Page 45 of Shattered By the Currents

“Yeah. I can’t believe she’s still here. No one wants her around, except those fuckers who are running around town playing heroes.”

Nathaniel. Was he talking about Connor’s team and Raven?

“I can’t do that.” Nathaniel paused. “Look. My shift is starting. I need to go.”

The door suddenly opened.

Nathaniel froze at the sight of Connor. Then his eyes narrowed. “Were you listening in on my conversation?”

“I heard snippets. Who were you talking to?”

Nathaniel inched forward. “Stay the fuck away from me.”

Connor didn’t move a muscle. He looked the guy dead in the eye. “Can’t do that until you leave Raven alone.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw your car outside the community center last week. What the fuck were you doing there?”

Something flashed in his eyes. Surprise. Because Connor knew?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Nathaniel finally answered.

“Oh, don’t do that, Nathaniel. No one likes a liar.”

“Luckily, I don’t have to tell you shit.”

“You’re right, you don’t. But if I see you or your car anywhere near her again, you won’t like what happens next.”

The guy’s hands fisted, his chest moving a bit faster.

“Do it,” Connor said softly. “Take a swing. See what happens.”

Nathaniel’s throat bobbed. He wanted to.

A second passed. Then another. Finally, the guy stepped back.

He was smarter than he looked.

“I’m going to work.” He squeezed by Connor.

He’d gotten one step away before Connor asked, “Have you been to the old firehouse lately?”

Nathaniel turned, a scowl on his face. “What?”

Connor took a moment to study him. His confusion looked genuine. But was it?

Ryan appeared at the end of the hall. “Everything okay here?”

Without a word, Nathaniel stormed toward the bar.

“Come on, let’s go.” Connor led the way, saying a quick goodbye to Dusty before leaving.

Ryan waited until they were outside to ask, “What happened back there?”

“I overheard Nathaniel on the phone. He said he couldn’t believeshewas still here.”

Ryan frowned. “Who?”