Dax (The Theriot Family 4)

Corbin laughed so hard people from other tables began to stare.

A few moments later, our server asked us if we would like dessert. Corbin told me refusing wasn’t an option. He ordered us both the bread pudding soufflé, one of the menu items Commander’s Palace was most known for.

I wasn’t going to argue with him. I would’ve happily devoured anything off the dessert menu. For a long time, desserts for me had been limited to store-bought cookies and candy bars.

The server headed off to put in our order, and Corbin surprised me by asking how I’d gotten along staying with Dax.

He couldn’t have any idea how I felt about Dax, could he? I wasn’t even sure Beau knew I’d had a crush on his friend. I doubted he’d realized I was more likely to tag along with him and Ambrose when Dax was with them, especially since he’d acted like I hardly knew Dax. “It was fine. I appreciated having a place to stay.”

I could tell my answer didn’t satisfy Corbin. “Most people are scared of Dax, and even though he’s my cousin, I sometimes find him a little chilling. Don’t you dare tell him I said that, though.”

“I’m not afraid of him. I mean, not really. I definitely didn’t mind staying with him. I watched him play around the bayou with Ambrose and Beau on the rare occasions when he came to his uncle’s place with his twin. I also got to spend time sitting on the porch with him because he didn’t like rampaging through the bayous as much as the others. He was always complaining about the bugs and the heat and trying to get them to go back and do something inside his uncle’s air-conditioned house.”

Corbin studied me for a moment, and I tried to keep my expression neutral. “I’m sure he’s a whole lot different now than he was back then.”

I shrugged. “Not so much.”

“Really?” The curiosity in Corbin’s gaze worried me. I didn’t need him finding out that there was more between Dax and me than an old friendship, at least on my part. “How much do you know about his role in the family?”

“I know what he does now, but I also know he’s still as kind and protective as he was when I was a kid, at least as long as you’re a friend and not an enemy. He’s always been ready to defend his family and friends.”

Corbin’s lip curled in a mischievous smile. “I see.”

Fuck. I’d been way too defensive about Dax. “No, you don’t. He was like another older brother. I…” Shit. I was just making it worse.

Corbin held up a hand. “There’s no need to explain, and I won’t say a thing except that he is single, and I’m always here to help.”

I snorted. “I got the impression Dax doesn’t take help from anyone.”

“Much like your brother.”

“Yes.”

Corbin smiled. “Things can always change.”

“Maybe in your world.”

“You’re in my world now.”

I managed to change the topic back to Beau and his antics as a teenager for the rest of the meal. I hated to think how much it would cost, but I told Corbin I could get a ride home. He still insisted on driving me. His Porsche Cayenne was going to look way out of place on my street, but I was eager for another ride in it. When we were nearly to my driveway, Corbin waved at a man in a much less ostentatious black SUV.

“Who’s that?”

“Lenny. He’s watching your place.”

“What? Why?”

Corbin glanced at me, then bit his lip. “Shit, you didn’t know?”

“Corbin, tell me what’s going on. I swear I’m not going to fuck Beau over again. I never wanted to. I—”

“He’s not here because Beau doesn’t trust you. He’s here because Dax insisted on someone watching you at all times. He’s worried about you being in danger from Rob’s former associates.”

“He’s got people watching me?”

“They’re watching your apartment, making sure no one suspicious comes by.”

“I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”

“But you don’t have to now.” Corbin put the car in park and looked at me with narrowed eyes. “What was it you said about Dax not accepting any help?”

My instincts were against it, but maybe I could use some protection. Still, sending people to follow me around without even telling me was not going to cut it. “I didn’t give anyone permission to spy on me.”

“Our family doesn’t usually ask permission.”

I huffed. “That’s why… Look, it would have been easier for everyone if I’d just left town.”

“No, and it would never have worked. Beau or Dax would have come after you.”

“What the fuck? I don’t get to make decisions for myself anymore?”

Corbin grinned. “Trust me. There are a lot of benefits to being under the protection of my family. If you’d let us, we’d help you a hell of a lot more.”