Page 81 of Beta Team-The Saviors: Part One
“And what? Leave another note?” I shove my shoes on and turn to face him. “It’s a packed bar, Ari. You can protect me there.”
“Why won’t you just listen to me?”
“Because you’re overreacting! This is my livelihood, Ari. This would be a different conversation if we knew this was a direct threat to me. You even said it might be a direct threat to you. I don’t see you getting locked up like some precious princess, and I refuse to do it. I agreed to stay here with you, but I didn’t agree to be held prisoner.” I brush past him and yank the door open. “Go or stay. Either way, I’m going.”
Ari grabs my arm in the hallway and spins me around. He backs me up until my back hits the wall. “You aren’t going alone.”
“Then get your fucking boots on, and let’s go.” I cross my arms over my chest, pissed off even though my body reacts to him being so close.
“I should spank your ass,” Ari growls, and my eyes narrow, trying to hide how his words really affect me. He pushes off the wall and goes into his room. I blow out a breath once he’s out of earshot and head downstairs.
Tyler grins when he sees me walk into the living room. “He’s so going to tear your ass up later.”
“Whatever,” I grumble.
Ari walks past me without a word, leaving me to follow behind him. He goes to his truck and jerks open the passenger side door. I have to fight a smile because I know he’s mad at me, but he still opens the door for me. I climb inside, and he slams it behind me. When he gets in and slams his door, I laugh. “What’s so funny?” he barks, starting the truck and pulling from the driveway.
“Your temper tantrum.”
“I’m not having a temper tantrum.” I see headlights flash behind us and don’t want to say how relieved I am to see Tyler’s Camaro. I just hope they’re going to High Flyer to run interference. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I understand,” I say, softening my tone. “But I have to work, Ari.”
Ari finally sighs, some of the tension leaving his body. “I know you do. And I’m not trying to hold you prisoner. But if I even hint any danger, I’m pulling you out.”
“Deal,” I say easily because I know there won’t be. I know High Flyer will be packed since there’s a football game on tonight. No one in their right mind would try anything.
We drive the rest of the way in silence, and Ari pulls in behind the building, throwing his truck into park. He climbs out and opens my door. When my feet hit the ground, he shuts the door and backs me against it. His lips land on mine, kissing me roughly. Ari’s arm wraps around my waist like an anchor, and I wrap mine around his neck. When he grinds against me, I can’t stop the greedy ass moan that leaves my mouth. His other hand slides down and grabs my ass in a tight grip.Fuck.I know I need to open up the bar, but I really want to climb back in the truck and ride him until we both come. Someone wolf whistles, and we jerk apart. Tyler walks toward us with Gavin behind him, with that damn grin on his face.
“Show him who’s boss, Gramps.”
Ari grabs my hand and drags me to the alley door, waiting for me to key in the code. The lock clicks, and I open the door for us to walk through. “I’ll show you who’s boss, you little fucker.” The door shuts behind us, and Ari spins around, grabs Tyler by the throat, and slams his back against the door. Gavin shakes his head and steps to the side like this is an everyday thing. Which, with Tyler, it is. Ari pushes into Tyler’s face, and I notice Tyler is still grinning from ear to ear. Ari tightens his hand, and Tyler’s breath leaves him in a whoosh. “Is that what you want? You want me to bend you over somewhere and remind you who’s boss?”
Gavin snorts and throws his arm over my shoulders. “He’d like it.”
“Promises, promises, Papi” Tyler wheezes.
Ari rolls his eyes, but they drift to Tyler’s lips, which are puckered. I wait with my breath held, but Ari takes a step back. I can see the disappointment on Tyler’s face, but he masks it with that grin. “Keep pushing me, Tyler.”
Ari leaves the backroom, no doubt to sweep the rest of the bar. Tyler’s smile drops from his face as soon as the door shuts behind Ari. He doesn’t say a word; just slowly walks into the bar.
“Shit,” Gavin mutters, pulling me closer to his side. What the hell just happened? It’s like Ari talked himself out of acting on what he wanted. And he really wanted to kiss Tyler.
I need to get to the bottom of it.
27
KEON
After Tyler, Gavin, Ari, and Jason left for the bar, I told Kira I would take her to the dorm to pack some stuff. I wasn’t sure if we were overreacting, but we were too exposed there. I wasn’t taking any chances with her after the threat on Jason. If it even was a threat to him. I’m more convinced that it’s aimed toward Ari, and that makes it a thousand times worse since I know his full background.
I reach over, grab Kira’s hand in the passenger side seat, and kiss her knuckles. She gives me that breathtaking smile and blushes. “Why are you so quiet, Mama?”
“Just thinking.”
“About?”
She turns in the seat a little so she can look at me. “Are you worried something might happen?”
