The Sidekick

Chapter Forty-Eight

Tera

I feel like I have the flu. I sigh and wince as my throat protests. I’m so used to the aftermath of the crazy crying that I roll with it. My best bet is to get out of bed and stretch it out, even if the thought makes me want to throw an exhausted tantrum. I don’t want to face anything about today. I’m so glad it’s my day off.

The towel covering my back and butt is stiff and cringey feeling. I shuffle my way out of the damp blanket cocoon and sit up, flopping my legs over the side of the bed and making myself stretch my arms even though it hurts. I hate depression. They don’t tell you that the physical side of it is just as bad as the mental. When my hands meet above my head, I curl my spine down to drop them to the floor. The back stretch feels good, so I stay that way for a minute.

“Tera, get up and take your meds.” Shade’s voice calls from somewhere outside my safe haven.

“I haven’t made a smoothie yet!” I yell back from my head down position. My voice is strained and cracking. I clear my throat to try and ease it.

“I made you one!”

I sit up slowly to prolong the stretch and call back, “You’re the best, worst best friend ever!”

“Smoothie before coffee.”

“And now he’s back to being a dictator,” I mumble as my shoulders drop.

“Dr. Robinson said that you can take an extra pill today. I set out two for you.”

“And he’s still calling my therapist. Awesome.”

“I know you’re in there talking shit, get up!”

“Why can’t he be the sweet dictator version today? I need to look up how to overthrow him,” I absently reach back to pull the blanket back over my shoulders, forgetting that it’s stiff.

“Good morning,” a calm voice says behind me, and I freeze up.

“Morning?” I say back stupidly. Why am I being polite to the guy that invaded my home? Oh my gosh, he just saw me naked. It was just my back, but he could see my butt and some side boob, I’m sure.

“Is this your usual wake-up routine?” It sounds like he’s stretching behind me, and I want to turn and look, but I can’t get my body to unlock from the huddled position under the blanket. Probably a good thing. His voice makes me weak. I don’t need to see him for his effect to hit me.

“Yeah,” I say. I start eyeing the closet in speculation. I could make it in there before he caught me, but it doesn’t have a lock.

“Can I borrow your charger? I didn’t grab mine when I left my place.”

“Sure.” Don’t tell him that. Make him leave!

“Thanks.” The mattress shifts behind me, making me bounce a little. A tattoo-covered arm reaches past me to unplug my phone and plug his in as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. Totally normal.

“Why are you still here?” I watch his arm brace so that he can prop himself up behind me. On my other side, his knee curls towards my hip, and I’m subtly surrounded by him, even if we’re not touching. It’s comforting. My mind rebels at the thought while my heart sighs and accepts it. That stupid organ is comforted that he came for me, totally forgetting that he’s the one who bruised it up first. I’m mad at him, and he’s using my obsession with him against me.

“You can’t shut me out if I don’t leave,” his simple reason is fair and annoying.

“You’re just going to be a pervy stalker all day?” I’m surprised and bewildered at the thought. Why bother? Just walk away already. You had your fun, go back and laugh it up.

He lets out a sigh and shifts behind me, “Pretty much. Let’s get you some coffee before the dictator comes in.”

“If I cheat, the nagging will be never-ending,” I inform him as I stand, clutching the blanket around me to walk like an old, hunched crone to my dresser. “He means well. He’s just a complete jerk about it.”

“I noticed.” A huff of laughter comes from behind me as he stands up. “I’ll get the coffee while you dress.”

Once the door shuts, I hurry to get dressed in my grungiest pajamas. I refuse to try and dress nice. This guy doesn’t get flirty Tera. He gets the I hate mornings, and I’ll take it out on you, Tera. It seems passive-aggressive. I need to look up more techniques because I’m getting comfortable with this form of anger.

I’m on the internet looking up how to up my game as I walk towards the kitchen. Asher is leaning against the counter, sipping from a cup in nothing but a pair of sweatpants. The stunning array of colorful flowers crosses over his shoulders and spills down his chest, following the lines of his abs. He’s completely covered in them. Over his left pec is another chrysanthemum that’s completely devoid of color, drawing my eye to the surprising blank spot. As my eyes take in the startling beauty of it all, his pants begin to tent in obvious interest. My eyes snap back up to his, wide with surprise.

He shrugs as if it’s not a big deal, and I’m trying to decide how he can be happy to see me when I’m rocking a grunge look with tangled hair and morning breath.

A key rattles at the front door.

I turn towards it with a frown. I see Shade lean out of the bathroom, shaking his head desperately, and freeze up. Blaze walks in with a scowl, Felix following him, and I suddenly get it.

On one hand, Ha! He’s still a runner, too. On the other, stay away from my big bro, toxic people.

“Do you know where Shade is?” Blaze demands without even saying hello.

“Good morning,” Asher walks from around the counter to stand behind me. He wraps an arm around my waist and draws me back until I’m pressed against him. I’m not sure how to process that. We’re fighting, right?

They both stop in surprise at his presence.

Felix raises an eyebrow, “That was fast.”

I stare at him in confusion, and they both glare back at me like I just kicked a puppy.

“We’re looking for Shade, Tera,” Blaze stays focused on his main mission. “His car isn’t here, and he’s not answering his phone.”

It isn’t? He isn’t? Oh my gosh, he has some explaining to do.

What should I say? What should I say? He obviously doesn’t want to see them right now. He must have parked in another spot to hide the fact that he’s home. Should I say his phone is dead?

“He isn’t here,” Asher says calmly and sips his coffee. I narrow my eyes on the cup and glare at him over my shoulder.

“He was acting weird yesterday,” Blaze looks accusingly between us. I feel like a suspect in a crime. “We’ve been calling, but he isn’t answering. Did you block our numbers on his phone?”

“What? No,” I frown in confusion. “What do you mean he was acting weird?” How could they notice and not do anything about it? These total jerks! I’m surrounded by them!

They both wince at the sound of my voice, “Are you sick or something? You sound like shit.”

“Blaze, focus.” I wave my hands at him. “How is he acting weird?”

“He was off all day yesterday. Staring off into space and not listening. Just… weird. Now he’s not answering his phone.”

“Huh,” I say elegantly. “I wonder why?”

Did that come out too sarcastic? I don’t want to blow his cover!

“No idea,” Blaze rubs the back of his neck, seeming oblivious. “Do you mind if we wait for him to come back?”

“Yes, we do,” Asher smiles at him, and they both stare. They have the most disbelieving expressions on their faces.

I feel a little insulted. One, this isn’t Asher’s house, and he doesn’t get a say in who comes and goes. Two, they’re acting like him wanting to be alone with me is insane. Well, I guess that’s fair with the pajamas I’m wearing.

I’m tempted to invite them in and pour them coffee. That’s passive-aggressive, right? But if I do that, Shade will be trapped in the bathroom until we’re busted. It’s tempting, but I know exactly where he’s coming from with wanting to hide.

“Tera,” Blaze turns a pleading look on me, and I chew my lower lip, trying to think up a good lie.

Asher’s arm tightens at my waist, the other hand dangling the coffee cup in front of my face as if he’s going to give me a sip. I take it from him to buy myself some time to wrestle with my guilty conscience.

“I don’t know where he went. He left so Tera and I could talk,” Asher says and tilts his head to kiss the hair covering my ear.

“Oh,” Blaze says and gives me a confused look that I return. I don’t know what’s happening right now, but Asher seems on top of things. “Can you just give us a heads up when he gets back?”

“He isn’t working today?” I ask in surprise. What the heck? He always works.

“Ira told him to take a few days off to get his head on straight.” Blaze is uncomfortable telling me that, shifting a little and unable to meet my eyes. Is he lying?

“He hasn’t said anything.” And I’m going to grill him without mercy when they’re gone.

“He doesn’t talk to you about work?” Felix asks in a mocking tone and scowls at me.

I give him a baffled look. “Why would he? Andi goes all over the place. He complains about bag holding.”

True facts, but not what he’s insinuating. Too bad for him. Shade is number two on my protect by any means necessary list.

“We’ll let you know,” Asher slides past me and starts showing them to the door. They don’t protest, chatting with him quietly until he closes and locks the door behind them.

“There’s no chain,” he notes in a casual tone as he comes back towards me. “Act normal. The blinds are still open.”

I take a sip from the cup and look at the windows from the corner of my eyes. They’re both standing on the sidewalk, talking while they watch the apartment.

Asher walks to the counter, sliding the smoothie towards me. “You’ll have more cover over here. They won’t be able to see us talking. Shade, stay where you are until I give you the all-clear.”

I turn in surprise as he smoothly maneuvers us so Shade won’t get caught.

“Were you in the military?”

He looks confused, “No?”

“You’re just good at covering for people?”

The soft chuckle he lets out as he leans on the counter relaxes me. He looks boyish and charming as he nudges the glass again. “I’m good at helping people who don’t deserve it.”

I tilt my head in confusion. He says it like it has a lot of hidden meanings. “Are you sure you’re not a serial killer?”

He scoffs and turns to make himself a cup of coffee. I’m not giving this mug back, so it’s a good call.

“I teach classes at a gym. The worst thing I’ve done lately is look at your information so I could get your number and where you live.”

I’m debating on the smoothie when he says it. The casual tone almost makes the words go over my head. When they finally sink in, I lean back with a frown, “You’re really a stalker?”

He winces and turns back towards me with his hands raised like I’m a police officer, and he’s surrendering. “I know how it looks.”

“Bad,” I say helpfully and take a sip with wide eyes.

“Yeah, I told you last night I’m obsessed. I wasn’t lying.”

“Did you cut some of my hair off last night so you could make a shrine? Or did you just watch me sleep? Creepy guys do that kind of stuff.”

Asher’s face goes through a few emotions. Confusion, disgust, and reluctant humor. “No. I’m more of a straightforward, in-your-face stalker. I’m not going to lie to you.”

“Who put you up to approaching me?” I grimly take another sip as I watch him. I put the Shade mask on. It seems to bother him even more than the question.

“No one. I asked because I’m interested,” he snaps, and the new mug hits the counter sharply.

I swallow hard as I watch the hands braced on the counter. There are vines with thorns wrapped around his pinkies, and his knuckles are calloused. I hadn’t noticed that.

“Ask me anything. I swear I won’t lie,” he sounds so earnest, but I don’t know if I can believe him or not.

“Who invited you to dinner?” He said Andi did it through Shade. How did that happen?

“Shade sent me the info on where to go. Andi invited me.” He looks uncomfortable with the question, and I make a few guesses why.

“Max gave you her number? How many people know about this?”

His head jerks back in horror, “Fuck no. I didn’t ask for anyone’s info because I didn’t tell anyone about knowing you.”

My eyes narrow at that response.

“Did Shade tell her about you?”

“Yes,” his shoulders drop in relief as I leave that conspiracy theory behind.

Something isn’t adding up.

“I…” he trails off and winces, bracing his hands on the counter again, knuckles going white as he presses his fingers down. “I ran into her at your work. I had no idea that you worked there. I heard your voice and hid in an aisle so you wouldn’t see me.”

I blink in surprise, taking another drink as I watch his neck start turning red with embarrassment. It’s so normal. No conspiracies or setups. Just a straightforward coincidence?

“I didn’t want you to catch me, so I texted Shade. He had Andi distract you so I could leave.”

“Why would it bother me? Everybody has a kink or two. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Angel, stop being nice to me for a second. It’s because you and Andi were talking about things that weren’t my business.” He’s suddenly scowling at me darkly.

“Like what?” I try to think back on her visit. She got the lingerie to seduce Brian out of his overworked brain. Nothing really stands out unless you count her asking for high-heeled boots for Brian to wear. I still need to order those. And I can be nice to whoever I want, no matter what he or Shade says.

“Did you download a dating app?” The question is asked so grimly I feel like he’s asking if I shot the neighbor. It makes me start to sweat a little as I stare with my mouth open.

“No? Do you mean the sub one? I looked up the info on it, but I didn’t feel ready.”

“Good, angel,” his lips tilt in a dark smile. My shoulders loosen, and I smile back.

I suck in a surprised breath when I realize exactly what he overheard. My shoulders hunch as a blush burns my face with shame. If he heard that, then he heard other things, too.

“You know I was looking for a feeder?”

“Is that what it’s called?” He leans back to drink his coffee as if we’re discussing the weather, not my weirdo fantasy to be fed and pampered. “I don’t know much about that one, and I haven’t had a chance to look into it yet.”

I swallow down bile and look down at my innocent smoothie. It doesn’t look that appetizing anymore.

His voice softens as he braces his elbows to lean forward again. “I would belly crawl over broken glass to feed you any time you like.”

“That’s a lot to take in,” my voice comes out nervous and squeaky as my eyes widen in shock. “I don’t think that’s healthy.”

“I did tell you that I’m not perfect.”

He did tell me that, but I had no idea it was this extreme. I just figured he forgot stuff, like saying Namaste that one time.

“You don’t want to hurt yourself, do you?” I ask with real concern.

“No,” he tilts his head to look up at me. “It’s an expression. I’m willing to suffer so that you thrive. That’s all.”

I frown as I think that through. “I don’t want you to suffer.”

He sighs softly and gives me a gentle smile. “Don’t worry about me. I want you to focus on you.”

I take a deep breath to dive into the deep end of my questions.

“You said you know Max from your class. I can’t really remember what else you said. Would you repeat it?”

“Yes,” he seems surprised and pleased that I’m willing to talk about this. He won’t be as happy when I throw up this smoothie. My nausea is causing chaos in my stomach right now.

“Let’s take all of this over to the couch,” he picks up his mug and mine, gesturing for me to pick up the smoothie as he relocates. The twins are still on the sidewalk, watching us. It amps up my nerves for a different reason.

I sit where Asher positioned my glass on the coffee table, in the center of the couch. He sits next to me, leaving no room between us as he wraps an arm over my shoulders. I want to feel mad about it, but I can’t find the emotion when I look. His touch is comforting instead of confining, which seems wrong because of how upset I am with him. His hand rubs gently over my arm as he leans back, pulling me with him.

“I shouldn’t lean back. I want a clear shot to the bathroom if I need it,” I protest weakly.

“All right,” he agrees but makes no move to sit up. “Let’s just take a minute and enjoy being together. You can ask me whatever pops into your head.”

I nod and slowly relax back into his body, letting him take my weight.

When my body molds into him, I’m in turmoil with myself. I’m mad at him, right? I need to find out what he’s really doing here before I just sit on a couch with him like we’re a couple.

My head lolls onto his shoulder, completely ignoring my brain’s frantic warnings, and he kisses the top of my head. Why is it so easy to be with him like this? The physical is more soothing than my chaotic emotions. Maybe that’s what I need? Just something physical without any of the messy stuff? I know that kind of relationship is possible, but is it possible for me?

“Ask me what you want, angel.” His voice is calm and lulling. I should probably just try to seduce him out of conversation mode, but my body aches, and I’m grumpy. We might as well talk.

“What’s your middle name?” That’s a safe, non-emotional question.

He hesitates and laughs a little as he answers. “Florent.”

“Oh. That’s really pretty,” I say in surprise. When he said it, there was the trace of an accent that gave it more of an exotic slant. “Asher Florent.”

“Asher Florent Broussard.”

“Wow, that’s a mouthful.” The accent is thicker. I try to place it but can’t. Definitely from the south. Not Texas. He doesn’t sound like South.

He turns his head, and I feel his lips move over my hair when he speaks. It sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. “Now you say it, angel.”

“Asher Florent Broussard,” I can’t help the giggle that escapes as I try to mimic the name with his unknown accent. I’m horrible at it.

Asher lets out a heavy sigh. His body relaxes back, pulling me deeper into the cushions with him. “Now, ask me the hard questions.”

I want to balk and refuse to keep going. But he didn’t ask, did he? He told me to. And I’m weak to this man’s demands, whether I like it or not. Right now, I do not.

“Max started at your gym when?” The question is tight. I can feel my body tensing. His hand starts stroking my arm again as if he’s trying to comfort the tension out of me.

“Around six months ago. He was at a boxing class when we met. The teacher was shit, he never showed up, or he didn’t stick around to supervise. Max hurt himself by going at it alone.”

“Bad?” My head lifts off his shoulder so I can see his expression. His surprise turns into a small smile as he meets my eyes. There’s that tug I get every time we look at each other, and I shift in discomfort.

“Not bad. He dropped boxing to take one of my classes. Sadly, he’s the only student on Friday, so he talks. A lot.”

“Max?” I lean away from him in shock, and his eyes narrow as we separate. I prop my back on the arm of the couch and fling my legs over his, invested now. “That jerk didn’t say a single word to me for almost two years, and he’s gossiping like a schoolgirl with you instantly? I feel cheated.”

Whatever grumbling he was about to voice over my withdrawal stops when my calves hit his thighs. One hand goes just above my knee, and the other wraps around an ankle as he settles back again. “I was wondering how he hid his interest in you for so long.”

I make a scoffing sound and cross my arms over my chest. “Please continue. Dig the hole he started.”

Asher barks out a laugh as he watches me pout. “He starts talking about a girl that disappeared on him.”

My eyes drop as my shoulders slump. The humor of the situation is lost again. The grip on my ankle tightens, and my body relaxes at the hold. I stare down at his hand in confusion. How is that grounding?

“About a month ago, he started flat out asking if I was interested in polyamory. Not in a sexual way, but as a mediator. That’s when I figured out that he was really having problems, but they were a lot more than he’d said before. I didn’t want to get involved with that kind of mess. I kept turning him down.”

“Oh, Max,” my heart aches for him, even if he’s a gossiping jerk. He needed someone to talk to, and Asher was the lucky winner.

“I settled for giving him advice instead. Then, a new girl showed up in my yoga class, and I lost my mind.” The last sentence comes out grumbled. He glares as if it’s all my fault. I feel like preening about it. “I thought Max put you in the class to tempt me. I was pissed because it worked.”

“Max would do that,” I roll my eyes.

“Turns out your bullies were the ones who set me up instead.”

“They did this?” I ask in surprise. “What a mess!”

“I don’t think they intended for me to be interested in you. I actually believe they were trying to help you out,” he tells me begrudgingly.

“All of this is just a coincidence?” I glare with disbelief.

“I consider it fate personally. She’s just got a twisted sense of humor right now,” he gives a tired sigh. “Max said that you would never try to rip him and Trevor apart because you would want them to be happy. I thought, who the fuck makes sure you’re happy?”

“I’m supposed to,” I dismiss with a frown.

“And do you?” He gives me a flat look.

“I-I try,” I protest and look at my hands as I twist them in my lap.

“That’s good. Now you have me to back it up.”

It’s my turn to give out the flat look to cover up the fact that my heart just squeezed with hope.

“You’re a hopeless romantic. Give in,” his lips turn up in a grin at the silent mutiny I’m holding on my side of the couch.

“Nu-uh!” I scowl. I’m lying, but he’ll never know.

“You’re lying,” he starts grinning again.

“Stop reading my mind, you creepy stalker!”

“I thought we agreed that I was a straightforward stalker?” His smile turns sly as his hand tightens over my ankle. How that single hand squeezing my skin affects my panties, I have no idea, but I like it.

“Stop it,” I gasp as my nipples peak beneath my shirt. His eyes go straight to them. My face flushes with embarrassment as I shift my thighs. The hand above my knee starts tightening, making the sensations worse.

Asher makes a thoughtful sound in his throat and licks his lip as he begins to pull my body closer to his.

“Then what happened?” I say loudly to get us both back on track.

He smirks as his eyes flick to mine, “You’re delaying the inevitable.”

“Nu-uh. I’m talking to you,” I protest weakly. He’s not wrong, no matter how much I want to believe it. All he has to do is tell me to get on my knees, and I’ll drop so fast it would leave bruises. I wince at the visual, my arousal cooled by shame. Where is my backbone?

Whatever he sees in my expression causes him to back off a little, and I let out a grateful sigh.

“I told Max I wanted to meet up with him to talk last night. I wanted to make sure we were all on the same page. Trevor was there, too.”

“What did you tell them?” I stare at my hands as my stomach twists. They were all talking about me last night doing some guy celebration of my stupidity, I’m sure.

“That we all needed to get on the same page if they wanted this to work.”

“You didn’t tell them that we…” I trail off as my face flames with embarrassment.

“No,” he says sharply. “What we have is ours. If you want to say something to them, go for it. As far as I’m concerned, what we do in private is our business unless they’re invited.”

“Unless they’re invited?” I squeak out in shock.

“I don’t think you’re ready for that yet. There’s too much shit to wade through. But I’m not letting that stop what we have.” Asher speaks calmly, but the words are so determined they feel branded onto my skin.

“We’ve known each other for less than a day,” I whisper in confusion.

“Tomorrow, we’ll know each other for a full day. And the day after that, two days. Does it matter? Do you not feel it when we look at each other?”

He sounds angry, but I appreciate the fact that he didn’t demand I answer him a certain way. I think he’s aware of how much control he has over me and he’s trying his best not to abuse it. The thought softens me to his grumpy attitude. I give him a tiny smile. The knowledge that he feels it too is heady.

“I do feel it. I just don’t want to jump in without looking again. Dr. Robinson said that’s a recipe for disaster.”

“I didn’t jump. You pushed me. The least you can do is join me,” he raises an eyebrow.

I giggle in surprise. How does he have me laughing so quickly? That’s supposed to be Max’s superpower, not his.

“I would have to wade through your admirers to push you anywhere,” I sass back.

His lip curls in frustration, “If they stopped hounding me for a second, I would have introduced myself to you sooner.”

“You look so comfortable with it,” I say in genuine surprise. “I thought maybe it made you feel good.”

“It makes me feel trapped. I don’t want to be rude. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. My Maman raised me better. My sisters would laugh their asses off to see me there, trying my best not to tell them all to fuck off.”

The more frustrated he gets, the more the accent comes out, and I’m charmed despite his words.

“I would say to hire Shade as a guard, but they would tar and feather him,” I giggle. Maybe he should. It might teach my bestie to show some manners.

“Eh,” he shrugs as if he’s totally unconcerned with Shade’s welfare and turns to look out the window. “All clear, Shade.”

“It’s been all clear. You two have been too busy flirting to pay attention,” Shade comes around the hallway corner to glare at us both. He can snark all he wants. I know he was in the hall eavesdropping.

“What’s going on with the jerks?” I immediately turn on him with questions, unable to hide my concern. “They said you were given time off?”

He shakes his head in frustration and turns to go back to his room. My eyes widen at the action. He hasn’t tried to walk away from me like this in a while. We worked past that.

I yank my legs away from Asher to stand up and yell after him, “I don’t run, and you don’t either! That was the deal, remember?”

“Fuck the deal,” he calls over his shoulder in a grim tone I haven’t heard in months.

“You did not just say that, Shade!” I stomp my foot in frustration and hurt. “Do not make me come back there! I will pour a pot of hot coffee on you! I mean… I’d probably stand there and threaten you with it, but the thought counts!”

“What the fuck do you want!?” He yells as he stomps back in, his face flushed with anger. His sudden loss of control comforts me. He’s not blocking himself off. He’s processing whatever this is as best he can.

“I want you to talk to me,” I flop my arms at my sides helplessly. “How am I supposed to be your sidekick when you act like a jerk and keep secrets?”

“Do not yell at her again,” Asher says from the couch. While the words are calm and soft, the look on his face says he’s ten seconds away from throwing Shade into a wall.

“It’s ok. He’s just venting,” I assure him.

Asher’s expression turns grim.

Shade throws himself into one of the side chairs and rubs both of his hands over his face so roughly I wince.

“I’ll grab you some water,” I offer and hurry into the kitchen.

“I don’t want a fucking water, Tera,” he snaps through his hands.

“Here you go,” I hand it to him and sit back on the couch. Asher’s arm wraps around my waist and yanks me back into his body. I don’t think he’s going to let go any time soon, either.

Shade opens the bottle and drains half of it in one sitting before relaxing back.

“It’s a process,” I whisper to Asher as he watches Shade like he’s about to attack. “Water, then talk. I’ve got this down.”

“If he talks to you that way again, I’ll process his face with my fist. I don’t care if he’s a dictator or a silent assassin. No one gets to talk to you like that.” He speaks in a normal tone, not making any effort to defuse the situation.

“Ok, handsome,” I pat his leg and kiss his cheek to smooth things over.

“You guys are gross,” Shade sneers childishly.

“No more of that,” I twist back to face my bestie as well as I can now that I have an arm crossed over my stomach to keep me still. “Tell me what’s happening.”

He glares and grits his teeth for a minute before he slumps back and covers his face with a hand again. I start nodding as his fit-throwing routine winds down, right on schedule.

“When I got to work yesterday, they were in a meeting. They all decided that I needed some time away so I could get myself together and come back focused. My priorities no longer ‘mesh’ with theirs. I’m supposed to be thinking about that and breaking up with you.”

“They threatened you?” I ask with real anger in my voice. “And they still don’t believe you? Jerks. So you put in the transfer yesterday after all of that?”

“Yeah,” he rests his elbows on his knees with a sigh.

“What did he say?” I wince. This is the tough part. Matthias and Shade are at odds, so it’s a toss-up on how he’ll respond. I might have to get in the middle, not that I’ve ever minded that.

“He’s thinking about it,” Shade gives me a dark scowl that’s supposed to be psychically delivered to Matthias.

“Why are you hiding?” Asher asks and gets a glare from Shade. He’s throwing a wrench in the works just by being present, much less talking.

“Because I don’t want to see them right now.” His voice is resigned as his jaw clenches. “Because it’s just sex. They don’t feel shit for me.”

My shoulders drop as my breath catches.

“What-” I clench my hand around Asher’s knee to keep him quiet. He takes the hint with a frown.

“When I went by their place to talk to them and explain what I was doing, Melissa was there.”

I won’t think bad things. Maybe she was giving them a message. She’s been helping Shade’s team on the sly, but I have no idea what she looks like or anything. I know that Shade says he doesn’t like or trust her.

My body is doing that tense-up thing, and I know this is going to be bad.

“She was naked on the stairs with Blaze on top of her.”

“Ok,” I say softly. What else is there? There aren’t any comforting words I can give him that will work. I know the mulched heart feeling.

“Felix saw me come in and said it wasn’t what it looked like. Blaze said we weren’t exclusive, so he could fuck whoever he wanted. He asked if I wanted to join. They know I fucking hate her.”

They are soooo dead. All of them.

“How bad can I hurt them?” I whisper, staring at the floor as plans whirl through my head.

Shade looks at me, complete devastation in his eyes even though his face is calm. “Don’t get caught or arrested. And nothing physical.”

Well, darn it. South intervention is out, then.

“You have somewhere to stay?” Asher stands to walk into my bedroom.

“I live here, asshole.”

“A place that they can stake out and have a key to. You know better.” He comes back and tosses a set of keys into his lap. “Stay at my place. Use my car.”

“Really?” I clasp my hands together and bounce on the cushion as I grin at Asher.

“You’re not using mine in trade,” Shade gives him a disgusted look.

“I can call for rides,” Asher’s eyes narrow on him.

“Why the fuck would you help me?” Shade sneers, ignoring the olive branch that got thrown at him. Typical. He repels any form of friendship or affection as a go-to defense. I finally broke him of it, and they ruined it!

“Because Tera loves you and wants you to be happy. I also don’t want them in here harassing her nonstop because they will, and you know it.”

He’s helping my bestie without question and guarding my back. My heart twists and plummets into my stomach. I just jumped.

Oh no. No, no, no! Shade mask! Emergency!

“We can call and get the locks changed,” Asher continues, oblivious to my emotional meltdown. “I know a good reinforcement lock we can install ourselves.”

“Why do we need that? Not everyone is proficient at breaking and entering.” Shade argues just to argue, I bet. He knows how to pick locks. We’ve practiced together a few times. He’s still mad because I’m faster.

“Because I picked that lock in under ten seconds, and all you would need for a chain is a magnet. It’s not enough. I want her safe, don’t you?”

I inhale a deep breath and hold it as my eyes widen. He’s perfect. I emotionally died, and he is my reward for persevering.

Shade starts laughing in surprise at whatever look I have on my face. “Do we need to pause so you can change your panties, Tera?”

I can’t even say anything back to him at that gross comment. I’m too busy staring at Asher while he blushes and apologizes for breaking in.

“She’s not listening, and she doesn’t care about a little BE. You just broke her, man. Give her a second,” Shade cackles as he leans back in the chair. When his smile wobbles a little, it draws me back into the conversation.

“Your job right now is to rest and relax. I’m all over this, big bro.”

“That frightens me more than comforts me, Tera.”

“Doesn’t matter. The ball is rolling. Want me to help you pack?”

Shade glares at me, “No, mom. I think I can get it.”

When he stands to walk away, I can’t help calling, “Have fun at camp, son! Call me every day. You know how I worry.”

His door slams, and I turn to Asher with a grin.

“What’s the plan?” He asks with a smirk.

“Not while Shade is here, he’ll need deniability. Also, I need to check this out. Make sure it isn’t a misunderstanding? I don’t know, I just want everything to be ok, and it’s a pipedream because reality is crap-”

“Is it? I thought things were looking up,” he gives me a pointed look, and I blush.

“Sorry.” I wince with a sheepish shrug. “On a super sad note, I need to text my yoga instructor and let him know I won’t be in for class today.”

“Really,” he raises a brow and stalks towards me.

“Really. I want to get the investigation done so I can move on to the punishment.”

“I thought you wanted it to be a misunderstanding?”

“I do. Really. Either way, they’re all being jerks, and I’m tired of letting it slide. No one messes with the people I care about.”

He chuckles softly as he stands directly in front of me. I have to look up his body to meet his eyes. The position places my face at the perfect height. I chew my lip to resist temptation. From the look in his eyes, he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

“I need the time to psyche myself up,” I blurt out with a wince. He crouches down, meeting my eyes at a more comfortable level. I’m both relieved and disappointed.

“Why do you need to do that?”

“I need my computer, and Satan has it.” I can’t believe I’ve left it for so long. I’m a horrible parent.

“Is that your nickname for Trevor? You’re going to tell me what happened between you three. Not now, but soon.”Asher’s hand cups my cheek. I close my eyes to enjoy the sensation. “I want your side.”

I don’t want to tell him. What if he hears my side and agrees that I’m just a toy? It would crush what’s left of me.

“Could you guys stop for five seconds? I think I’m going to puke,” Shade glares at us from the hallway, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

“Don’t interrupt us, son. We won’t be late to camp,” Asher deadpans. He doesn’t take his eyes off my face as I laugh, so he misses the death glare Shade throws at him.

“Fuck both of you.”

“I have to get ready for work,” Asher stands and backs away from me as if he doesn’t want to go anywhere. His hand is slow to drop away from my face.

“You’re not going with her?” Shade asks warily, proving he was once again eavesdropping. I’d tell him to stop, but he gets the best secrets. I don’t want to limit him.

“No. We need to be apart sometimes. I better get it through my head now,” he sounds like he’s trying to convince himself. “Besides, she knows she can do this on her own. Don’t you, angel.”

He doesn’t ask.

It puts a little steel in my spine. He’s confessed everything, tearing himself open and leaving his emotions at my feet to trample on without a care. He saw me last night and what a mess I really am, and he still sees me as strong. He’s offering my bestie a hiding spot while he’s depressed. Who does all of that for a joke or to play with someone’s emotions? No one.

I straighten in my seat and nod, sliding my jaw into the stubborn angle.

“Finish your smoothie and take your time,” he tells me seriously. “Don’t rush. If you need me for anything, call.”

“I will,” I assure him with a bright smile. He’s like a character in a turn-based game. I’ll tag him in and sit back to watch the destruction.

“Bye, Tera,” Shade says in a wheedling tone.

I hurry off the couch and throw my arms around him, knocking him back a step. He laughs and hugs me back for once. He’s seriously hurting if he’s hugging me back.

“Be safe. Don’t be a jerk to random strangers.”

“No and no.”

I giggle and squeeze him tighter. “Ok. Try to make new friends at camp, sweetie pie.”

He makes a disgusted noise and shoves me away to walk out.

“Wait up, son,” Asher calls, then turns to me. “Where’s my hug?”

“Wait! Your phone!” I run into the bedroom and bring it back to him.

“Thank you, angel,” he takes it from me and leans down to kiss me gently, a light press of his lips to mine that lingers. I sway forward and part my lips a little, inviting a deeper kiss.

“No,” he pulls back and shakes his head. “Or I’ll say fuck it and close us in the bedroom for a week.”

My eyes widen because he sounds absolutely serious.

Asher lets out a frustrated sound and brushes a hand over my throat. I feel the stroke all down the front of my body and sway again.

“Fuck,” he snaps and walks out, closing the door behind him.

“Have a good day?” I say, bewildered. I would have been ok with the week in a locked bedroom idea.

“Don’t forget to call me.”

I startle and look at the door. He sounds like he has his head pressed against it.

“I won’t.”

“Good.”

I watch as he stomps barefoot into the parking lot. Shade tosses him the keys, laughing at him.