“Have a seat. You need a drink? Hungry?” He set my bag next to me.

“I’m good.” Was I feeling out of place? Was I feeling rescued? All of it.

Austin went to the fridge that was painted with a subtle pattern and filled up a glass with ice and water.

He came and sat down next to me, holding out the glass. I took it gratefully, tipping it back to quench my thirst.

“See, angel? I knew what you needed.” Austin reached over and moved some of my hair away from my face, the edge of his finger skimming my temple.

Did he know what that touch did to people? I couldn’t imagine that the whole world wouldn’t feel that tender contact in both their soul and their naughty bits at the same damn time.

There was a gentle tone from the front door. Austin mumbled, “Shit.”

The door flung open before he could explain. Stumbling in the entry was a tall guy, his face scribbled with tattoos all over it. When he snarled in our direction, I could see some of his teeth were capped in gold.

“That’s how it is. Quick, right?” The door swung closed and slammed from the weight.

“Taylor, please ignore everything he’s about to say.” Austin moved my bag and slung his arm over my shoulder, holding his hands over my ears. It didn’t matter, I could still hear perfectly.

“Oh, Taylor? She’s hot. Fuck hot. I bet she’s perfect for you. Into you.” I was gathering this was the roommate from the earlier fight. He was latching onto my name and just rolling me into their fight. The man looked me up and down. “Young for you, though.”

“She’s my little sister’s best friend. So maybe be a little respectful, asshole.” Austin stood and held a hand in front of me, signaling for me to stay put, I was assuming.

“Oh, so picking up some trash from home, I see.” The roommate stepped forward and squared up with Austin.

He was for sure wobbly, like his executive functions were off. Drugs. I bet he was on drugs.

Austin’s eyes flared and his hand shot out. He had the man’s jaw in his hand as he hissed, “Respectful.”

I’d been around plenty of boys in fights in my day. Teddi and I had run with the football players and her brothers our entire life. But there was something different about the way this guy and Austin were threatening each other. It was almost…sexual.

Oh. Then I figured it out. They were roommates and possibly lovers. Hence, the extra anger and tension.

The other guy gave Austin a harsh, hollow chuckle. “So you haven’t been able to replace me after all, then. What did I tell you? My leftovers are tainted. You won’t find anyone to love you.”