Page 121 of Never Tell Secrets
“My turn,” he said, heading in Keira’s direction. I dodged Alfie, grabbing Damien's arm.
“You need to give her some space.”
He raised his brows, probably surprised that someone had dared to give him an order. He and Alfie had that in common.
“By the way, that thing with the danishes? I get that you were trying to be cute but don’t pull manipulative shit like that again.”
Alfie placed what I’m sure he thought was a soothing arm around my waist. “It was just a danish, Lo.”
“Like it was just a grey dress?” I snapped and he flinched. “It started with the small things, Alfie.” I turned back to Damien. “Give her some room, if she wants you, you’ll know about it.”
“Dominant little thing, aren’t you?”
“Fuck off, Marx.” Alfie sounded bored. After how incredible yesterday had been and this morning, waking up in each other's arms for the first time in two and a half years, I knew that none of this had been what he’d envisioned for today.
Damien laughed and backed up a step. “Meet you on the dock?”
Alfie nodded and Damien walked away. He turned, peering down at me, searching me to see what kind of damage control he needed to do.
“Are we good?”
“We’re good but our drama isn’t my priority right now, Keira is.” I softened my tone, trying to take the bite out of it but his jaw clenched all the same. I knew being put in second place riled up all of Alfie’s insecurities but he needed to get over it for today.
After a moment, he let go. “Okay, I’ll see you later.”
I watched him go, easily catching up to Damien. I took a deep breath and went to find Keira. I’d been relieved to see Alfie still in one piece after their chat but I couldn’t help but worry how many pieces he’d left my best friend in.
Thirty-Seven
Ifound Keira perched on the wall, legs dangling over the edge. I sat next to her, my back to the ocean and slipped my hand into hers.
She was quiet for a while, lost in her thoughts before she finally spoke. “My parents are a pair of shits.”
“That is not new information.” It was harsh but true. Keira’s parents had treated her like crap more times than I could count but she’d always laughed it off and moved on, even if the barbs had still stung. Today was different. “They embarrassed you in front of Damien.”
I felt her stiffen next to me, her pride wounded. She didn’t like me knowing she cared what Damien thought of her. “I just don’t need him seeing my weak spots.”
I didn’t respond, only bit my lip, trying not to laugh.
She side-eyed me. “What?”
“You won’t like it.”
“Tell me anyway.”
Okay, she’d asked for it. “You remind me of Alfie sometimes.” She gave me an incredulous look. “The raging sense of inadequacy, the promiscuity, the stony exterior, the walls so high that no one is getting up there.”
She snorted. “Plus we’re both gorgeous.”
“Did you just pay Alfie a compliment?” I gasped dramatically.
“I guess the creep is growing on me.”
“And Damien?” I asked. “He growing on you too?”
“Yeah,” she deadpanned, “like a fungus.”
I burst out laughing and despite herself, she was biting back a smile too. “You ever consider that maybe the reason you’re so pickled over him is because he can hold his own against you?” I studied her profile, her lips forming an anxious pout. “What is it?”
