Page 35 of Be My Vengeance

“Nah, I’m too wired.”

He checked his watch. “I mean, it’s already like, three in the morning. I can stay awake with you. I’m sure Gideon will let us sleep once Toni takes over.”

“I’m good, Danny…I’d actually like to be alone for a bit.” I motioned to a drugged-out Maksim. “Well, as alone as I can be.”

Danny glanced at Maksim and then me. He was silently regarding me, likely trying to figure out if I was truly okay or if when he left the room I was going to go off the deep end and pummel Maksim—jury was still out on that.

“Yeah, okay…I’ll just take a couple of hours.”

“Night, Danny.”

“Night, Alex.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Danny

“Can I ask you a question?” Penn was sitting in the passenger’s seat as I drove him to the doctor for some blood work. Rita seemed to think that Penn was always dying and simply couldn’t feel it, so she made him go for monthly blood tests on top of other things throughout the year.

“You can ask me anything, but that doesn’t mean I have to answer it.”

“How come you never go out on dates or anything? Not judging, just wondering.”

That wasn’t what I’d thought he’d ask. “I’m not interested in anyone, and if you haven’t noticed, this past year has been chaotic.”

He hummed. “Fair. But, like, do you use hookup apps?”

I chuckled. “Is this your way of telling me I need to get laid?”

“Nah. For all I know you have no desire toward sex. I was just curious.”

I side-eyed Penn. When he was curious, it usually meant something more. “Out with it.”

“What?”

“Don’t what me. What’s on your mind? Ask it. I don’t know why you’re holding back; it’s not really your style.”

“Okay, so how long have you been pining over Alex?”

If I were anybody else, I probably would have jerked the wheel in shock. But I was used to surprises with these people.

“Pining?”

“Yeah. I mean I didn’t actually pick up on it until this last year, and it made me wonder how long you’ve wanted him.”

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. If he’d picked up on it, had Alex? “How about never? He’s my best friend, Penn.”

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s hot.”

I snapped my head at him briefly, subsequently returning my attention to the road. “Hot?”

“Whoa, put that green monster away.”

“What are you talking about? Penn, Alex is my best friend who lost his wife horribly. He’s heartbroken, and I’m just trying to be there for him. If that’s come off as seeming like something more, it wasn’t my intention.”

Penn was silent for a beat, and then he opened his mouth. “So, before Mila, I’m guessing?”

“Fuck off.” I playfully punched his arm.