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I startle, drawn out of my concentration by Trevor’s voice. My awkward twist to see him is all belly and no finesse. I forgot he was here. He must have been reading everything over my shoulder while I worked. He’s deep-breathing to keep himself calm.

“Is it wrong that I hope he wants to sick South and Amanda on her ex?” I ask with a cringe.

“If he doesn’t, I will,” he says with a grim smile. “Bedtime. It’s dawn. Suzette and her crew will be here tonight for the planning session on how to find her. I have a few questions to ask her before Asher trusts her too much.”

I’m ready to agree, suddenly made aware of my own exhaustion, when I hear Asher stirring around in the bedroom.

“Should I wait?” I whisper anxiously.

“Answers will hurt, but it will help, too,” Trevor sighs. “We’ve got him if he falls, babygirl. I promise. We’re in this together. Even if he is a dick.”

Chapter Nineteen

Adelaide

Coming home after a week of pure bliss makes me pout. I want to turn around and go back to the beach. I didn’t like how busy and crowded LA was, but the beach was everything. Especially watching Poe come out of the water like a wet dream while I was sunbathing. Damon got grossed out when I told him my ovaries exploded at the sight. I took pictures of Poe to keep as my home screen, and Damon asked for brain bleach.

The flight came in early, and we gathered our luggage without any complications. All the nightmare things people talk about while traveling steer clear of our happiness. When we get home, I collapse on the couch, suddenly exhausted. Poe follows me down, carefully lying on top of me to kiss my neck.

“No way, yappy dog. Nu-uh. I’m out of business tonight,” I mutter with a happy sigh.

He chuckles and gets off me. “Travel gets better with more experience.”

“Don’t care,” I grumble, half asleep already. I’m home, and gravity is holding me hostage on this couch. No one can fight gravity.

“Don’t forget to take your phone out of airplane mode.”

“Huh?” I open one eye in confusion to see him hovering over me with a smile.

“I turned it to airplane mode on our flight out. I thought you would figure it out with how quiet it’s been. No yappy dog texts asking where you are every ten seconds, and you weren’t suspicious?”

“I was with you the whole time,” I scoff at his smug look. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because I didn’t want anyone intruding on our time together,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck with a wince. “I’m sorry.”

“Better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission.” I chuckle and close my eyes again.

I don’t care that he did it. I’m actually grateful. My phone doesn’t ring unless it’s one of the three people who were with me. It’s no big loss. And knowing my luck, something would have ruined our wedding if it were on.

It makes me want to never turn it back on.

“I don’t mind,cher. Thank you. Now let me nap while you unpack.”

He laughs in surprise. “I’m unpacking alone? With all the stuff you bought?”

I pout and bat my lashes at him to look pitiful.

Poe claps his hands and looks around at the raccoons with a stoic expression. “The honeymoon period is over, guys. Get ready for the demands.”

I burst into laughter, ruining my pleading gaze. “Come nap with me already.”

“Nope. I have to be the heavy-lifter today. Mywifesaid so,” he grins, walking away. He’s been throwing that word around every chance he gets.

“I love you!” I yell as loud as I can.

“You better!” He yells back.

***