The Puppet Assassin [TTR sequel]

The Puppet Assassin - Ch 12 [her -|- luke]

"You couldn't just accept and shut up, could you?" he grumbled. "You so much as touch Kay the wrong way tonight and I'll do what I've been itching to do since we first met and break your nose with my fist."

He wasn't lying. But he had a small smile, the corners of his lips just turned up, so I figured I was safe.

** **

Garth's house was unusually quiet; I couldn't hear the television going, which was strange. Larkin spent most of his spare time in front of it and around this time Garth would typically be watching the news. There weren't even any arguments to be heard from Garth and Kayli. I used my key to get in and then heard the faint sound of plates being scraped. They were eating. My stomach growled lowly. And the bastards hadn't waited for me. They better have enough for me as well. Though with both Garth and Larkin eating, that was unlikely.

"Oh man, is that seafood I smell?" Liam asked in undertone as he came in behind me.

"Liam!" Kayli's head showed out the door of the kitchen. "What the hell took you so long? We have to be at the apartment before seven or B will show up to an empty apartment."

Liam strode forward, placed a hand on the back of her head and pulled her up for a kiss. When he released her she had a pink tinge to her cheeks and was scowling. I grinned openly at her embarrassment.

"I knew it. Seafood." Liam patted his stomach. "Did you get me any?"

"No. We have to go. Now, Liam," she said sternly.

He looped an arm around her neck and pulled her back into the kitchen. I followed, hoping that they at least got extra for me.

"Garth! Hook me up with some prawns for the ride home!"

I turned into the kitchen to see Garth wrapping up several prawns in a napkin. Next to him, staring at her empty plate, was Dizelde. She still looked a little frail but there was colour back into her cheeks. Washing his hands in the sink, Larkin swivelled his head around to grin at me. "You lucked out, Luke. Best seafood I've ever had."

I folded my arms, glaring at him. "You couldn't save me even a little bit?

He shrugged and dried his hands on a tea towel. "Don't blame me. Goldilocks ate twice as much as me."

Garth chuckled, amused, and nudged Dizelde gently. She was pressing her lips together as if to stop herself from smiling. I was amazed. Perhaps she wasn't the shy, intimidated child I'd presumed her to be.

"There's nothing left?" I was so hungry.

"Oh, go get your cook to make something, you rich snob," Kayli teased. "Liam, you've got your food. We need to go now." She tugged on his hand.

"Alright, okay. Luke, we'll probably get there around nine. Actually, wait Kay," he tugged her back into him. "Are you going to be sticking around Garth?"

Garth shook his head. "I'm going out."

"A date?" Larkin grinned. "Oh, come on, that can't be."

"Yeah," Kayli scoffed, "she'd have to be deaf and blind."

Liam and I stiffened but Garth retorted, "that's not what you thought when you first met me." He grinned rakishly. I snorted and even Liam chuckled.

"Looks like I'm babysitting for the night then," Lark changed the subject as he rested his hands on the countertop and smirked.

Liam frowned. "Maybe I should get dad to come over."

Larkin tensed and frowned. I quickly interceded before an argument could build. "Lark will be fine, Liam. You should really go, I think. Kayli's looking like she's plotting to knock you out in order to get you outta here." I moved towards the door, hoping they would follow. Thankfully they both did. I tucked my hands into my pockets while they climbed into the car.