Chapter 7: All Eyes On You

Thane’s POV

Avery has a brother?

I look at her with scrutiny; her throat bulbs like she is struggling to breathe, she is trying her best to avoid keeping eye contact, and beside her, her hands are trembling.

She hastily puts them behind her, seeing that I'm checking her out.

Piper, on the other hand, is trying to shade her from my view, as she comes in front of Avery to pack another bag, except that she isn't packing anything that makes sense. Like how she picked up the supposed brother’s footwear, only to realize it was not Avery’s after putting one of the pair in the bag.

This time, slowly, I look from the man lying on the bed not making any moment yet, to Avery. My source can't lie or miss out on anything. Then they probably have, because they didn't mention her having a brother or a boyfriend.

I will get to the bottom of this. I sweep that to the back of my mind.

"You have to stop." Piper, the bold one, speaks up. I figured from the get-go that she was confrontational, but about a few minutes ago, it was excessive.

"Her house, her rules,” she doesn't budge. "Besides, her brother won't indulge you for a bit.”

I look from her to Avery, demanding her response.

"Ye-yes,” Avery stutters.

"One more lie and you'll never have the tongue to tell another.”

I know that my words are brutal, and when she takes in a slow breath, it's the confirmation that I need.

"Two minutes, don't ever keep me waiting.” She nods like she wants me to leave by all means.

I step outside and pull out my phone. Scrolling through the call logs, Mark, my assistant’s name pops up. I dial it.

"Sir." His voice is low, as I put the phone on speaker.

I look around, sure that none of the suspicious ladies is behind me. Then, I groan in the phone's mouthpiece. "I want every tab on Avery sent to me. All of it, including a supposed brother.”

“Done deal, boss.”

"I need to tonight.” I drop the call and walk to the car to wait for them.

“Crap!” I cuss beneath my breath. It's more than five minutes, and I'm sure of it. I flip my watch to see for myself, only to realize it's taking fifteen minutes.

It must be as I was lost in thoughts about who the man may turn out to be. Their sudden behavior, a matter of fact, everything about the premises and the atmosphere says it all.

"Fifteen minutes? They must have some guts."

The car door opens and I'm about to drag them out, screw that, Avery, because I have no business with the nosy friend, they come in view, with Piper whispering to Avery who still seems taken aback.

"You are really testing my patience.” I hiss with clenched teeth.

"For once,” she doesn't stop ranting even when Avery signals her to. "Can you get off your high horse, and...”

“We’re ready!” Avery screams, forcing Piper to stop. Her voice is shaky and she is distressed. "Yeah, that's what she means to say.”

"You mean to say 'you are’?" I correct her and she nods fervently. Turning to Piper, she tries to shut her up for good.

"What? Allow me to talk some senses into him. You’re not just pregnant with his child, but you have a special condition.”

"Get in," I order.

The driver swiftly climbs down to get her door. Once she is in, he drives off, leaving Piper to keep blabbing. That's one very sad way to leave your friend, but I wish that there was a puddle, so it would splash in her smart mouth.

Silly!

For a minute, I take the time to access her frame. Still, she is out of balance. And purposely, she clings to the door, avoiding me by all means.

What are you hiding, Avery? You better speak now because if I find out it's bad, you'll hate yourself forever.

I so much want to say, but strangely Piper’s words get into my head, and even though it's hard to take sides with her, she is right. Avery isn't just pregnant with my child, but she needs all the attention and care she gets. If I'm not going to give her that, at least, I will grant her peace.

Piece that comes with conditions.

"Listen carefully, miss,” I say with a stern voice. "I have a golden rule, one that you mustn’t break.”