Devil You Know(Lost Boys Book 1)(7)

“It’s not that bad.”

“I was asphyxiating on smoke in my study and that is on the other side of the house.”

“That’s it. I’m not baking for you again, ever. Even when I become a master chef and make the most mouthwatering treats, none of you get any.” Her eyes turned to me and softened causing my chest to tighten. “I’ll bake for Damian because he is a gentleman and kept his comments to himself.”

“Sorry, man. You should have said something.” Cam’s comment earned him a pot holder to the head.

Mr. Ahern turned his attention on me. “Damian, do you have a minute?”

Shit. My muscles tensed even as I rose and followed Mr. Ahern to his study. I knew it couldn’t last, but I really liked coming here. I didn’t want to take a seat, it would be faster to walk out if I was already standing, so I stood by his door.

“Won’t you sit?”

“I’m good here.”

He moved around his desk and sat on the corner.

“I don’t usually involve myself in other people’s business, not a big fan of people doing it to me, but I wanted to tell you that you are always welcome here. And if you ever need anything, even just someone to talk to, I’m here. We all are.”

This was not the conversation I thought we would be having. My chest was tight again but in a good way.

“You’re seventeen, almost an adult, but still figuring it out. I’ve been there and if you need help with anything…finding a job, applications for college, finding an apartment, please don’t hesitate to pick my brain.”

I pushed my hands into the pockets of my jeans to hide that they were shaking. I hadn’t felt emotion this strongly since I was little and my dad walked out. But unlike then, this felt good, really fucking good.

“Do you know what you want to do after high school?”

“I want to join the army. I’ve already taken the test and have spoken with a recruiter.”

“I won’t lie, that scares me a little given the state of the world. You’ve thought about that, right?”

“Yeah, but I want to be a part of something that makes a difference.”

“You’re a good man, Damian.”

I actually wanted to cry. I lowered my head until I got a handle on it.

“I won’t keep you, but my offer stands. You need anything, let me know.”

I turned for the door because my eyes were bright, but I did say loud enough for him to hear, “Thank you, Mr. Ahern.”

I walked right out the front door and went for a walk around the block to pull myself together. Never in my life would I have thought a man like Mr. Ahern would talk to me like he had. I had thought I didn’t need anyone, I had done well going it alone, but I hated being alone.

“Hey.”

My head snapped to Thea. I hadn’t heard her approach.

“I thought you were staying for dinner. We won’t have dessert because I burned the damn cookies, but...”

She drew her lower lip between her teeth and her big brown eyes glanced down. Understanding nearly knocked me over. She was nervous talking to me. This beauty was nervous around me?

“I was just going for a walk.”

“I’m sorry.” She pulled a hand through her hair and she looked back at her house before her focus came back on me. “I asked him to talk to you. I just…I don’t pretend to understand your home life, but I wanted you to know that we’re here. We are all here for you.”

I thought Mr. Ahern’s words rocked me. Hearing that from Thea nearly brought me to my knees. And still I had to ask, “Why?”

She worked her lower lip again, her focus shifting away from me. “You’ve got the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen even with the sadness that lurks behind them. I’m kind of hoping that pain will fade if you hang with my crazy family.” Her eyes found mine. “If you hang with me.”

She irrevocably marked me in that moment, like a brand. I’d never been so fucking happy to be burned. I had to actually work at not falling all over myself for this girl, though I suspected she’d catch me if I did. “I’d like that.” She exhaled, as if in relief, and I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her. Instead, I teased her, “Even without the cookies.”

She flashed me a smile. “I’d be willing to try the cookies again.”

“Maybe Cam should be the taster.”

Her smile turned wicked. “Good idea.”



I stuffed the last of my things in a bag. I had made several trips already. I was moving out. As soon as I turned eighteen, I called Mr. Ahern and he helped me find an apartment. It wasn’t much to look at, but it was mine. The Ahern family was even now at my new place. Mrs. Ahern was determined to turn the shit apartment into a comfortable and welcoming home…her words.