Page 10 of Narrow Margins
“I just thought it would be a good idea. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for what you did for me.” Griff looks right at me, there is no backing down in his eyes or his stance.
“Yeah? Well, you don’t need to. It’s over and done with. You can just carry on with your life now, and leave me to carry on with mine. I can make sure that they know we won’t be working together.”
He looks at me—I mean, properly studies me—before asking, “Why did you do it, Corrie, why go through all the hassle of the closed courtroom and the anonymity, just to save my ass from jail? Why didn’t you want anyone else to know what we had done? I sure as hell didn’t want to drag you through all that shit.” The flash of anger is back, the same one he had back in the courtroom.
“I did it because I knew it wasn’t true. I did it to stop you from being wrongfully imprisoned. I did it privately to keep my life out of the papers, you self-centered prick!” I stop and take a deep breath, “I would have done it straight away if you had answered my call. But, fuck, no! I was tracked by a shit hot surveillance company and called by your very expensive lawyer.And,guess what? He had no fucking clue I had offeredtohelp, right from the fucking beginning of all your shit. Did he tell you I blame myself for all the crap?” I watch the storm of emotions flow over Griff’s features, his beautiful face. “No, I didn’t think so. We don’t need to see each other, or spend another single moment with each other.” I let out a deep breath and run my hands through my hair—it’s much longer and scruffier now—and, for a moment, Griff’s eyes flare and darken. “Let’s not forget the fact that you’re straight. I was just the poor fucker that got caught up in your experiment.”
Griff steps back as if I’ve struck him. “I’m sorry I asked. I’ll leave you alone. But, hey! Thank you for what you did. Not many people would have done that for me, none of my so-called friends were prepared to stand up and vouch for me.”
Abruptly, I feel like the bad guy out of this; so be it. “Well, maybe that says more about you and who you chose as your friends.” I walk away. Or, at least, I try to.
“Hey, Corrigan, wait up.” My fucking brother!
“Oh, for the love of God, will I ever get out of here?” I mutter and see Griff hold back a smile.
“Oh, Griff, I didn’t see you there, can you make your way back down there? Troy is about to kick off and I hate it when he does that. I have to take him home and calm him down.” Raff wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.
I watch Griff blush, so it’s my turn to grin, “Don’t embarrass the straight guy, Raff. At least wait until he’s signed his contract.”
Griff flushes even more at that but I think I’ve pissed him off, tough shit! “Yeah, I’d better go back. It was good to see you again, Corrie, I think?”
Raff watches him make his way back. I notice him straighten his shoulders as he gets to the door and know he’s got himself back in the game.
“Are you going to tell me what the fuck that was all about?” He glares at me, looking annoyed.
“Nope, none of your business, Raff, just leave it alone.” I dare him to question me.
“You need to sort it out because he’s staying at the house as of today. Oh, and your first shoot is with him, on Monday, so get over your hissy fit.” Raff strides back to the meeting room. “Are you coming back in or are you going home with your panties in a bunch?”
“Fuck you!” I spit and walk back to the boardroom.
An hour, and a ton of questioning glances from the men, later, Griff Broderick becomes part of the De’ath of You crew. Everyone sports huge smiles as they shake hands with the golden boy. I smile too and, when I hold out my hand, Griff takes it and sparks of electricity race between us. I can’t stop myself from letting my fingers skim down his hand, feeling him tremble under my soft touch.
When I let go and meet his eyes, he appears startled and his eyes dart around the room, seeing if anyone has noticed. It looks like they are all busy. Yep! Still going for straight, even if we both feel something. He looks like a deer caught in the headlights, not knowing which way to bolt.
“It’s all set up for you at the house, Griff. Did you bring all your gear from the hotel or do you need to go back there?” Nico asks.
“I’ve got it all with me. It’s great that I don’t have to stay in a hotel, thank you.” Griff answers happily.
“Okay then, you can follow Corrie back then.” Nico takes hold of Ryan’s hand and looks at him adoringly, “You ready, babe?” A sweet smile curls his mouth as Ryan nods and pecks him lightly on his lips.
“What?” Griff splutters.
I feel the tension roll from him again. Nico looks up at him as he grabs Ryan’s hand, “You’re staying at Corrie’s place. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s cool, no problem.” Griff looks anything but cool.