Page 95 of Let Me Keep You

“Wanna join us?” she asks Gemma.

“No, I can’t. Y’all have fun, though.” She glances at me, and I study her reaction.

Jealousy. Regret. Maybe both.

“Thanks again for helping. Good night, Tyler.”

“Good night.”

Ruby and I wait until Gemma drives off before heading to the pub. It cracks me the fuck up that she’s so damn jealous when the ball has always been in her court.

Once Ruby and I are inside, we order a beer at the bar and talk about our day.

“Are you absolutely positive she’s not into girls?”

I bark out a laugh because this isn’t the first time she’s brought up my sister. “Everleigh? I’m positive, which is a good thing because I’m sure you’d ruin her.”

“Damn right, I would.” She waggles her brows. “But I saw the way she was looking at me when we met last weekend, and the other day when I picked you up. She was totally giving me the sexy bedroom eyes.”

I snort.

“She definitely liked what she saw,” she says, swirling her tongue against her top lip.

“You’re such a little shit.” I sip my beer. “Pretty sure she’s sworn off dating for life.”

“Oh, I’d be delighted to help change her mind. I bet she’d be game for a threesome too. I was totally gettin’ a kinky vibe from her.”

“I think I might throw up. That’s my sister, so stop putting nasty images in my head.” I shudder, which causes her to snort-laugh.

“Alright fine, you big pussy. What about Gemma then? Think I could steal her away from that needle-dick she’s engaged to?”

“Don’t even start.”

“Oh, c’mon. You know I’m just giving you shit. She is beautiful, though. I wouldn’t mind exploring her body with my tongue and⁠—”

“I’m gonna kick your ass, Ruby,” I threaten.

“Well, if you’d put on some gloves and meet me in the ring, we’d see about that. Pretty sure I could take you.” She flexes, then winks.

I grin, shaking my head at her confidence. “Oh, Ruby. What am I gonna do with you?”

“Well, my ex-girlfriend enjoyed slapping my ass and twisting my nipples, so if you wanna punish me…”

“God help me, I’m gonna need more alcohol.” I groan as she sticks out her tongue.

Though we give each other shit, I’m so fucking happy I have at least one friend I can hang out with who’s not connected to my sister in Lawton Ridge.

I’ve been trying to forget about my upcoming trip to Vegas and pushed it to the back of my mind.

I tried to keep my mind busy and not to think about Gemma or the deposition. Everleigh agreed to drive me to the airport for my flight on Sunday, but not before she bombarded me with a million questions. I refused to admit what’s going on or that I hope to serve a slice of justice pie to the woman who nearly ruined my life. The less details she knows, the better. Not worrying her more than I already have and keeping her safe are my only priorities.

On the way to the airport Sunday morning, my blood felt like it was boiling in my veins, but I stayed calm so I didn’t alarm my sister. Everleigh continued to question me, but I didn’t cave even though she threatened me with bodily harm. Of course, I laughed since I’m twice her size and she’d cry about breaking a nail before hurting me.

Before I got out of the car, I gave her a hug and told her not to be late picking me up Tuesday night. She agreed and demanded I be careful.

My flight to Nevada was boring and so was the Uber ride to the hotel. Viewing the bright lights and tall hotels on The Strip brought back a lot of memories. While I’d love to go out and revisit my old stomping grounds, it’s not safe for me here.

Monday comes quick and waking up in Vegas for the first time in half a decade is odd. I’ve been away too long for this to feel like home. Now, it just seems like a nightmare I can’t wake from.