Page 122 of What Started In Deception

“Fuck you, man.”

“No, fuck you. I helped you out because you’re supposed to be my best friend. Look where that’s gotten me.”

“I’m going to get it back to you.”

“I wish I could say that I believe you.” Then Asher headed Ty’s way with murder in his eyes as he brushed past him and back down the hall.

Will followed seconds later, looking just as angry. “Let’s get out of here. I want to get home and put the kids to bed with Mac.”

Ty nodded, taking a moment to digest the conversation he’d just overheard, because something big had just happened. Now, he needed to figure out what. Because Will was having big problems with a couple of the important people in his life.

Ty hurried back down the hall and outside, sidling up next to Asher as Asher continued to walk at a fast pace toward the grassy area where they’d landed. “Is everything okay, man?”

Asher tossed him a nasty look—one of many that he’d received throughout the afternoon. “It’s fine.”

“It doesn’t seem fine.”

“That was my polite way of telling you to mind your own business.”

“So, what’s your deal?” he finally asked. “I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, but I seem to be on your perpetual shit list.”

Asher shrugged. “I’m just looking out for Lydia.”

“Okay, fine. You’ve got a protective streak, so let me put your mind at ease. I’m crazy about Lyd. She and I are happy.”

Asher looked at him again. “She didn’t look happy to me when she was begging you not to get on the helicopter.”

He clenched his jaw and fisted his hand at his side when the fucker hit the mark. It was tempting to strike out and give Lydia’s knight in shining armor a black eye, but Asher was a potential new lead in the case. There was still a slim chance in hell that he could make nice with the bastard and develop information. “Look, I made a mess with Lydia today, which I plan to fix⁠—”

“Good. You focus on that and don’t worry about Will.”

And that snapped it. “Get fucked, Asher.”

“She deserves better than you.”

Ty shrugged. “She probably does, but she chose me, so get over it.” He got in the helicopter and took his seat, buckling up as everyone sat in the stony, pissed-off silence.

Thirty-five minutes later, Ty punched in the code to the pool house door, eager to get inside to Lydia. He owed Nick an update, but Nick would have to wait because fixing things with Lydia was the only thing that mattered right now.

He stepped into the entryway, toeing off his shoes as she rushed up from her seat on the couch, wrapped in her silky green short robe. Her hair was damp, and her skin was a little darker after an afternoon in the sun.

She tossed him a look, then headed for the stairs.

“Lyd.”

She shook her head as she moved quickly up the steps.

“Lyd,” he said again, hurrying after her, snagging her by the arm as they stepped into the bedroom.

“Don’t.” She pulled away as emotion choked her voice.

He grabbed her again, turning her to face him. “I had to go.”

She shook her head again as she blinked back tears. “No, you didn’t.”

“Yes, I did, Lyd.”

She crossed her arms—more in a defensive gesture than in anger. “A helicopter, Ty. Anything but a helicopter.”