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Ransom
Knives Out
While the girls chattered on about colors, flowers, and the dreaded seating chart, I helped Clay clean up.
Clay paused while drying one of the plates, his attention on the women huddled together in front of the fireplace with a large book in front of them. “I’m glad she’s home, whatever the reason.”
“Chaos is a little out of sorts, but when I saw the apartment, I can see why she wanted to leave. She was probably hanging on for loyalty’s sake.”
“Wouldn’t know what that’s about, would you?”
I took the plate. “I didn’t mind working for you.”
“You were bored as fuck.”
I shrugged. “Maybe. But I’d prefer to watch out for your ass than to work for my mother.”
“Roth would keep you busy.”
Stacking plates gave me a minute to formulate a reply. Because he was right. It would be easy to slide back into that world. I might not love bodyguard work, but I was good at it. “I’m tired of working for other people.”
Clay flipped a towel over his shoulder. “Is that right?”
“Not like I need the money.”
“You’ll get bored.”
“No. I’m not like you, man.” I crossed my arms. “I like building shit when I’m in the mood.”
“So, what, you’re going to be a house husband?”
“Who says I need a wife?”
Clay glanced over his shoulder. “Who says you don’t?”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start with that shit again.”
“I see the signs. Hell, I know the signs. I tried to ignore Rach and you see how that went.”
“I’m not ignoring Chaos.” Far from it. Would I be as wound up if I didn’t have to have her in my life?
“I’ll remind you about that later. How would you like me to deliver the ‘I told you so’? Singing telegram? Skywriter?”
“You’re a jackass.” I picked up my beer and went into the living room.
Rachel popped up from the floor with her big book in her arms. “Oh, good you’re back.” She pushed me onto the couch and plopped the book on my lap. It was big enough to cover hers as well when she sat beside me.
“You’re at the head table with us.” She pointed one glossy pink-tipped finger on the diagram.
“Okay…”
“So, we have Helena coming with Reid.”
I stiffened. “Reid is coming to the wedding?”
“I know, a little awkward. But Helena asked for a plus one. I didn’t realize it would be him.”
I wasn’t sure what to say on that one. Helena Danbury had been Clay’s social plus one for most of his adult life. Their families had been enmeshed since we were young.
