Before I can carry on with the crazy idea, the door opens.
Aiden and Elsa come inside, arms around each other while Teal walks alongside them. We’re watching them upside down, considering our position.
My chest tightens when I search behind them and there’s no trace of her.
Not that I want to see her.
Lie.
You’re a fucking liar.
I need a drink – or two – right about now.
“Fuck, I missed the fight.” Aiden appears genuinely offended. Arsehole.
Ronan stands up first and offers me his hand. I take it as I rise to my feet and wipe my bottom lip with my thumb.
“Where’s that fucker Nash?” I ask.
“Busy.” Aiden motions at us. “By all means, don’t stop on our account. Can we have a redo?”
“Sex and drugs and now violence.” Teal stares down at Ronan like he’s a stray, dirty dog. “What a charmer.”
Since he’s close to me, I notice the change in his demeanour, the way his body leans forward as if for a fight, but he grins, showing his teeth.
“Glad to be of entertainment, ma belle.”
“Entertainment?” She rolls her eyes. “More like a war zone.”
“Then you should take shelter, huh?”
“Are you okay?” Elsa leaves Aiden’s side and retrieves tissues from her bag to wipe the blood off Ronan’s mouth and nose.
Teal puts earbuds in and saunters to the midst of all the mess as if it doesn’t exist. Then she sits on the sofa, saying in no uncertain terms that she’s lost interest in the scene.
No idea why she’s here anyway.
While Elsa wipes Ronan’s face, Aiden’s left eye twitches, which means his inner demon is about to come out.
Just to be a dick, I say, “What about me, Elsa? He ruined my face.”
“Not you.” She doesn’t break her attention from Ronan.
“Not him either.” Aiden pulls her by the arm and throws the tissues at Ronan’s chest.
The latter smirks. “But I like Ellie’s soft hands.”
Aiden offers him a mock smile. “I’m sure you’ll also like the grave I’ve been digging for you. I’m making it nice and cosy.”
“Why not me?” I ask Elsa.
“You’re acting as if you don’t know?” She folds her arms over her chest, pinning me with a scowl like a stern teacher.
“I don’t know.”
“I can’t believe this. You’re such an arrogant bastard.”
I give her a smug grin. “I’d probably take the compliment better if we put it into context.”