moves her body, brushing against mine as she sits up, her head peeking from the other side of the table.
“Dammit, that beast will give me a heart attack.” Justin curses, sitting up straighter.
Rose chuckles, rubbing between Shadow’s ears. “She’s harmless.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t bet on that. I’ve seen her in action. That dog saved our asses more than once.” He shakes his head, but there is clear affection in his voice. “But I’ve also been on the other end of those sharp teeth when she almost bit my hand off.”
“You deserved it.”
“Sure did.” Justin chuckles, his gaze shifting to the women. “I wanted to play a little prank on our guy here, but she wouldn’t have it. She’s very territorial of our boy here.”
“Jealous, Thorn?”
He arches his brows. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I’m not the jealous one here.”
He’s playing with fire, and he knows it. But Thorn always relishes in a little bit of danger.
Just then, the waitress passes by. “Anyone up for another round?”
Becky shakes her head. “No, thank you. I have to go home to my boys.”
“You, Rose?” Justin asks, his whole focus on her. “Care to stay for another round?”
She shakes her head, those blue eyes meeting mine across the table as she nibbles at her lower lip. “I’m good, but thank you. I think I’ll also go back home, I have to work in the morning.”
I can feel something inside me ease at her words, my shoulders relaxing slightly.
“Just cash us out.” Despite the protest, I pull out my wallet and cover up the bill as we all get to our feet and head out of the bar. Becky and Rose are walking in front of us, Shadow sticking by Rose’s side.
“Nobody, huh?”
I can feel Justin’s gaze on the side of my face, but I keep my expression impassive. The asshole chuckles softly, his handsliding into his pocket to fish out his keys. The lights on his car flash, and he turns to me, extending his hand. “It was good catching up with you, Williams.”
He pulls me in for a side hug, slapping me on the back. “You, too.”
“Don’t be a stranger, asshole.” He gives me a pointed look. “And don’t let that woman get away from you. God knows it’s hard to find somebody who’ll stand our asses, especially when it’s a grumpy ass like yours.”
Chuckling at his own joke, he takes a step back, turns around, and slips into his car, waving at me as he starts his engine and drives off.
Running my hand over my jaw, I watch him for a moment before going after the girls who are talking next to Becky’s truck.
I slip behind her, my palm resting on the small of her back. Rose looks over her shoulder, her body relaxing against mine. Her eyes are shining, cheeks pink, probably from a mix of drinks and the heat in the bar.
“You good?” I ask my sister, who nods.
“Yeah, just had that one drink. I’ll be fine.” She glances at Rose. “What about you?”
“I’m fine. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the Reading Nook.”
“Okay.” With a wave of her hand, Becky slips into her truck. “Sleep well, kids.”
Rose lifts her arm in goodbye as we watch Becky leave. Lowering it, she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “My truck’s at the Reading Nook so I’ll?—”
She starts to pull away, but my fingers wrap around her wrist and I tug her to me. Her pulse spikes against my fingertips, her heartbeat wild as her wide eyes meet mine. “Chase, wha?—”
