Page 37 of Wild Like Us

To build my empire with what my dad left me when he died. The more my companies grow, the more I’m honoring him.

But some part of me is resisting the giant leap towardsbusiness. When the opportunity came knocking to franchise my gym, I rejected it. Too much work. Too big of a project away from security.

I didn’t want to leave Sulli then.

And now—it’s not any easier. I’ve lovedeverymoment being her bodyguard, and a gnawing, bittersweet feeling overcomes me when I consider walking away from her. It’s the end of a huge chapter of my life.

It’s the end of a fucking era with her, and how am I supposed to say goodbye?

So I thought having Banks gradually fill in for me would ease the transition, but it’s not easing a damn thing. It still feels like pouring salt on an open wound.

Back at the Jeep, I tear off the gas receipt. And instinctively, I look back at the store for Sulli. She’s laughing while he motions her forward. And then she stuffs the rest of the donut in Banks’ mouth, smiling. He’s near-laughter and trying not to choke.

Banks likes her.

It’s not the first time I’veseenit. Not the first time I’ve thought about it. Shit, I’ve thoughta lotabout the idea of Banks & Sulli together.

Romantically.

My jaw tenses at that word. But at least my glare isn’t drilling fifty holes in the cement parking lot.Fuck. If Banks wereanyother guy—if I didn’t know him so well—I’d be running into the gas station and twirling her towards me. To protect her from the bastards of the world.

She’s like a sister.I rest against Booger. Yeah, she’s likea sister.

But Banks is the kind of guy I’d pair with my sister in a heartbeat. He’s considerate, honorable, selfless—he treats women like they’re gods among mortal men. He’d worship her.

I’d run to the ends of the earth for her.

I shake the thought away. Why the hell does that matter? Banks isn’t Will Rochester. He’s not a shitstain or a prick like her ex-boyfriend. If she likes him, sheshouldbe with him.

But even trying to picture their first date deadbolts my brain. I go blank and self-eject.

I’m not jealous.

My chest sinks. I can’t be jealous…

More likely, I’ve never been a real third wheel with Sulli. Even with Will, she chose to hang around me over him. She’d constantly turn to me.

Talk to me.

Play with me—teasingly,friendly.

Being a third wheel—this is just new to me. Something I’m not used to. It’s making me feel weird shit. That has to be it.

Banks leads Sulli out of the store, a plastic bag in his hand and in hers. I nod to Sul, “What’s the damage?”

She bypasses me with a short, fleeting look. “Donuts, Ho Hos, and gummy worms.” And then she climbs into the backseat.

Banks makes a face at me while he swigs a Ziff sports drink. Washing down the donut Sulli crammed in his mouth.

Am I bitter?

Something rises to the back of my throat.

While I screw on the gas cap, Banks hands me another Ziff out of his bag. “Unless you want to spend another hundred miles with Sulli the Iceberg, you’re gonna want to go unfuck that.”

“I’m already there.” I down a strong gulp of Ziff, heading to the window of the backseat. Every time Thatcher and Banks sayunfuck, I picture a dick exiting a pussy.

So that’s what I’m picturing.