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“I can do that.” I honestly want him, but I don’t know how we’ll work long term. Alec hasn’t said he’s interested in anything beyond our temporary arrangement that started with fake dating, so it’s not an issue. One day at a time.
Cole hands me a shot glass. “Drink up. I have a favor to ask.”
Cole asks me to create marriage necklaces for him and Shane. He has a design in mind and definitely wants them made of titanium. He’s sketching on a napkin, and we’re passing it back and forth with our ideas.
I’m relieved and happy to make this for them.
We decide he should come to the workshop once I have the materials so he can understand the scale and dimensions.
“What was that about?” Shane asks in a suspicious tone with a jealous expression.
“Cole threatened to murder me,” I say, and Cole clears his throat. “Sorry, maim me if I hurt Alec. I promised to not hurt Alec intentionally, and then we designed a friendship bracelet.” I pat my pocket with the napkin.
“Dammit, Alec is rubbing off on you.” Shane pretends to pout.
We make small talk and it’s not forced or uncomfortable. I enjoy their company.
No one else is here but us, not even Madyson, the covert mastermind behind this plan. No one makes a move to sign up for songs, and I’m relieved I don’t have to sing. I came here to be with Alec, but he’s on edge, which is unusual.
Chapter twenty-five
Alec
I’m only half paying attention to our conversation and need an outlet for the anger festering inside me. Then I notice Mads and Jayce in the hall near the bathrooms in the back of the bar. “Excuse me, I’m getting some fucking answers.”
Both Von and Shane are staring as if I’ve lost my mind, but the more I think it over, the more I believe I’m right.
Mads is teary-eyed, ever the victim, with Jayce consoling her.
“What the fuck did you do to Em? You’re the reason he’s been upset this week, aren’t you?!” I yell, not giving a fuck who hears me.
“Alec,” Jayce growls.
I turn on him. “Stop acting like she’s fragile and needs your protection. Let her deal with her own shit. Especially the shit both of you caused.”
“You’re out of line.” Jayce takes a step toward me.
I’ve fucking had enough. Between her telling me about my ex and whatever is happening with Em, Jayce is the one who needs to back off. “What are you going to do? Beat me up for telling my best friend the truth? That her actions have consequences. That she needs to consider that she’s not the center of the fucking universe and other people’s feelings matter.” I’m seeing red and if Jayce lays a hand on me, it’s game over.
Mads grips Jayce’s arm to keep him in check.
“Give me his number. I’ll make it right,” she pleads, and it’s the confirmation I expected.
“Abso-fucking-lutely not! You can’t fuck him, discard him, and then feel guilty when you realize he’s my friend.”
“That’s not what happened,” Jayce says through clenched teeth.
I ignore him.
“He was half in love with you back in high school. And Em looked up to him.” I jerk my thumb at Jayce. “You can’t take advantage of the kid’s feelings.”
“He’s no fucking kid.” Jayce grabs a handful of my shirt and twists, reminding me of the bullies back in high school.
“Get your hands off him.” My raging Viking appears ready for battle.
“This doesn’t concern you, Von.”
“If you don’t move away from him, it’s going to be a concern for everyone here.” Von’s ready for a fight, and his fury rises up and fuck…it’s sexy as hell.