"We don't really have time for your little lovers’ quarrel, you two." Hunter interjects.
Elliott looks up from her hands to meet my eyes, then gazes between us. By the way her eyes are narrowed, I can tell she has a question she’s holding in.
"I'll be in touch." Kam clips out.
"Okay. Be safe about it."
"And gorgeous?"
"Ahem—yeah?" She is still looking between Hunter and I.
"I'll see you soon, okay?"
"Okay." Her voice is lower than before. "Kam?"
"Yeah El?"
El? Does this girl really need another nickname from him? The fuck?
"I need you to be safe…" her voice cracks, and I hate the way my chest aches along with it.
"I will be. I have to come see you again, after all."
"Promise?"
"Promise." And with that, the line clicks and he is gone.
She knew he wouldn’t go back on his word. She caught on to our promises, or maybe Hunter let her in on it. Either way, she was playing the only card she thought she had to get him to becareful. Little did she know he was so far wrapped around her finger that he wouldn't risk not coming back to her in one piece.
18
Elliott
"Can we have a minute alone, Elliott?" My eyes flicker between Hunter and Marcus who are looking at me intensely. I watch as Marcus's jaw ticks the longer I stay.
"Of course. I'll just be in the bedroom." I slide off the stool, walking down the hall, but stop when I hear them talking in a not-so-hushed tone. I keep my body near the glass wall, far enough down so they can't see me but close enough that I can still hear. They’re making it easy, as if they don't expect me to be lurking in on their conversation.
"She told us so much butnothingat the same time, Hunter."
"They kept her in the dark for a reason, you heard what they put her through. Why are you still being an asshole? Because of Kam?"
"What are you talking about? I am just being real here, unlike some."
"What the fuck does that mean?"
"It means both you and Kam are being little fucking puppy dogs. Why? What does she have that has you both so far up her ass?"
"I'm not up her ass. I'm—"
"Sure, Hunter, sure. I saw the way you looked at her last night. Hell, I saw how you were looking at her this morning."
"I’m only keeping her safe and comfortable. That is what Kameron wanted."
"Was part of that falling for her?"
"Falling for her? I barely know her. What are you—"
"Save it. Don't talk to me like I haven't known you for half my fucking life, Hunter. I’m a big boy, I can handle you falling for someone else. What I can't handle is you lying about it because you take pity on me and my feelings."
