Page 82 of Angels & Whiskey

“I can assure you that you didn’t look like a five-year-old.” I chuckled. “Rich is just a dick.”

She turned her head back to look at me. “Are you going to tell me why you call him Major Dick?”

“I will, but we’re almost to my house. How about I tell you in the morning after we get some sleep like you told your parents?”

She groaned. “Yeah, I’m exhausted. I’m not sure how much more information I can take tonight.”

I pulled into the driveway of my house and we walked hand in hand through the front door. The candles were still lit and Jackson was on the couch watching TV.

“Auttie, it’s about time you got here.” Jackson rose and engulfed her in a big hug.

“Auttie?” I asked.

“It’s my new nickname for her. Shut up.”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever, man.”

“Thank you for having me.” Autumn hugged him back. “I really appreciate—”

“Nonsense. Like I told Gabe, I’ve wanted to be a bodyguard. And to think I might kick Major Dick’s ass …”

“No, I get to kick his ass,” I joked … well, half-joked.

She sat on the couch and Jackson and I followed suit. “No one’s kicking anyone’s ass. I don’t want to see him again until I’m in court.”

“What about your stuff?” Jackson questioned.

“It’s just material things, except the photo albums from my childhood I’d like to get.”

“We’ll go tomorrow,” Jackson suggested.

“No!” Autumn shrieked. “It’s too soon.”

“Angel, it’s better we get all your stuff now before he can destroy it.”

“But—”

“He’s right, Auttie. All three of us will go get your stuff, and you can tell Major Dick to fuck off and that you’re filing for divorce. If he tries anything, we’ll kick his ass. We’ve wanted to do it for years, and now that we know he’s your husband, I sure won’t be holding anything back.”

“I won’t either,” I agreed. “Don’t worry, he won’t touch you anymore.”

“I hope not,” she sighed.

“One of us will be with you every time you step out that door.” I pointed to the front door.

“He has muscle. Didn’t you see that big ass dude run into the party tonight?” she asked, looking at me.

I saw the guy. Hewasbig. Most of the time, those guys are slow and prey on scrawny dudes that can’t fight back. I wasn’t scared of him one bit. Once I got the upper hand, I’d be able to knock his ass out.

“You don’t need to worry about us, angel. We got you.”

“I hope you’re right.”

I saw her eyes start to close as she leaned back on the couch.

“Let’s get you in the shower and then into bed, okay?”

Her eyes opened and she nodded with a weak smile. “Okay.”