The strangled noise he made was gratifying. His headwhipped toward me, eyes intense, a flush creeping up his neck.
I grinned. “But dating someone who doesn’t see me as an equal isn’t.”
Alek held my gaze. He didn’t point out that I was a hypocrite for saying that after blackmailing Eva, didn’t throw my own shit back in my face like I deserved.
Instead, his mouth tilted into a half smile. “You think it’s me trying to save everyone?”
“Isn’t it?”
He scrubbed both hands over his face then shut the fridge. He looked at the dishwasher, then looked at me, then back at the dishwasher.
His jaw tightened. His fingers literally twitched.
I waited, grinning wider, holding in my laughter.
“Dishwasher pods are under the sink,” he gritted out.
I laughed, the sound surprising me with its genuineness. “How much did it cost you to not fix the dishes?”
The dish towel caught me across the ass, sharp enough to sting. Then, Alek was yanking me close, kissing my forehead with a tenderness that stole my breath.
And I fucking melted into him.
I arranged us so we were hugging, my arms around his waist, his around my shoulders. He was broader than me, solid, and I could feel his heartbeat against my cheek.
“We’re going to solve this problem together,” I murmured into his chest. “All four of us.”
He squeezed me tight enough to hurt then pressed his forehead against mine, warmth ghosting over my lips as we shared breaths. “Together.”
When I pulled back, his eyes were thoughtful. “This could fuck up your future. You know that.”
My laugh was short and bitter. “I blackmailed a girl forsex with my best friend. There’s evidence in her phone. I’d rather be fucked for doing the right thing than for that.”
Respect crossed his face, or maybe it was just bone-deep exhaustion.
We finished cleaning in comfortable silence. Dawn had fully broken now, the pale light making everything softer.
“Fuck,” Alek muttered, checking his phone. “You’re supposed to train this morning.”
“With no coach? I think I can skip one workout.”
“I’ll wake you at noon.” He paused, and the weight of his sacrifice settled over my shoulders. We couldn’t let Carter get away with this. “Get some sleep, Tristan.”
37
INTERLUDE
Dad
Checking in.
It’s been a few days since you’ve been home.
Eva
Sorry! It’s been really busy.
Dad