The Reluctant Hero

20

Come On Get Up

Amanda

Sunday morning, I wake up with the mother of all hangovers and lounge in bed for most of the day like a useless lump. Most of the night is hazy, but from what I remember, I had a great time. They all gave me advice ranging from passive aggression to dirty office sex or even illegal activities. The alcohol helped me get over Max being a jackass, and he introduced me to his partner Trevor and told me about their polyamorous lifestyle. It sounded as comforting as it was confusing.

I remember making Shade stand on the dance floor to sing, and the romantic song he picked made me cry and hug South to congratulate her again. I tried to text South’s bestie an apology after I was informed she was sick and couldn’t come to celebrate. South took her phone back, erased it and said, “You’ll meet her later.”

She and Shade promised to work as a couple to keep Loser away from me, which made me cry again.

After that, it was mainly standing outside to puke and the wobble of shame to the truck. Max had to help me get in as well.

At some point, I added him to my phone contacts. It took me a while to figure out who Mnjuazxsd was. The abundant middle finger emojis should have clued me in. Now, I have to figure out who Aswtryugh is. The black heart emoji seems like a one-off.

An onslaught of texts started around two in the afternoon. They’re useless texts with one letter followed up by an, are you awake yet ? Then a, how’s the hangover , and an evil face. I thought it might be Shade. He’s proven himself to be pretty sassy and quick with the comebacks. It wasn't until Max started venting about his girlfriend’s pregnancy that I figured it out.

I binge-watch a show on my phone and have junk food delivered. All in all, it was a perfect day—as long as I ignore Max.

Monday morning dawns with a lot of dread. My motto is now to be quiet, get a paycheck, and get out. The money is worth the hassle—the game isn’t. I can knuckle under for a little longer, and now I can find a lawyer without leaving the comfort of my apartment.

I step out of the complex, ignoring the taunting sight of the mailbox, and stop in surprise.

Ace is waiting for me with clenched fists and grinding teeth. He doesn’t stop pacing back and forth a short distance from the door as his eyes narrow on me. The predatory stalk is a little concerning. His shirt is wrinkled like he slept in it.

“Good morning?” I ask hesitantly, raising my eyebrows. This is not how I expected my day to start.

“No, it ain’t,” he assures me.

Both brows go up in surprise at the almost violent tone.

My phone chimes, probably a text from Max, and Ace’s eyes narrow on my purse.

“You got a new phone?” he asks softly. The sound of it is dangerous as his eyes slowly drift up to meet mine. He’s no longer moving.

“I did,” I answer in confusion.

“When?”

“Saturday,” my brows start to furrow at this weird interrogation. Why is he here? And asking me questions like a jealous boyfriend? We shared one kiss, I got brushed off, and we haven’t spent any time together since.

“Give me the number.”

My eyes widen at the demand. I’m left gaping as he stalks closer to me.

“You didn’t show up to the gym Saturday, and I couldn’t find you. I was good yesterday, and I let you be because you were safe at home. That’s over now.”

Everyone kept telling me I was missed on Saturday, and they made it sound like something dramatic. Is he why?

“What did you do?” I give him a stern look.

He leans back, his overbearing attitude taking a backseat for a minute. “What do you mean?”

“South caught up with me at the mall, and we hung out. She said I was missed like it was a big deal, and I blew it off. What did you do?”

“I couldn’t fuckin’ find you, woman! I lost my shit!” His face begins to redden in anger as his volume rises.

I’m back to gaping at him in disbelief.

“I’m right here and fine,” I sputter out.

“I see that,” he seethes. “I saw it last night when I broke in to see if you were home yet. Reekin’ of liquor and passed out. What the fuck were you thinkin’, Manda?”

“We took shots every time South threatened bodily harm to someone. I guess I am pretty lucky to be alive.” Now that I think about it, a phantom headache revisits me. “And we were safe! Designated drivers and all the bells and whistles. Did you just say you broke into my apartment?”

“I did,” he snarls. I’ve read about that sound but never heard it in person. It’s pretty intimidating. “I don’t give a fuck if you’re mad about it. I was losin’ my mind!”

“Why?” I can’t help the complete surprise on my face which seems to make him madder.

“You wanna go out drinkin’? Fine. No problem. With me. Or Mikael and Gabe. Even those fuckers Cade and Jake. Not with people we hardly know that are dangerous as fuck! Not with none of us knowin’ where you were or if you were safe.”

“Too bad,” I laugh in his face. Not the best call, but he’s pissing me off. No one gets to call the shots on what I do anymore.

“Too bad,” he starts panting with rage, and I want to backtrack quickly when his voice drops lower, almost to a whisper. “You’re two seconds away from gettin’ hauled across my lap, and your ass walloped. Change the tone before you dig deeper.”

“Ace,” I struggle to calm my voice and get through to him. “We don’t know each other.”

“The fuck we don’t,” he snaps. “Give me the number before I take it through other means.”

What the fuck?

“Listen up, asshole,” I start yelling, leaning forward to put my face near his. “No one gets to decide what I do or don’t do anymore. Only me ! You want to be a dick to someone? Go hit up the landlord because I’m not putting up with it!”

“But Gabe gets to, right?” His nose presses to mine, so I’m caught up in the fiery rage in his eyes.

“Not anymore. I’ve been backsliding ever since that shit started, and I’m done with it. He gets me as a professional, and that’s it. A game isn’t worth all the depression I’ve had to deal with. South is the one that made me really think about it, and I don’t regret spending time with them. You have no rights over me unless I say so!”

“I fuckin’ knew it,” his voice drops suddenly, the rage going down to a simmer. “I saw it, and Gabe was convinced it was an act.”

“I don’t care,” I insist. “I’ll walk in and tell him he won, so he’ll leave me the fuck alone. As a matter of fact, I’m going to pack up those files, and you’re going to help me carry the box downstairs so I don’t ever have to see him again. How do you like that?”

“I don’t,” he mutters grimly. “I want you close, not dancin’ in the file room without me.”

I’m not sure how to reply to that. I more headbang, but that’s no one’s business.

“Mikael told me about the bullshit game you both started. He thought you were fine, too. Cade and Jake are the only ones with a fuckin’ clue. It amazes the shit out of me.”

“I. Don’t. Care.” I tell him with firm claps of my hands to emphasize it. “The game is over as of today.”

He never has to know that his meltdown is what decided it. Seeing him treat me like an object instead of a person and seeing nothing wrong with it brought the situation into focus. They all treat me like something to move around wherever they want. I’ve been letting it happen. There has to be some kind of magical middle ground here. I just have to be motivated to find it.

“Alright then,” he nods, his brow furrowing more thoughtfully. “I’ll help, and I’ll go with you.”

My eyes widen in surprise. That was not what I was expecting. Motivation just found me.

“Why?” I blurt out with a fluttering sensation in my stomach. What is wrong with me? First, I’m screaming at him and now I’m waiting like a girl with a crush to see if he circles yes on the note I passed him.

“Because you won’t have to explain shit to them,” he tells me, his eyes flicking between mine. “I told them it was goin’ sour, and they blew me off. When I’m right on your ass leavin’, they won’t be able to pretend they aren’t dicks.”

“Oh,” I deflate. He does have a somewhat confusing but solid point.

“And I want you next to me all the fuckin’ time. I don’t even like you sittin’ at that desk without me.”

I blink in surprise as he grips my chin, and his lips slam into mine. My shock parted my lips, so it’s easy for his tongue to invade my mouth and take over. I melt into him like no time has passed since the first kiss.

He has a fierce concentration that’s devouring but savoring at the same time. It ignites me in ways only he can. A faint tickle of concern comes up and gets squashed when his arms wrap around me to bring my body flush to his.

“Missed you,” he mutters against my lips, placing smaller kisses along my bottom lip as I catch my breath.

“I’ve been right in front of you,” I protest weakly.

“Yeah. A picture that I can’t touch. I’m not doin’ it anymore.” The next kiss bends me back over his arm with force.

I grab his shirt at his waist to hold on because I need it. He’s making my knees weak as I meet his ferocity with my own. All the pent-up anger goes into it, leaving me biting his lip and licking the sting away. It sends a thrill through me that’s heightened when he moans.

It surprises me, too. I’ve never been this aggressive before, and I’m not sure what that means.

He starts walking backward, pulling me with him without separating us. When his tongue runs over the bite, it slicks across my lips making my breaths come heavier.

“Gotta get you to work,” he growls. “Gonna be late.”

“So?” I nibble along his jaw, and he slams into something, making him halt in his tracks.

“You’re layin’ the law down on Gabe, and we ain’t missin’ that, darlin’. Needs doin’. Get in the truck.”

He turns me and lets me go. I’m standing next to a fancy red truck that I’ll need a handle and the running board to get into. Before I can speak, he has the door open, and his hand warms the small of my back as he guides me. As soon as I set one foot on the running board, his hands are at my hips, helping, and they linger.

“Hands off,” I start laughing and spin to sit down.

“I’ll try, but I ain’t makin’ any promises,” he grins at me. The turnaround in his mood reminds me of Shade’s reaction to South. It makes the warmth in my stomach flutter around in excitement.

He gets in and takes me to work while I start floundering in confusion. Weren’t we pissed at each other a second ago? And he brushed me off. Right? Or did my past take over that interaction?

We ride past the gated entrance to the VIP parking lot, and I let out a sigh of relief. This means I don’t have to walk by the front desk to see if flowers are waiting for me.

Ace is a complete gentleman, opening doors and placing his hand on my lower back to guide me like I’m something precious to him. It makes me feel delicate, something I’m strangely ok with while my brain is insisting I don’t need it. Although, if he can put up with my bad attitude and still treat me like a lady he’s worth his weight in gold. So am I, since I’m putting up with him in return.

When he escorts me into the office, I’m met with several glares. The harshest from Matthias himself.

“You’re late,” he says in his frosty tone.

Cade is in Ace’s place with a scowl and crossed arms. Jake has a hip propped on the corner of Matthias’ desk and his friendly smile is nowhere in sight. Mikael is looking between Ace and me with suspicion.

“If I am, it's by seconds. Ace drives like a maniac. Let’s get this over with,” I prop my fists on my hips and look at each of them with a disappointed shake of my head. “The game is over. You win. I’m not bending over backward for you anymore. I can’t take the flashbacks. I’m getting the files and going to the filing room, or you’re firing me. Either way, I’m not staying up here to listen to any more abusive bullshit. Six years of it was enough.”

Ace promptly walks to the mini desk and starts packing up the files. Matthias watches with a blank expression. Mikael’s arms drop to his sides, his expression becoming concerned. The other two look confused.

“What makes you think you can dictate terms to me?” Matthias’ eyes snap back to my defiant expression and narrow.

My eyes meet his, my rage competing with his freeze-out tactic. “I’ve put up with it because I wanted to win. It was a mistake that cost me, and it isn’t worth my mental health. I’ll be professional, and you’ll forget I exist. Even trade. No more games.”

Matthias opens his mouth to give a cutting rebuttal, and Ace interrupts him with snarling rage.

“She got blackout drunk on Saturday with people she hardly knows because of this shit. Believe me now? It’s done , Gabe.”

The words seem to startle Mikael and Matthias. Their concern starts bleeding out as they watch Ace roughly stuffing files into the box.

“Or because it was fun?” I sputter out. He makes it sound like I went out to drown my sorrows. Wait, I was. Shit.

Ace gives me a sneer. “How many times have you gotten drunk like that?”

The answer would be never. I’ve never had the urge to do anything like it before. I cringe a little, which makes Ace nod angrily.

“Never. That’s fuckin’ spiralin’ darlin’.”

“Are there no Gs in your alphabet?” I snap back petulantly.

“ Get your ass downstairs,” he tells me slowly without a trace of his accent.

“I was kidding,” I protest with wide eyes. “I didn’t have any other comebacks that were burn-worthy.”

“This is my fault,” Mikael says with a frown. “Amanda, I’m sorry I suggested it.”

The apology surprises me, and it shows because Mikael looks really worried as he takes in my expression. He sounds sincere. Does he feel guilty?

I flounder for a second. The anger stifled for the moment at his earnest expression. A man that big looking vulnerable is not something a woman is prepared for and it makes me melt into a puddle. I want that to stop ASAP.

“Well, shit,” I sputter out in bewilderment. “I’m the one that agreed to the act. I didn’t think about it until it was too late. It’s not like you knew what would happen any more than I did.”

“He gets let off the fuckin’ hook?” Ace looks enraged over it.

“Look at him!” I protest defensively. “He’s actually sorry, and it’s hitting me in the feels!”

“ I was actually sorry, and you treated me like shit,” Cade snaps and gives Mikael a dirty look.

“You didn’t mean that,” I glare at him. He turns to me in surprise. “Your I’m sorry came with a recommendation for me not to be stuck up. I never said anything to either of you in that class. How is that stuck up? Because I didn’t flop at your feet like a dead fish when you walked in? Grow up. The first chance you got, you went back to it, so stuff your apologies up your ass.”

Jake chuckles, his smile reappearing. I’ve got nothing on him. He hasn’t apologized for anything or really spoken to me. He’s background noise I don’t worry about.

Matthias stands up, and we all get quiet as he braces his hands on his desk.

“I apologize,” he tells me in a strained tone. His face remains pretty blank, but he sounds as honest as Mikael. “I didn’t think of how I acted affecting you beyond making you angry. I should have known after meeting Blake, and I glossed over it. You’re right. It’s stopping now, and we can go back to what it was before this. Within reason. You don’t have to leave.”

“And the files are sensitive information,” Cade reminds him darkly.

“That’s also true,” Matthias agrees. “I don’t want any of that information leaking out to tip Blake off.”

My mouth drops open. He’s openly admitting that he’s using whatever I’m highlighting to do something to Loser. Not mafia, my ass. But there are a lot of questions here. I should have been asking them before, but I shoved my head in the sand to get some money.

“And you have me handling it? That makes no sense. Just touching it makes me an accomplice to whatever the fuck you’re doing, damn it. Just highlight the names, Amanda. Everything is fine. What’s in there? No, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”

I eye the files with trepidation. Simple highlighting just became a vampire to ward off with garlic and crosses.

“You haven’t read any of it?” Cade asks me with a narrow-eyed glare of suspicion.

“I am not a willing participant in the mystery team. I’ve seen nothing but pretty pinks and blues with an occasional splash of yellow.” Maybe if I keep maintaining that, I’ll start to believe it. Yelling at him helps. What’s the big deal about purchasing and selling properties?

“The yellow is Blake, and the blue is the names on your list. What’s pink again?” Ace asks and pulls out a file to inspect. It’s wrinkled up because of his abuse.

“Lawyers and judges,” I admit tensely. “I mean, the first one I noticed is Loser’s best friend from college. I guess I hate lawyers now. I don’t know. I was going to cross-reference them with the places I called to see if I missed a unicorn lawyer out there who would accept my case. It’s starting to look like I’ve hit most of them. There’s a bunch in there. Mostly his golf buddies.”

Ace’s eyes meet Matthias’ and both their expressions cool as they turn to me.

“Is that all you’ve noticed?” He asks me carefully.

“Well, that and the fact it’s all property stuff,” my shoulders tense. “Loser never mentioned an interest in it. And if that kind of money was moving around I never saw any signs of it in our joint account. He has to have another account somewhere. Or someone else paid for it. Maybe Judge Fullerton? Her name pops up a lot . Nosy ex-wife suspicion took over for a second, or I slipped into a coma from boredom. The woman is old enough to be his grandmother. I seriously doubt her picture is going to show up in the mail.”

Everyone’s attention is on me with an intensity that makes me want to hide. My defensiveness has started coming out because I can’t read their expressions. They look mad, but I just don’t know!

“What?” I ask defensively. “Stop looking at me like that. It’s creeping me out.”

“Keep going with what you’re doing,” Matthias sits back down with a tense expression. “The next time you notice something that strikes you as unusual, tell us. We could have used that information last week.”

And I was too busy playing games and acting like a meek mouse. Then the depression fog set in, and nothing else penetrated.

They were meeting Loser all week last week. How is anything I highlighted helpful? They have all the documents right here. What do they need me for?

“Is this stuff dangerous? What am I even doing here?” I ask weakly as Ace sets down a file and pulls another. He stops, and his eyes sharpen on my pale face.

“Not dangerous for you,” he says fiercely.

I look at Matthias instead. Ace is the type to protect me. Matthias is the type to throw me to the wolves. He’ll be brutally honest.

“Do not talk about anything you’re doing up here,” he tells me, his calm, frosty tone returning as he eyes me. “To anyone. And you’re here for the little tidbits you’ve been giving us.”

What tidbits? Does that mean when all this is over with, I’m in big trouble? I gulp and give the files wide eyes of horror. Move over scary movies. I found a replacement to terrify me at night in the form of random names, property purchases, and non-mafia.

I have a horrible feeling that the end of this is going to be the end of me.

But that’s morbid and paranoid. I’m highlighting , for fuck’s sake.

“So if I die mysteriously, you guys will investigate it, right? Maybe avenge my honor?” My voice is weak as I throw the joke out. I’m hoping someone laughs like I’m being an idiot. When no one does, my heart starts to sink more.

“What honor?”

My gaze narrows as I slowly turn my head to take in Matthias’ smug face.

“Nice one,” I flip him off without much heat behind it. “You’re such a joy to be around, Matthias.”

Several of the men around him wince, and Mikael starts shaking his head. Matthias leans forward, his expression blanking out to a frozen mask.

“My name is Gabriel. Use it.”

“My bad,” I rear back in surprise. “I didn’t want to call my boss by his first name. How professional of me. The horror.”

“Don’t.” That’s all I get in return before he focuses on his paperwork.

I give Mikael a baffled look, and he pointedly jerks his chin to my mini desk.

So my boss has a problem with his last name. Why? He’s rich because of it. What’s the big deal? This screams family issues, and I’m not walking any further into that minefield.

Head down and work. Collect paycheck and go home. My mission in life.

But this guy needs to loosen up. If he keeps this iceman persona intact, he’ll eventually freeze solid.

And why do I care? This isn’t me working.

I blink and realize I’ve been staring at Gabriel for who knows how long with a concerned frown. Mikael is watching me with a raised brow. I stick my tongue out at him and start getting files out again.

Around lunch time, the doors open, and Shade walks in with Vanessa following him, ranting.

“You don’t have an appointment, sir!”

“It’s alright,” Matthias waves a hand at Vanessa as he leans back, seeming confused at the sudden interruption. “What are you doing here?”

Shade looks around at each of them, his cold gaze assessing. I notice they all seem tense at his arrival. Cade stands, and Jake hops the back of the couch to lean back against it in a graceful move I envy. Mikael and Ace are more relaxed, but they slide closer to Gabriel. Some of them are subtle, others blatantly untrusting.

Isn’t Shade his brother? Are they enemies, and I’m about to watch a fistfight? Where’s my popcorn?

A muscle ticks in Shade’s jaw, and then he sees me and turns my way, surprising me even more. He pulls a chair from in front of Gabriel’s desk over to my table and drops into it, legs sprawled, to toss his sunglasses on the table between us. I close the file I’m working on so he can’t see the contents. Maybe he’s in the non-mafia, maybe he isn’t. I’m choosing caution.

“Hey, Shade,” I scoff. “Who sent you here to shake the day up?”

“South,” he returns in his dead voice.

I glance at his hand with an overdone, wide-eyed look. He starts scowling.

“No ring ? Which one of you is being lazy?” I taunt him.

“We special ordered them,” he bites back, his blank face cracking down the center. “Stop being an ass for five seconds.”

“Not possible,” I inform him blandly. Then I start singing in the loudest, whiney voice possible. “Shade’s getting married.”

“Shut the fuck up.” His words are harsh but I can tell he’s still riding high about it. His cheeks are flushing and he’s struggling with a smile.

“You’re not going to need a sedative on the day, right? Max is big enough he can prop you up, but-”

He cuts through my mocking and shuts me up with one sentence.

“No more flowers.”

I lean back, and a rough cough of air comes out like he punched me in the stomach. Just like that? How?

I shake my head, but my expression is hopeful. “Really?”

Shade smirks and sees my lunch bag, pulling it towards him to dig out the chips and start eating. I’m so excited I don’t even care about it.

“Really,” he says smugly. “Justin Blake, codename Loser , is having some difficulties with his credit cards. Every single florist in town and online can’t seem to get any of them to work.”

“No,” I say breathlessly, but I’m bouncing in my seat. “You did that?”

“Did what? I don’t manage his money,” he claps back with a grin.

“Get up, fucker. I’m taking you to lunch,” I squeal with excitement as I grab my purse.

“Can’t,” he quickly cuts my excitement off. Before I can protest, he adds, “I’m meeting South for lunch.”

“Touche,” I drop back into my seat with a huff. “No interrupting the engaged couple’s date.”

His eyes narrow on me, but Gabriel pipes up.

“You’re getting married? How did you know that?” The violent look he sends my way raises my eyebrow.

“I am,” Shade says in a voice overflowing with satisfaction. “And she knows because she’s the one that gave South the idea.”

“You’re welcome,” I tell him sweetly and pat myself on the back.

“Fuck you,” he says back with a smile.

“You weren’t going to tell me?” Gabriel’s frown gets a little more like a pout, which surprises me. The icy rich kid is throwing a mini-fit. Definite family issues are all over the place. Red flags are waving. I’m pissed on his behalf for some reason, and I round on Shade quickly.

“You didn’t tell your brother ? What the fuck, Shade?” I lean across the table to slap his arm.

“I was hungover all fucking day yesterday because of your celebration shots. Cut me some slack. And it’s the other reason I’m here, wedding planner,” he sneers at me and stands up to face Gabriel. “I wanted to ask if you would be interested in being my best man.”

Oh, Max is going to be so jealous. I crack up at the thought.

“What’s so funny about that?” Gabriel asks in a voice filled with tension. Behind his frozen personality, he’s fuming because he thinks I’m laughing at him. I shut his thoughts down quickly.

“I’m imagining you explaining it to Max because he’s convinced he’s Shade’s bestie. Get ready for a lot of dirty looks and pouting. He’s an expert at sass, too. I can get you those noise-canceling headphones if you want.”

“Of course, he thinks that,” Shade shakes his head with a sigh.

“Let Max down easy, pookie,” I suggest with a teasing grin. Gabriel blinks at me in surprise.

“He hasn’t said yes.” Now, Shade’s voice is tense. There’s an undercurrent between them that’s rocky. He’s obviously reaching a hand over the waters and waiting to see if Gabriel will reciprocate.

“He doesn’t have to,” I toss a hand in Gabriel’s direction. “He’s practically squealing like a schoolgirl over there. Look at that face of excitement.”

Shade takes in the frozen expression and turns back to me with a flat look.

“I’d be honored,” is all Gabriel says in a cold-as-ice tone.

“See?” I give Shade an I told you so look. He’s too busy staring at Matthias to notice.

“About time,” Ace says with a laugh and crosses the floor to give Shade a bro hug. Mikael is next in line with a wide grin.

“Congratulations,” Mikael says and grips Shade’s shoulder to shake him like he’s waking him up. “We’ll all be there with bells on.”

Aww, it’s so damn sweet. And the shocked look on Shade’s face makes it epic. I steal a quick photo to give to South later.

“No,” Shade turns to me with a snap. I startle at his look of anger. “South has asked me to make sure you delete the video you took Saturday.”

He says it like he’s trying to save me from a horrifying death.

“What video?” I ask in confusion.

“Singing?” He reminds me with raised brows.

I think back through the blurry haze while Cade starts laughing.

“Amanda got you up for karaoke? How?”

“I’m serious, Amanda. It’s one of her… pet peeves,” Shade insists. He’s starting to look a little pale.

I pull up my videos, and there it is. A blurry image of Shade using a beer bottle as a microphone. The angle is skewed horribly.

“Oh shit,” I start laughing. “I remember now. I saved it for her for later.”

“It doesn’t matter,” he says darkly. “She doesn’t like anyone having pictures of me.”

I take in his serious expression and feel my heart drop. I guess pet peeve translates into dead meat.

“Well, shit. Not even if it’s for her as a surprise? I wanted her bestie to embarrass you guys with it at your wedding. Can I send it to you to send to her? Then you can watch me delete it as proof I don’t have it anymore. Wait, can I have your number, or will she be pissed about that too? Or do I have it already? Does this number ring any bells?” I hold up the phone with the mysterious second contact pulled up.

His mouth moves for a second as he considers, and then he pulls his phone out to shoot off a text. When he receives a reply, his hands drop, and he gives me a dubious look.

“What the hell are you doing to the people around me? Anything you do is ok.”

“I yell a lot?” I tell him with a shrug. “People are learning to fear short women with anger issues. Get over it. What’s your number?”

He snaps the phone out of my hands angrily and plays with it for a second.

“Is being a complete dick hereditary?” I glare. I ignore the scowl Gabriel gives me over it.

“Yes,” Shade says flatly and hands it back. “The number was fake. Nobody has 111 as an area code, dipshit. Stop letting Max play with your phone.”

“You deleted everything, right?” I double check to make sure and don’t find the picture or video. I sag with relief. “Sweet. Never touch my shit again.”

“Don’t have to now,” he says with a sly smirk. “The wedding is in two weeks. A small affair, hopefully.”

I glance up from my phone, surprised to find him looking at me instead of Gabriel.

“Why are you telling me ?”

He slips his sunglasses onto his face with an evil smile. “South wants you there. You’re going.”

I drop my head back with a groan. “No. No fucking weddings for me. Ever again. I’ll stand outside and form a solo mosh pit instead. It counts.”

“You can walk in on your own, or you can have the tied up and sedated option,” he tells me. He sounds serious.

“Fuck you,” I snap back and toss a highlighter at him. “Be happy and smug somewhere else, dick.”

“Have a great lunch, asshole,” he tells me ominously. It makes me wish I could actually hit what I aim at. “I’ll get you the info as soon as I get it, Gabe. Be sure to share it with your toxic assistant here.”

I raise both middle fingers and watch Shade smirk.

Gabriel nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Shade?”

“What?” He turns towards the door, ready to leave, as his face goes blank again.

“Thank you. I really am honored. And congratulations.”

Shade’s shoulders tense up before he nods and leaves, closing the door behind him.

I snatch the lunch bag up and see that the only thing left is the sandwich. How did he steal the chocolate without me noticing it?

“That asshole,” I mutter in rage.

“How did you do it?” Cade is suddenly in front of me, knocking the bag out of my hand with a severe expression.

“Do what? And ow , dick. Stop hitting me.” It didn’t hurt but it’s the principle of it.

“You got Shade engaged and singing in one night. He talked to you. What else do you have planned?”

I give him wide eyes of disbelief. “I didn’t have that planned. I was trying to distract South from chopping off body parts, and it’s the first shocking thing I could think of! Then she got all serious about it, and I had to become a therapist for a few minutes. End of story.”

“And the singing?” He presses with a cocky grin.

“Tequila,” I tell him slowly. “I can’t remember half the night.”

“What?” Ace says through gritted teeth.

“Do not start, Ace. South was the designated driver, and Trevor was the wrangler to keep us in line,” I frown at him. “We all had jobs that night. Mine was to relax and let loose finally. Shade, too, I guess. We were the main drinkers. Max wasn’t even hung over, the asshat.”

“Trevor?” Mikael raises a judgmental brow.

“And Max,” Cade leans back and crosses his arms, suddenly pissed.

“Where was our invite?” Jake asks with a pout.

“It wasn’t a working weekend,” I say sweetly.

“Maybe they should be,” Mikael glances at Gabriel, who stares at me with a cold glare.

“I won’t listen to whatever law you guys think you’re about to lay down,” I inform them calmly. I’m not pissed, it’s a fact they can learn to live with, or they can fuck off. “None of you have any hold over my life.”

“Money,” Cade says with a sly grin.

“As I said this morning, that’s not going to work. I can get a job anywhere and I can save up. If I have to, I'll move back to my hometown and start from scratch. There aren’t any limits to my freedom.”

Would another job pay me as much? No. Would moving home be absolute misery in the form of blind dates? Yes. Am I free while I’m still married? Not really. There are a lot of holes in my theories but I’m ignoring them to prove a not-so-valid point.

I lean closer to him, crooking my finger for him to come closer as if I’m going to tell him a secret.

He smirks and obliges me.

“Did Loser’s money keep me?” The words were meant to taunt, but they sound more like a bitter challenge.

His smile drops as his eyes flick between mine. He leans back with a frown.

“If it wasn’t the money, then why did you stay with him?” he asks me point blank as if he has any right to know. He looks really invested in my answer, though.

“I was stupid,” I tell him tensely. “I thought he loved me. He won that round for six fucking years. I’m getting the title back if it kills me.”

“What was Shade talking about? What flowers?” Ace interrupts. Cade scowls at him for the interruption.

“Loser has been sending them to me for a week. Harriette’s allergies are killing her,” I admit with a disgusted sneer.

“What?” Mikael asks in a low, deadly voice.

I blink in surprise, warily taking in his suddenly vicious expression.

“I can take care of it,” Jake offers with a happy wave.

“Shade already did,” I tell them with a frown. Jake doesn’t look pleased about it.

“And you didn’t think to tell us?” Gabriel’s voice has gone ice cold.

“No?” I give him a skeptical look. “Why would you care? You’ve been hanging out with him the whole time and believing every word out of his mouth about me. This is personal stuff, not business.”

“Why did Shade rate telling then?” Cade raises his brows at me. He looks disgruntled as if I’ve offended him. They all do when I glance around. Some are more furious than others. Ace’s neck has gone red, and his jaw is ticking.

“I was drunk?” I remind them. I barely remember the venting session with them. I was halfway through it when the tequila knocked me sideways. “And he’s a good listener? He also doesn’t recommend chopping off body parts to send a message to people he hates like South does.”

“Whose body parts?” Ace grinds out.

“I didn’t ask, and I don’t want to know,” I tell him quickly with raised hands. “South wanted me to give him a ‘gift’ in return to shut him up. That’s how the marriage thing came up. I was desperate for a distraction. Oh, and you're welcome, by the way.”

My pointed look at Gabriel makes him lean back with a frown.

“For?” His brow rises haughtily.

“Helping you mend whatever bridge got napalmed between you and your brother,” I shrug with a smug smile. I turn on Cade and Jake next, my expression turning into a scowl. “You two need to back off. Shade is trying to get to know his brother better, and you being jackasses isn’t helping.”

“What did I do?” Cade protests in surprise.

“You both act like he’s here to slaughter everybody. It’s rude.” It’s more than rude, but I can’t think of any other way to put it. It’s terrifying? Worrying? Making me more paranoid? Stupidly dramatic?

“Because he might be and we should be ready,” Jake gives me a patient smile like I’m an idiot.

“Oh please,” I sneer back. “The man wants to be acknowledged by his family with some love. How horrible.”

“How do you know that?” Gabriel asks tensely.

“Because tequila makes his lips loosen up, and he used actual words to tell me. How many times have you guys been blackout drunk? This is shameful. Do any of you pay attention?”

“Do you?” Jake asks sweetly.

My eyes snap to his, and my chest aches like he just bruised my insides.

“I didn’t before, and now my desperate, broke ass is planted in this chair highlighting. I don’t want to make that mistake again. Find something to do already!”

“I’ll get lunch for you,” Jake agrees readily and walks out. Cade scrambles out of his chair to catch up.

I frown at the action and glance at Ace. “Are they always together?”

He and Mikael exchange a tense glance, and they both nod.

Besties for life, I guess.

“Ace,” Gabriel says calmly, gaining his attention. The three have a whispered discussion I try my best to ignore. Then Ace and Mikael leave. Ace stops and gives me a soft kiss on my temple with a be right back.

The move stuns me into freezing. Only my eyes move as he leaves, and Mikael smirks at whatever look I have on my face.

When was the last time I had that kind of easy affection? Loser would call goodbye from the door and sometimes not wait for an answer before leaving. So many little things are stacking up in my mind. Things I didn’t notice or care about. Subtle signs of distance I didn’t realize were there. Would I have seen it if I hadn’t cowed all of my instinctive behavior down? I’m certainly seeing it now.

Or I’m thinking about useless shit to make myself feel bad, and I should get back to work. I’m not wasting any more time thinking about him.

“You should have told us about the flowers.”

I guess I’m still going to have to think about him after all.

I glance at Gabriel, who is focused on the paperwork in front of him, spinning his pen again. His eyes flick to mine, and he quickly looks away.

“We were in the middle of a war, and I didn’t want to give you a weakness.”

My easy dismissal of it makes him jolt upright with an intense glare.

“It wasn’t a war. It was a skirmish. That I won. Tell me what else you’ve been hiding.”

My eyes widen on him, and I toss my highlighter down, “If that was a skirmish the game is still on.”

“Wear your jeans tomorrow.”

I rear back in surprise. “Ok, what now? I’m not falling for more bullshit tricks.”

His eyes narrow balefully. “You’re uncomfortable in those idiotic outfits because they don’t fit properly.”

I glance down at my blouse with a scowl. The clothes may be cheap but it doesn’t look bad on me. Maybe the skirt itches a little. And the shoes are too tight-

“No!” I snap quickly. “My outfits aren’t dumb, you are!”

What am I, twelve? Worst comeback ever.

“You fidget around like your ass is on fire.”

“Maybe I have ADHD,” I tell him and cross my arms.

“Maybe you’re full of shit,” he scoffs back.

I am, and I can’t think of a comeback. I hate that he can disarm me so quickly. When did that start and how do I stop it?

We glare at each other until he clears his throat and shifts his pen on the desk, giving the paper in front of him his full attention. I think this little battle is over, and then he knocks me sideways again.

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. Wear what you want. And shut your damn mouth!”

I startle and snap my jaw shut. I don’t know when my shock dropped it open, but he looks pissed at the expression.

There’s an extended silence after that. It’s a strained one but not uncomfortable. More of a shifting in our seats and quick glances at each other with narrowed eyes. Each of us is waiting for the battle to start again.

It’s kind of fun. I wonder if I could yell at him all day, and he could yell back, and we’d both sleep better at night. That would be nice. I could even pretend it’s therapeutic.

“How do I let Max down gently?” He grumbles quietly.

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” He takes my teasing tone as a threat instead of a genuine emotion. His immediate glare makes me laugh.

“Don’t be gentle. Just walk up and tell him you got number one status, and he can suck it. I want to be there for it.”

“I’m not doing that,” he dismisses, and I faintly hear him mumbling about getting advice from Mikael. I can understand that. He wouldn’t get anywhere with the rest of the guys.

“At least take a picture of it. I want to see his crushed expression.”

“What did he do to you?”

The severe and deadly tone makes my eyes widen.

“He was a jerk before, but he got better once he actually talked to me. Alcohol helped. Maybe I’m making it up in my head, but he seems fine with me now. He texts all the time.”

“He has a girlfriend,” he replies in a darker tone.

“Yeah, and a boyfriend.” I can feel my anger rising. “If you accuse me of trying to get with him, I swear I will finally get the balls to stab you in the eye with this highlighter.”

I wave the pink one around threateningly as if it’s a knife. He smirks at me like the threat isn’t real. He’s about to find out I’m very serious.

“You want to know what he did? It’s what you’re doing right now. Assuming that I want to hop into bed with people based on your pathetic view of the world. I’m not some carbon cutout woman. No one is. Not everyone wants to suck dick twenty-four-seven.”

“S-should I come back?”

My startled gaze lands on a wide-eyed Vanessa standing in the doorway with a stack of paperwork. She looks horrified, and I wilt in my seat.

“What happened to knocking?” I try to tough it out even though my cheeks are hot.

“Your timing is exemplary,” Gabriel says in his cold tone. His face has gone back to being frozen, too.

She quickly glances between my shamed face and his blank one. “I have a few documents for you to sign.”

He stares at her, and she looks lost. It’s like she’s never done her job before and doesn’t know what to do.

“He’s being an ass. Just drop them on the floor,” I recommend with a grin.

“Do not ,” Gabriel’s expression cracks into a glare as his head whips towards me. “Amanda, I’m about to strangle you.”

“See? You’ll be safe,” I say, settling back with my arms crossed. I give him a smug smile. “Go for it.”

“I’d like to keep my job,” Vanessa says, watching me with wide eyes. “Do you talk to him like this all the time?”

“You should hear what he says to me,” I try to play the pity card, but Vanessa doesn’t seem to be on the girl’s team today. She’s looking at Gabriel with a pitying expression. Hello, he just threatened to strangle me. No concern? Ok then.

“I am nowhere near as bad as you,” he protests with a sneer.

“You made me cry last week,” I lie to his face.

Vanessa quietly approaches his desk as he gapes at me and slides the papers by his hand. The slow backward retreat toward the door has me struggling not to laugh and blow it.

“You’re lying,” he hisses angrily.

“Am I?” I raise a brow.

He pauses, and I try not to betray my surprise. If I had pulled this last week, he would have laughed in my face. Now, he looks unsure.

“You’re called the boogie man around here,” I tell him casually. His expression doesn’t change as he waits for the zinger. Vanessa wisely keeps backing away until the door is quietly shut with her safely on the other side. Once she’s gone, I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face.

“If that were true, you would show me more respect.”

I burst into laughter at that one. “It’s true but you need more than a scary nickname to make me shake in my shoes.”

He sits back, his expression turning thoughtful. The pen starts whirling again as his mind drifts off somewhere.

“And Shade doesn’t scare you,” he mutters as if he’s talking to himself. “Neither does Ace. South?”

When his eyes flick to me, I shrug. “They all scare me sometimes. Underneath it all, they’re just people. If they can put up with me yelling and acting destructive, who am I to judge? They don’t call me out on stupid things like my hairstyle or if my shoes don’t match my outfit. They stop the real shit. My temper and the spiraling I hate with a passion. They’re… friends? I think?”

The confused end of my statement makes me think back on what I said. The interactions I have with South and that crew are very different from my friendship with Janine and hers. They don’t care what I look like or if I get pissed at the drop of a hat. They go with the flow. I would never act that way in front of Janine. It isn’t trophy-wife behavior.

Instead of wallowing in self-realization, I give Gabriel a smug smirk. His eyes narrow on the look.

“We’re friends too, you know,” I tell him serenely. I don’t honestly categorize him in that list. He has his own slot in my life. Mainly the petty vengeance area. And a little flirting, too. I can’t help it.

“Really,” he says in a deadpan voice.

“Yup,” I nod once and start working again.

After an extended silence, he snaps, “You can’t just say that and pretend you didn’t.”

“What?” I look up with innocent eyes. “Please stop distracting me. I need to get some work done. So do you. Stop slacking.”

His jaw ticks with anger, and he faces his desk with a growl. I think I’m going to have to get used to that noise if I’m going to be around them so much.