Page 21 of Dean (Unexpected #9)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

AVERY

“Um, why do you have a knife?” I ask Kit as he peers out the window, on high alert. Ever since I told him about Nick and the broken pots he’s been wary. When Dean said to look out for me, he took that far too seriously.

He stares down at the knife and then back at me. “To protect you if the bad man comes back.”

“If he comes back, we’ll call the police. We’re not going to stab him.”

“I mean, you don’t have to. But really, we should apprehend him and bury him in the backyard.”

“Oh my god. No. We aren’t doing that.” I eye Kit as he peers through the blinds again. “I mean, have you murdered someone before? I think it’s easier said than done.”

He peers back at me. “Sadly, I suck at murder.”

I stare at him. “Wait, you’ve tried to murder someone? Is that what all those weird jokes were about?”

“I mean, yes? Ugh, I want to be good at it, but I’m not. I feel too much. I’m too much of a softie. ”

“Jesus, Kit, you realize that’s like creepy, right? And you’re in my home right now.”

“Yeah, but we’re friends, right? Besties?”

“I mean, I think so. Can you tell me how you got caught up in trying to murder someone?”

“Well, it was, you know…an ad. On Craigslist. And I answered it and then of course, I failed because they were so nice.”

“You can’t go answering murder-for-hire ads on Craigslist. That’s like total catfishing or entrapment. I don’t know what it’s called but you could go to jail.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured. Guess it’s good I didn’t do it then.”

“Yeah. Guess so. So when was this?”

He shifts on his feet and sighs. “It doesn’t matter. Just know that I can protect you. Maybe. Probably not, but I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. Nick is as good as dead if he approaches this house again. I took axe-throwing lessons once. I have mostly good aim.”

“Well, let’s hope he doesn’t show up tonight,” I say. “Nick really is a big crybaby. I mean, he’s been threatening me, but he’d never do anything to me. Just make threats. If anything, he’d hire someone to do something to me. Which is really dumb. Because I didn’t take his money.”

“Yeah, you don’t seem like the type to take what isn’t yours.”

I feel guilt creep up within me, but I push it down. That was then. It was necessary for survival. This is now. I didn’t take it. Nick is just trying to put the blame on someone and that someone is unfortunately me. I’m a target for some reason, and I need to get him off my back.

“Yeah,” I say and then flop down on the couch. “Come on. Let’s watch a movie.”

Kit peers out of the window and then sets the knife on the end table and sits down next to me, scooting close to me.

“Okay, but I’m on high alert. Just so you know.”

He leans forward and grabs a cracker with cheese, shoving it into his mouth and chewing loudly.

Within twenty minutes, he’s asleep, his head on my shoulder, soft snores coming from his mouth .

Well, so much for being on high alert.

He sleeps through the entire movie, only waking when Dean appears, his face screwed up in confusion when he sees Kit looking completely rumpled.

“Did he just sleep through the entire hangout?” Dean asks, and Kit swipes some drool from his mouth.

“I did not. I was dozing. There’s a difference.”

I let out a snort, and Dean’s lips quirk up.

“Yeah, okay. Well, how was the movie?” Dean asks, coming to sit on the other side of me. He pulls me into him, his nose brushing against my cheek.

“It was nice.”

“Should I ask why there is a knife on the table?”

“Kit was protecting me.”

Dean eyes Kit, who just flushes pink. “I’m a pit bull.”

“More like a Chihuahua,” Dean whispers, and Kit sputters.

“Hey! Hey now. They can be very rude and aggressive, so I’m not offended. I know you meant it as an insult, but how can it be?” He sits up a little straighter and stretches, his nose whistling slightly as he inhales.

“Oh my. I was tired.”

“Glad you could nap,” Dean says as I nuzzle into him.

“How did the event go?”

“Not as expected,” Dean replies and then peers over at Kit, who is pretending not to eavesdrop.

“Oh, what happened?”

“Well, I didn’t actually talk to Anthony about the car he wanted commissioned. And Ben was there.”

My mouth drops open and I stand up, pulling Dean into the kitchen.

“So you know?”

“Yeah, I found out. Wait. Do you already know about Ben, Ford and Cash?” Dean asks as I shift on my feet, touching his chest gently, not sure how he feels about this revelation.

“He may have told me. Please don’t be mad at me. It was told to me in confidence. ”

Dean arches an eyebrow at me. “I don’t like to be kept out of the loop, but…” His hand engulfs mine and he brings it up to his lips. “… I appreciate that Ben has you to go to.”

“He does. If it was serious or life-threatening, of course I’d have told you, but it wasn’t.”

“I know. I’m just glad he’s not hiding it anymore. It was taking a toll on him.”

“It was. He felt guilty.”

“Well, he doesn’t need to anymore. It’s out in the open.”

“And you approve?”

“I do. Two of the best men I know loving my son. Of course I’m happy.”

“Ben is so lucky to have you as a dad.”

“He is,” Kit chimes in from the living room, and Dean sighs loudly.

“Is he going home anytime soon?” Dean asks lowly.

“I don’t know.”

Kit appears next to us and clasps his hands in front of him. “I’m ready for round two of movie-watching, if you are.”

Dean arches an eyebrow and then shakes his head. “I think I’m ready for bed. It’s been a long day.”

“Oh, okay, sure,” Kit says and then meets my stare, asking me if I want to watch another movie with him, but honestly, I just want to be with Dean. I want to listen to him talk about tonight. I want him to be able to fully process it with me.

“I’m going to turn in early too, but thanks for coming over and watching out for me.”

He puffs up a little, looking proud. “Of course. Anytime, you just say the word. I will guard you like a hawk.”

“More like a canary,” Dean whispers, and I let out a small laugh.

We walk him to the front door, ushering him outside while he continues to chatter, obviously not wanting to go. But eventually, Dean just shuts the door on him, cutting him off entirely.

“He’d never stop,” Dean says, pulling me into his chest and lifting me off my feet. “And I just want to fuck you. And hold you. Hell, I’m glad you’re safe and okay. I was so fucking worried. ”

I let out a small squeal as he brings me to the bedroom and lies me down.

“I’m fine. I’m so fine. Now, Dean, tell me. What are you going to do to me?” I ask, and he swipes a hand over his mouth, looking positively unhinged.

“Everything.”

When Dean said he was going to do everything to me, he meant it. I can even feel it two days later, the way my ass twinges every time I move.

Not that I mind.

That was mind-blowing.

I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

“Yes, Bob,” I say into the phone, staring at the computer screen and trying like hell to do payroll at the same time. “I know. You’re still alive and well. I’m glad your wife didn’t succeed in killing you, but your car still isn’t ready…” My voice trails off when I hear my phone beep. I think it’s Dean, so I look down and see that it’s not. It’s Nick.

Unknown number:

I’m coming for you.

I’ll make you pay.

Man up. Come downstairs and meet me face to face.

My heart rate picks up as I quickly tell Bob I have to call him back, and without waiting for an answer, I hang up and move to the stairs leading down to the main part of the shop.

My heart thunders in my chest when I see who is waiting for me.

Nick. Fucking Nick.

He wasn’t lying. He’s here.

“What the hell,” I murmur as I descend the stairs. “What are you doing here? Do you have a death wish? ”

Nick stares at me as I approach, his pupils blown out, his face in a scowl.

“Where is your boyfriend?” he asks and then stumbles slightly. My hand moves to a crowbar sitting on a table and I clutch it tightly. I don’t know where the guys are but surely they’re around here somewhere. They’ll back me up when they see he’s here, threatening me.

“You need to leave me alone,” I say loudly and hold up the bar as he moves closer to me. “I’m serious. I’ll use this.”

“No you fucking won’t.”

“I will. Seriously. Just leave me alone.”

“And why should I? What are you going to do to me, pussy boy?”

He grins nastily at me, and I feel myself stand a little taller. All those years of being bullied…well, I learned a thing or two.

“You’re such an asshole, Nick. You need to leave before I call the cops. I’m going to get a restraining order.”

“You won’t do shit.”

“I don’t have your money. You know that. I do too. Linc does as well. Hell, he’s probably the one who stole it. Or one of the other shady people who came into the apartment.”

But he’s too high to think straight. His mind is not focused on logic or reason, it’s focused on me, on hurting me. He’s obsessed with me.

“You know what bothers me most about you?” He waggles his finger around and I knock it with the crowbar. It’s enough to hurt, but he doesn’t flinch, which means he’s on something strong. “You just won’t fucking die,” he murmurs.

I freeze, clutching the crowbar tighter when suddenly a car tears into the garage with a loud squeal. We’re not expecting anyone, which is probably why the guys aren’t here, so this is confusing as fuck.

Nick and I both turn to look at who is here and my heart skitters with relief when I see Bane step out, whistling off-tune and pulling a large box from the backseat.

“Oh, hello!” he says with a wide grin. “Oh, you look pretty today, Avery. Love the outfit. Very fun and bright.” His eyes swivel to Nick. “Oof, but not this guy though,” he says as he approaches me. “He looks…like he needs a little help with his wardrobe.”

I stare at Bane and then back at Nick, who is eyeing him .

“Who the fuck is this?” Nick slurs, and Bane sets the box down, using his foot to scoot it closer to me.

“Oh, hi, I’m Bane. You don’t have much going for you, do you? You don’t even have nice veins or nice eyes. Not even nice hair, if I’m being honest.”

“What the fuck?” Nick murmurs, but Bane ignores him.

“Anyhoo. You look upset. Are you upset, Avery?” Bane asks.

“I’m fine,” I reply, not wanting Bane involved. Or maybe I do. I just want Nick to go away and leave me alone. I want to live my life with Dean unbothered. “What are you here for?”

Bane claps his hands and waggles his eyebrows. “Oh! I brought some bones for the Boned Collector. Obviously, they’re not real bones, just props. Like I said. I don’t murder people. Often.”

He eyes Nick as I stare down at the box, seeing bones laid out neatly inside.

“All right. Thanks for these. I’ll make sure the guys get them,” I reply and then turn my gaze slightly to see where the fuck they’ve disappeared to. But the garage is so big, they’re nowhere to be found. Of course, if Dean knew Nick was here, he’d stop this. He’d probably blow a gasket and throw Nick out on his head, but he’s not here.

“Thank you. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Where are they, by the way?” Bane asks.

“I don’t know.”

My grip tightens on the crowbar, and Bane eyes it.

Nick lets out a low, ugly laugh and I glower at him.

“Shut the hell up, Nick,” I say. “Just leave me alone. Seriously. I’ve given you enough warnings.”

“Oh, well, if you’ve given him enough warnings, you should hit him over the head with that,” Bane encourages. “Watch his head pop like a grape.”

My mouth opens and closes.

“I will. I’ll do that,” I try to say menacingly to Nick. But my hands start to shake, and Bane sighs, tsking.

“Anyway, Avery, I’m going to head out. Back to work, my work is never done…” He steps behind Nick and then in a quick swoop, he pulls something from his pocket and stabs it into Nick’s neck .

Nick’s hand flies up and grasps it, and then a moment later, he falls backward, right into Bane’s waiting arms.

What the fuck! What the hell?

Just as Bane starts to giggle, Cash and Dean stroll around a corner. As soon as Dean sees what’s going on, he rushes toward me, pulling me into his arms. The crowbar falls to the floor with a loud clank and I let out a shaky exhale.

“Don’t mind me!” Bane says and then grins widely. “And hi, handsome men. I’m just taking care of the garbage,” Bane explains as he starts to drag Nick toward his car. “It’s my pleasure to assist in this. I didn’t like his eyes. Really, there’s no point in him living.”

“Bane,” I begin, but I go ignored, the three of us watching as Bane pops the trunk open to his car and shoves Nick inside with a grunt.

Dean watches for a moment and then stalks over to him. I think, for a moment, he’s going to take Nick out of the trunk, but instead, he helps maneuver his legs in, shutting it with a slam.

“There,” Dean says, and Bane grins excitedly.

“Thank you for your assistance, strong man! On second thought, for the Boned Collector, please make the trunk a little bigger. I didn’t account for tall people. Modifications need to be made.”

Dean stares down at him and then nods.

“Will do.”

“And don’t worry, Avery. I won’t hurt him,” he says, murmuring something under his breath, and I swear I see his fingers crossed behind his back as he turns. “I promise he’ll never bother you again. Like I said, he really has nothing to offer the world. No good veins, no nice eyeballs. Even his fingers wouldn’t make nice jewelry. Just useless, I tell you,” Bane says and then hops into the car and turns it on. “But anyways! Off I go. So nice to see you all. Tootles!”

And with a wave of his hand, Bane disappears.

Dean turns back to me, stalking over to pull me into him. I can’t…what the fuck just happened?

Did Bane just steal Nick away? Are my problems finally over?

“Are you okay?” Dean asks, and I stare up at him.

“You put a man in a trunk and sent him off with Bane, the man who doesn’t kill people. ”

“I don’t regret it. He wouldn’t have left you alone until he killed you.”

“You’re right. I know you’re right. And I’m sure Bane won’t hurt him.”

“Who fucking cares?” Cash replies and then moves toward us. “Glad Bane showed up when he did. Keeps our hands clean and your life less messy. I don’t mind operating in the gray.”

Yeah , I think as I nuzzle into Dean’s chest, letting him hold me. I can’t believe this is my life.

“You’re pale. Should we go home?” he asks, and I nod.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind. I just want to be held for a little while. Forget this day ever happened.”

“Go on,” Cash says. “Ford and I’ve got this.”

“What do you think Bane will do with him?” I ask as I snuggle against Dean on the couch.

His hand has loosened my braid and it falls around my shoulders as he strokes his fingers through it.

“Don’t fucking care, really. Like he said, Nick is a useless piece of shit. He wouldn’t have left you alone.”

“He wouldn’t have. And if he broke my pots again, I’d have probably taken him out myself.”

“Yeah,” Dean says and then pulls me a little closer. So close that I end up straddling him, my hands moving around his neck, my groin right against his. I can feel how hard he is just being near me and I can’t help but wet my lips in anticipation. “Just wish I’d have been the one to dispose of him.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” I say. “I don’t want you to go to jail.”

“I shouldn’t have left you alone in the garage, but I had no idea he’d be so bold as to come there,” he says.

“Don’t be like that. It all worked out. I was safe. I’m not hurt.”

Dean’s hands thread through my hair and pull me closer to him, his lips brushing against mine.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he says .

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“When I saw him standing there, looking like he wanted to tear you apart, my heart stopped.”

“He didn’t get a chance.”

“No, he didn’t,” he says with a small laugh. “Fucking Bane.”

“Our hero.”

“We’ll send him a Christmas card,” I say before Dean sweeps his tongue into my mouth, tasting me. His hands travel down my back to my ass, pulling my dress up and exposing me to him. I’m still sore, but fuck, I could go again.

I so could.

“You want me?” I ask Dean as he tugs my panties down, his fingers grabbing onto my ass roughly.

“I always want you,” he whispers, kissing me again. Deeply. Like he loves me. Like he can’t get enough.

And I feel the same.

When I sink down on him minutes later, watching his eyelids flutter as I ride him, I know that this is the man I’m going to marry. It’s no longer a dream, it’s reality.

Dean is my future.

My dreams came true.