Page 182

“Oh, I bet you do. I saw that good reason. I’m going to need therapy for it. Thank you very much.”

I roll my eyes. “Will you stop and open your eyes please?”

“I can’t. The image of my dad face deep between your legs has forever etched itself into the backs of my eyelids.”

I pause, glance at Teddy, and am relieved to see he seems equally confused before pointing out, “So, you’re trying to memorize it?”

Lauren pauses. Her eyebrows scrunch. “What?”

“If it’s etched into the backs of your eyelids ... and your eyes are closed...”

Her eyes spring open, wide and horrified. “Why would you tell me that? Now I will never close them.”

I groan and rub a hand over my face. “Laur...”

“Don’tLaurme, you dirty, filthy creature. You have scarred Teddy.”

The man in question quickly puts his hands up. “I’m okay. Really.”

“Pervert,” Lauren mutters, eyeing him.

“Will you stop,” I beg. “I wasn’t expecting you to show up.”

“Clearly.” She sucks in a breath and simply holds it.

I’m saved from having to deal with this on my own when Van and Lachlan darken the doorway. Dressed, I’m partially relieved to notice, while simultaneously aware that I am fully naked under my t-shirt.

Without a care or hesitation, Van moves towards me. His big hand cups the back of my head, pulls me in close and brushes a kiss to my crown before facing his daughter.

“Sit,” he tells her gently. “Please. We’re all adults here. We’re going to discuss this as adults.” He pauses, catching sight of Teddy. “You, too, I guess.”

The long wooden table has plenty of seats, enough for each of us, plus another extra person, but Lachlan catches my hips when I make to take a seat, and pulls me into his lap.

My cheeks warm, but I don’t resist. I’ve wanted this for so long that fighting it would feel like throwing back a gift from heaven.

“First, if any of this leaves this house, I will find the person responsible and fillet their skin off the meat with a rusty blade.” Van looks straight at Teddy as he speaks. “This is personalfamilybusiness and you’re only here because Everly won’t let me kill you.”

I made no such claim, but he’s right. I would not let him kill Teddy. I also don’t correct him; this is a serious matter, and while I know Teddy isn’t a big mouth, I’m not risking my men’s safety by taking any chances.

“I would not disrespect you or Everly, sir,” Teddy promises sincerely. “I can wait in the car if that makes everyone more comfortable.”

“No.” Van sits back in his seat, his big bulk making the wood squeak in protest. “You’ve already seen too much.”

Teddy gives a weak chuckle. “I really didn’t see anything.”

Van narrows his eyes. “Good. Remember that.” He turns his attention to Lauren. “I love Everly.”

That’s it.

No explanation. No discussion. Simple and matter of fact.

All amusement has faded from my friend’s face. There’s none of the dramatics from earlier. She stares back with a hard set to her jaw and eyes twin flames of ice.

“I’m not okay with that,” she states evenly. “If this ends badly, I will lose my friend and my dad. If this works out, I lose my friend and my dad. In no scenario do I win.”

“Wrong,” Van counters with the same volume. “She’s not going anywhere. I’m keeping her. She’s mine. In no way, shape or form will my relationship hinder yours or vice versa. Everly is free to remain your friend if she wishes, and I will always be your dad, no matter what.”

“I don’t like the thought of my dad fucking my friends,” Lauren answers.