Page 24 of Filthy Twisted Devil

Ryan

Hold on, what if Eden breaks his heart?

Beau

Either way, I’d like to avoid Luke punching me again.

Luke

I solemnly swear that our punching days are over.

Eden’s brothers had mixed reactions to Project Selfie. Wade liked none of them, while Jasper liked all of them—I’m not sure whether that’s a sign of approval or just a power move. Reed just sent repeated Venmo requests for his $40.

At least they appreciated when my introduction to Flair Events got Eden some real work. Earlier this week, she prepped for a company launch that she’ll be staffing this weekend. I stopped by to give her a coffee while she was unpacking corporate merch, mostly to add fuel to Project Selfie. It worked—it’s the only image that Wade replied to at all. One word: OK.

It’s the friendliest he’s been to me since we met.

It’s also why I picked up a coffee this morning. The entire friend group has descended on Brinley’s apartment to help her pack up to move in with Beau. Every move Eden and I make will be watched, and I might as well come off thoughtful and attentive.

The small apartment is in chaos when I walk through the half-open door. Pippa’s taping boxes full of books shut while Ryan moves behind her, opening them up again while comically shushing anyone who notices him. Cat sits on a stool, handing out water and sorting spare socks. Judging by the way Nate keeps glancing over at her, he’s forbidden his pregnant wife from lifting anything heavy.

Maura sits on the couch with a tablet, cataloguing the items in each box. James answers work emails on his phone, glancing at Maura to ensure she stays sitting and relaxed.

Ryan notices me first. “For me? Thanks,” he says, grabbing for the coffee.

I hold it above my head. “Don’t think your name is on it.”

Pippa glances back and clocks the name scrawled on the cup. “Helen?”

“The barista misheard me saying Eden, I guess.”

“Right.” She looks back at Eden, who’s carefully slotting books into boxes, Tetris-style. “So, this is happening.”

“Yes. This is happening,” Eden says dryly.

“Cute.” Pippa echoes Eden’s tone.

“I think it’s awesome!” Cat says brightly as I hand Eden her caramel macchiato. “You two are a cute couple.”

Maura smiles serenely at us both, while Beau shoves a heavy box into my hands.

“Wanna run this down to the truck?” he says, giving me an unreadable look that I can barely start to decipher.

“Yeah, sure.” The box must be full of dumbbells. It’s the only explanation for how goddamn heavy it is. Maybe this is Beau’s punishment for not telling him about Eden? Maybe he’s gotten so jacked that an eighty-pound box feels like nothing to him? I’m probably just overthinking it.

Four ungodly heavy boxes later, I’m starting to think my punishment theory has legs. I seem to be the only one Beau’s entrusted to box-carrying duty, while everyone else packs or messes around upstairs. I’m sweaty and grumpy on my sixth trip up the stairs. Lost in my mental list of complaints against Beau, I’m not looking where I’m going when I turn into the staircase.

Which is how I run right into Eden.

She jumps in surprise, immediately losing her footing. Pure instinct has me grabbing her around the waist, pulling her against me while I brace my other arm against the doorframe. Eden’s hands land on my chest and her fingers dig into my shirt, grasping for purchase.

“Sorry!” she squeaks once we’re stable.

“It’s fine. Are you okay?”

She blinks up at me. “Just surprised.”

My body chooses that moment to process that a very pretty woman is pressed up against me with her hands on my chest. She’s tall enough that I don’t have to break my neck to look down at her wide eyes, green and gold in the dim hallway lights. My heartbeat picks up to rapid roar, and fuck, it’s been so long since I felt a woman so soft and sweet.