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“It’s bullshit,” Dom spat. “Why are you even allowing them to stay in your hotel. You’re the fucking owner. Can’t you get rid of them.”

“Dom!” Ezra exclaimed.

“It’s okay,” Jesse said. “I thought about denying their stay. Kicking them out.”

“You did?” Ezra asked.

“I would do anything to protect you,” Jesse said.

“Why didn’t you get rid of them then?” Dom demanded.

Jesse noticed that Lake wasn’t saying anything. He responded to Dom anyway. “Because if I kick them out, I lose access to them. I can get them away from the hotel or the casino but that doesn’t mean that they’ll leave town. If they’re here, then I know what they’re doing.”

“Oh.” Dom’s shoulders slumped forward. “That’s smart.”

“I thought so.” Jesse looked back at Ezra. “Can you make me a coffee and one for Mason?”

“Of course!” Ezra turned to the espresso machine.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Jesse asked Lake quietly.

Lake nodded and Jesse drew him to the entrance. He found a quiet corner and pulled Lake over.

“Are you mad at me?” Jesse asked. “I should have told you about Ezra’s parents. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it. I figured Ezra told you.”

Lake shook his head. “I haven’t been home much.”

That hurt. “Because you’ve been with me.”

“What? No! I mean yes, but I’m not mad. At you or him. I was just surprised. I hate the idea of them stalking around. Trying to get to Annabelle,” Lake said.

“Something is bothering you,” Jesse pointed out.

“I was just thinking how much family can suck,” Lake said.

“Not all the time,” Jesse reminded him. “Justice promised to come back as soon as he could.”

Lake nodded. “He called and told me that he talked to Mom and Dad. They’re demanding that I come to Sunday dinner.”

“That’s not happening,” Jesse declared firmly.

“They’re tired of my little temper tantrum,” Lake shared.

“Fuck them,” Jesse said fiercely.

“That’s what Dom said. I’m not going but it could cause more problems. If Justice found me here, then so could my other brothers or parents.”

“I’ll alert security,” Jesse told him. “You have nothing to worry about.”

Lake pulled Jesse closer by his tie. “I love when you get all protective and growly.”

Jesse snorted. “Do you?”

“You were very sexy when you were getting all protective over me, declaring that I wouldn’t be going to family dinner.”

“I’m here to serve,” Jesse joked.

“Thank you,” Lake said. “For always taking care of us.”