“You’re not worth it, anyway.” Arlo flinches, and then that fucker spits at Arlo’s feet. It takes every single bit of willpower I have not to wipe the fucking pavement with his sorry ass. Behind me, I hear Tank’s sharp intake of breath.
“What the fuck?” Tank roars as Derek walks away, but just as quickly comes Diesel’s warning hiss.
“Leave it.”
When Derek finally disappears around the corner at the end of the alley, the release of tension is practically audible.
I immediately turn to Arlo, not sure what I’ll find after that flinch that almost gutted me. Imagine my surprise at the huge smile I see instead.
“I did it.” He breathes as if talking to himself.
“Yes, you did, baby. Yes, you did.”
“I can’t believe I did that.” He says with wonder.
“I’m so damn proud of you, Lo. So damn proud.”
“I still want to punch that asshole,” Tank mutters in the background. He’s wearing that look he gets before a fight, as if he can’t wait to pummel his opponent. “Who fucking spits at someone like that? What a monumental dick.”
“Tank!” Diesel warns, but the look on his face says he wouldn’t have stopped him.
“Fine. Shutting up, but I want you to know it’s under protest.”
“Noted.” Diesel smiles, amused despite Tank’s whining. “You okay, T?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” I assure him.
Diesel smiles and claps me on the shoulder. Saint and Suerte nod before heading back inside. Tank opens his mouth, looks at Diesel, then gives me a shit-eating grin instead. Anvil, who is usually the first to lose his temper, steps up to Arlo instead.
“That bastard comes back? You tell me, yes?” he says, before marching back into the gym. I can’t stop the big ass grin that appears after they all disappear inside.
There’s nothing better than knowing the guys are in my corner.
Arlo laughs.
“Is he serious?” he asks me.
“Definitely.”
He smiles sweetly before moving confidently into my arms. Which is exactly where he belongs.
Mine.
Chapter 13
Tiernan
Walking back into the gym feels different somehow. Maybe it’s Arlo standing straighter, looking the guys in the eye and not shying away. This place has always been home to me, but I’m realizing I’m not the only one. It’s home for my boys, too, and that’s hitting differently today.
“I’ve got some stuff to finish.” Arlo says before he gives me a lingering kiss. He’s smiling as he walks away,
“We’re picking up strays on the regular, then?” Tank asks.
I turn to meet his eyes, steel in my gaze.
“Fine.” He throws his hands up and backs away. “I thought getting laid would make you less grumpy. Jeez!”
“Tank!” Diesel yells.
