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“Then don’t.”

He doesn’t elaborate, and the line is silent for a few seconds.

“What do you mean?”

I shuffle along the sidewalk out of the way of patrons entering the front door. I can still see them through the window, but I know Josh is making sure they’re safe while I’m out here. Had he not been there, I never would have left the room. I know bad men. I used to be a bad man. Now that I have her, I have an awful feeling that I have something monumental to lose. I’ve never felt more vulnerable in my life. It’ll either be someone taking her away from me or something I do that will make me lose her. That’s why I needed to call Alfie.

“If you don’t want to act a certain way, then don't. We’ve talked about her seeing you as a partner. What kind of partner do you want to be? What kind of partner does she want? You don’t need to answer me now. But think about it and act accordingly.”

“Right . . . and if something goes wrong?”

“You can’t prepare for every eventuality, Austin, but you can be true to the person you’re trying to become. Let your long-term needs guide you.”

“Thanks, Alfie. I’m not going to do anything stupid,” I say, and I mean it. I’m not going to fuck this up.

“Good. You’ve never been the jealous type, so I don’t know why you’re worried now.”

“I’ve never had anyone to be jealous over before.”

He laughs a little. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Listen, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you at our session next week.”

The phone clicks off and curiosity grows in me at his words. Alfie has never been one to share. Given his profession, I’m sure he has friends that he confides in, but I can’t exactly be one of them while I’m his patient.

It’s an odd sort of relationship. He knows everything about me, and despite going to high school with him, I know very little about his life. Although, I would bet my business I know exactly who he’s talking about when he says he knows what it’s like to be jealous.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and pull open the door to the bar. The crowd has grown, and the drinks areflowing. Holding my hand up to my mouth to mimic taking a drink, I catch Josh’s eye, and he gives me a nod before turning back to watch the girls.

Suddenly, I realize I don’t need to worry. If anyone is going to do something they shouldn’t do tonight, it’s Josh.

Chapter Eighteen

Olivia

In hindsight, making a bet with two random guys when I'm on a double date with someone happy to admit she'd lost her last bet hasn't been my brightest idea. And because we’re really doubling down, the fact that the head of The Unseen is sitting less than fifteen yards away might also be a slight issue.

I swallow down my nerves. How is Austin going to react? Is he going to do something drastic and make me lose my deal with Nicole? What would she think of me?

I bite my lip, frowning, but when I glance over to Austin, he gives me a small wink. The tension in my chest eases a little, and I realize he’s not going to risk anything with me. But it feels good knowing he’s there if I need him.

Josh, on the other hand, looks like a badger’s just pissed in his cheerios. The vein in his forehead is alarmingly large. I almost want to tell him to get it checked out. I can see it on the other side of a crowded bar, acting like a beacon to other patrons.

We’re at the back of the bar. It’s darker back here with the light hanging over the pool table, illuminating the bright green cloth.

“Do you girlies know how to play?” The smaller of the guys smirks.

“Oh, we’ve played a few times. Usually, I get someone to help me, though.” Nicole laughs, leaning against her pool cue.

She slips a little and falls into the taller guy with dark brown hair. He’s handsome in a conventional kind of way. Broad, tall, with a strong square jawline and straight nose. His hair is styled and swept back, but a few strands fall loosely over his forehead. He’s eyeing Nicole like he wants to carry her out of here over his shoulder.

The smaller one, Jake, I think his name is, sets his attention to me, his friend clearly calling dibs on Nicole.

“Well, no help this time. You made a bet.” He winks at her.

“Oh, I’ve practiced. I think we’ll be fine.”

Fine? I fucking hope so. Otherwise, I’ll be running around this pool table in nothing but my bra.

Another glance at Austin, and he’s rubbing his jaw curiously. Josh has turned purple.