Page 17 of Sawyer

"Yes, help yourself," I replied, trying to keep my tone light and my smile wide.

Garth didn’t hesitate to pop a couple of sandwiches straight into his mouth, chewing with a smirk.

"If I’d known you were going to give me the special treatment, I would’ve come here sooner," he added with a wink.

As he spoke, Garth stepped closer, resting his hand on my shoulder. I had to clench my fists tight at my sides, hard enough that I wouldn’t have been surprised if my skin tore.

There was something about him that made my instincts flare up. Everything about him screamed ‘danger’ to the suspicious part of my brain—the part that had spent too many nights binge-watching true crime shows. His overly friendly demeanor felt forced, making me want to keep my distance.

But I gritted my teeth, forced a bigger smile, and shoved those instincts aside.

I needed to stay polite, at least long enough to work up the courage to ask Garth for an extension on next month’s rent.

Suddenly, Garth burst out laughing at something behind me.

"What the hell are you wearing? Are you working here now?" He sneered at Sawyer. "With that leg?"

I glanced back at Sawyer, and his face was tight, his eyes narrowing.

For a split second, I saw a flash of gold in his irises, his gaze locked on Garth’s hand still draped over my shoulder. Sawyer’s eyes flicked down, looking at my clenched fists.

"Oh, he’s just—" I started to explain, trying to shrug Garth's arm off my shoulder, but he cut me off, slinging his arm around me even tighter.

His cheap cologne filled my nose, making me instinctively turn my face away, trying to put some space between us. But Garth leaned in, his voice loud in my ear.

"If you need help that badly, you’d be better off finding someone else. In fact," he added with a smug grin, "you should considersomeonewho's quickly rising to the top of the pack."

I forced a polite smile, trying once again to peel myself away from Garth's grip.

Just as I managed to step back, Sawyer moved in, pulling me aside.

He looked at me, his expression questioning, as if silently asking if I was alright. I gave him a small nod.

Garth’s face darkened as he looked between us, clearly displeased. Before he could say anything else, Sawyer placed a firm hand on the back of Garth’s neck, his grip so solid that Garth stumbled slightly.

With one arm still carrying Benny and the other guiding Garth toward the door, Sawyer moved them both outside.

"Come on, I think Cooper’s waiting for us," Sawyer said, his tone calm but firm.

Just before they reached the door, Sawyer glanced back at me, concern still etched across his face.

I mouthed that I was alright, and after a moment, he gave a slight nod, finally leading Garth out toward the parking lot.

I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, then looked over at Chris, who was staring down at the half-eaten plate of sandwiches that Garth had attacked earlier.

"You still want those?" I asked.

Chris made a face, his disgust clear. "Nah. Throw them away."

Chapter 5

Sawyer

Istood in front of the mirror, studying my reflection.

My hair was a bit messier than usual, and I debated whether I should apply more gel.

Or maybe I should change into a newer shirt? This was ridiculous; it wasn’t like Casey and I were going on a real date.