“What’s Kirk saying about any of this?”
“Fucking nothing. He’s leaving it to me. When I make a suggestion, he acts like I’m an idiot. I know he’s testing me and I get that shit, but people are dying. Not just fucking loser druggies and dealers either. Kids and average folks are getting caught in the crosshair. The Devils don’t care, but I do. I’m not turning into a monster to do this job.”
“Have you asked Farah for advice?” I said when I saw her moving closer like a predator leisurely making its way towards its prey.
“She’s not…”
“Ask your woman. She might say something that helps things click for you. Trust me that Farah brings out the best in you, so maybe she can get your big fat brain to work.”
Laughing, Cooper slugged me in the arm. “Asshole.”
“Maybe, but I’m right. Oh, hell, here she comes and I sense you two will be sneaking off for a quickie.”
“Fuck sneak off,” Cooper said, still grinning. “We’re married. We just announce we’re going to fuck then go fuck. We’re in a committed relationship, so we can act mature like that.”
Now, I was the one laughing and I didn’t stop once Farah cuddled up with her beast.
“I heard you’re having dinner with Lark,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. “Hurry up and marry her, so we can double date and annoy Vaughn.”
“Can’t you double date with Tawny and Judd?”
Cooper and Farah laughed. “Yeah, right,” they said in unison, causing me to wonder if their brains had merged from too much sex.
“If I have my way, Lark will be mine.”
“He’s stalking her,” Cooper told Farah. “Draws pictures of her naked too.”
Farah laughed and pated my cheek. “Romantic.”
“Clearly, I’ve fucked her brains out,” Cooper said and she gave him the pissed wife look. Sighing, he lowered his gaze and mumbled, “Yes, ma’am.”
Watching them do their obnoxious married thing, I tried my hardest not to be a jealous bastard wishing I had what they did. Despite my best efforts, I failed.
Chapter Seven - Lark
As a bad liar, I struggled to act casual as Dylan dropped me off at the Hampton library. Instead of just telling me what time to wait for him, he turned off his Harley and joined me on the sidewalk.
“What are you doing?” I asked, hiding my horror.
“You seem weird. I just got a feeling I should stick around.”
“You want to come into the library while I study for a few hours?”
“Sure.”
“Why?”
“I got a feeling. I told you.”
Panicking, I glanced around. “You can’t come in.”
“Why?” he growled, fully suspicious now.
“It’s embarrassing to have my brother sitting there while I study with my friends.”
“I’m not your brother.”
“That’s how they see you,” I said then added, “It’s how I see you.”
Dylan’s frown darkened. “I was nineteen when our parents married. You’re not my sister.”
Staring up into his angry dark eyes, I wished he was angry enough to storm off. “If you’re not my brother, why are you treating me like your little sister who needs babying?”
“I’m protecting you.”
“I don’t need protecting. I need to study with my friends without you watching us like my warden.”
Grumpy now, Dylan glanced around then stepped closer. “I’m keeping you safe. Now, you said you needed to study, so let’s go.”
Walking with Dylan, I felt depression rising up inside me. I had dreamed of spending time alone with Aaron. Did the handsome artist feel like I did? Could we be something special together? Now, I wouldn’t know because Aaron wouldn’t forgive me for standing him up.
Inside the library, my study buddies waited. Nick and Selena frowned when Dylan appeared.
“He’s keeping me safe,” I said, answering their questioning looks.
Dylan grunted, clearly irritated to see me studying with a guy. His jealousy gave me an idea.
“Nick, you need a haircut,” I said, pushing his long dark bangs out of his green eyes. “You look like a cute little puppy.”
Staring at me, Nick took a moment to figure out my sudden flirty interest in him. He smiled and reached for my bangs.
“I like how you’re growing your hair out.”
Selena ignored us both, but I saw her grin as if in on the joke.
“This is what you call studying?” Dylan muttered, sitting closer now.
Nick and I smiled then I stood up. “I want to get cleaned up. You know, before we study,” I said, grinning at Nick again.
Dylan focused his glare on Nick who only smiled. “Your sister is hot, but I’m sure you’re used to guys saying that.”
“She’s not my sister,” Dylan growled.