Chapter Six
Keely knocked on the door, waiting only a few seconds before pounding on it.
Patience was not where she shined. She’d been summoned to her brother’s apartment to pick up a few of her things.
Her parents were in the process of selling their childhood home and clearing out things she and Killian had left behind.
A few weeks ago, Keely had spent a few hours sifting through her belongings and made a pile to take.
She was supposed to go back and pick it up yesterday, at the latest. Considering her newfound position of suspended employee and possibly unemployed in the future, she didn’t have it in her to face her parents.
They’d always been supportive of her. More so than most parents would’ve been. However, this would be a disappointment she was trying to avoid.
“Jesus, Kill, answer the door,” she mumbled and lifted her hand to knock again.
The door swung open. Jared stood, shirtless and wearing a pair of jeans. He was the poster boy for every woman’s fantasy. Keely clucked her tongue and walked in, not waiting for an invitation.
“My brother is a lucky guy.” She smiled.
Their apartment was the opposite of hers. It was spacious, modern, and above all, tidy. She scanned the living room, locating three boxes piled in the corner.
“Any chance you’ll help me carry them down to my car?”
Jared ignored her question in favor of one of his own.
“You have fun last night?”
Ah fuck. Jared could have been referring to anything but…
Her shoulders sagged, and she sighed. She should’ve known a “Keely sighting” would eventually get back to him.
Or maybe she hadn’t been as slick as she’d thought, hiding behind Caine.
Had Caine told Jared? While it was definitely a possibility, it didn’t make sense.
Why help her if he was just going to rat her out?
She doubted Nash would’ve said something. Ridge, maybe?
“Keely?”
Oh fine. Regardless of how he knew, she wasn’t getting out of this. She grasped her hips and slowly turned to face him. Jared didn’t disappoint with his obvious displeasure. His arms were folded over his chest, and his brows dipped low.
“Not as much as I did the first time.”
“Goddammit, Keely. Once,” he snapped, holding up his index finger. “You had the chance to go once to the X-Lounge with Charley. And you did. But this was never supposed to be a regular occurrence. How’d you get in?”
“The front door.”
“Fuck, Keely!”
“Jared.” Keely drew in a breath, forcing a smile.
It was important to remember where this alpha energy was stemming from.
A good place. With a shitty delivery. “I appreciate you looking out for me and stepping up to play big brother. I love that about you. But I don’t even listen to Kill half the time, and we’re blood siblings.
So, you’re kind of wasting your breath with me. ”
Jared narrowed his gaze. “Stay away from him.”
And the plot thickens. She knew exactly who Jared was referring to, but she wasn’t going to admit to anything.
She feigned innocence, quirking her head. “Who?”
“I’m not fucking around. Stay away from Caine.”
She snorted, shaking her head. This was what he was so upset about?
“Well, you’re in luck. Caine has zero interest in me.
In fact, I’d even put his interest in the negative red.
It’s like pulling teeth to get him to say three words to me.
And none of them are even slightly welcoming.
” Keely tried to batten down the heat rising to her cheeks.
“So ya see, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Caine isn’t the least bit interested. And can you blame him?
He’s way out of my league.” Keely widened her eyes as Jared furrowed his brows.
Jared shook his head. “Why do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Put yourself down.”
Is that what Jared thought she was doing? It couldn’t have been farther from the truth. Keely wasn’t self-loathing. I’m being realistic.
Keely clenched her teeth. “I’m not putting myself down, Jared. I’m being honest. I’m smart enough to know the truth. I don’t need to be one of those people who says I’m perfect, I’m great, I’m beautiful. Because I know I’m not.”
“Keely.” Jared growled.
“What? It’s true.” She spread out her arms and shrugged.
“Do you know how many guys came up to us when I went to the club? Probably about twenty. They crowded the table, bought drinks, and chatted with all the girls.” Keely paused, tapping her chest. “Except me. When one of the guys bought a round, he ordered three Margaritas. There were four of us there, Jay.”
Jared dropped his hands to his sides and gave the best brotherly response.
“Fuck them.”
Keely snickered, appreciating the support. But it didn’t change anything. “I’ll never be the most beautiful girl in the room, and honestly, I don’t need to be. I have other attributes, which we both know make me amazing.”
Humor was always her go-to to lighten any mood or awkwardness, though it didn’t seem to be working with Jared this time.
“You are beautiful.”
Keely snorted, shaking her head. “Says my brother’s boyfriend who sees me as a little sister. That’s one step up from having my parents say it. That doesn’t exactly boost my ego, Jay.”
Jared’s lips twitched, but he masked it immediately with a stern glare. Big brother mode with an element of sympathy. This conversation had to end before her insecurity reared its ugly head.
“Jay, you don’t have anything to worry about with me and Caine.
’Cause there will never be a me and Caine .
But the night wasn’t a complete loss. I did meet a guy.
He seems…” This would take effort to be convincing.
“Decent. We’re actually going out tonight.
” She walked closer, lifted on her toes, and brushed her lips against his cheek.
“Thank you for worrying about me, but there isn’t a reason.
Now, since you love playing big brother, help your little sister pack up the car with her most precious collection of childhood shit. ”
Jared snorted, shook his head, but passed by her, grabbing a box. She got the distinct feeling he had more to say, but for now, he’d hold back.
Thanks, Jay.
*
Rule #1. Never agree to future dates in an inebriated state.
Keely hadn’t been drunk when she’d agreed to go out with Darryl. Tipsy, at best. Still, it was enough to make a poor decision. Decent left the building about five minutes into the date. Why the fuck didn’t I drive myself?
It became clear that Darryl’s idea of a date was taking her out to dinner then taking her home to have sex. He hadn’t said those exact words, but he gave every indication of his plans. Who asked about favorite sexual positions on the first date?
Darryl, the answer is Darryl.
Keely had been plotting her departure since they’d walked through the restaurant doors.
Aside from his sexual openness and inquisition, his vibe was off.
Keely could’ve ended the date by walking out and ditching his ass.
But there were other factors to consider.
He knew where she lived. It may have seemed far-fetched had her roommate not just gone through an ordeal with a real-live stalker she’d met on a dating app.
It left Keely hyperaware of the dangers.
Or maybe she was just being paranoid. Either way, the idea of pissing him off or being rude kept her planted in the seat across from him.
She needed a reasonable, believable exit.
After they ordered, he excused himself to use the bathroom, giving her ample time to pull out her phone and call for back-up. She knew one of her roommates was home all night studying for an exam.
Keely: Nightmare date from hell. Save me!
She grabbed her water and took a sip while eyeing the hallway to the bathrooms. She only had about five minutes to put this plan in motion. She glanced down at her phone. Caite hadn’t responded.
Keely: I think he might be a serial killer. Like a Ted Bundy. He looks decent and plays the nice guy part, but I’m getting murder-vibes from him.
She hit send and watched the screen. She flickered her eyes around the dining room. Still no sight of Darryl. But time was running out. Where the hell is she? She needed a more desperate approach.
Keely: Seriously, he’s definitely a serial killer. Get your ass to Luna’s on North Street NOW!!!!!
She tapped the screen and a second later, her phone pinged. Fucking finally, Caite. Keely looked down at her lap where she had the phone concealed. Her mouth fell open and fiery heat raced through her veins.
Caite: Who is this?
What the…
Keely: Are you seriously fucking with me while I’m seated across from a Future Headliner for America’s Most Wanted???
This was ridiculous. Who the hell played games when their friend’s life was at stake?
Keely didn’t even wait for another response.
She angrily tapped out her next message and slammed the phone on the table.
If she survived the night, she was definitely making it her life’s mission to find new friends.
Keely straightened in her seat when she saw Darryl walking back to the table. She eyed him carefully, wondering if she could physically take him.
I did take karate in the fourth grade.
****
Caine surveyed the room in the abandoned house. Security had done a decent job on clean-up, but not perfect, and he didn’t tolerate anything less. He lifted his hand, waved his finger, and several pairs of boots sounded across the concrete.
“Do another round.”
“Any particular spot?” Rand asked, peering around the room.
“The whole fucking thing. You do it right the first time” —Caine darkened his gaze— “You wouldn’t have to do it a second.”
Rand gave a curt nod. “Yes, sir.”