Jaden (Jaded 3)

I didn’t move and continued to glare at them. My middle finger was still in front of me. I wanted that gesture showcased and dipped in bronze.

Corrigan waved my hand away and grabbed my wrist. He tugged me in. Bryce and Denton both moved and all three of them tugged me so I was in the middle of the love fest.

This was just wonderful.

I stood there, rigid, as the three of them moved closer.

“Oh, Sheldon. You’re the glue in our friendship lockets.”

“Screw off, Corrigan.”

His head rested on my left shoulder.

Bryce’s head went to my right shoulder. “She’s the stick in our kebab.”

Corrigan barked out a laugh. “That was good, Bryce.”

“Thanks. I’ve been working on being funnier.”

“It’s paying off.”

“You guys,” I growled in warning.

Denton added, squee

zing closer and his forehead rested on the back of my skull. “My turn.”

“Oh god.” I groaned.

“Sheldon, you’re the hotdog in our bun.”

“That’s a good one,” Corrigan murmured in my ear.

“Without you, it’s just bread.”

Bryce said, “Yeah. No taste. We’d go dry. Cracked.”

“Pure carbs. No enjoyment.” Corrigan was laughing in my ear.

“We’d all get fat then.” I could feel Denton’s silent laughter, as he pressed closer into the back of me. “Denton and I can’t. Our careers depend on our lean beautifulness.”

“Ha. Our beautifulness.”

“Oh my god.” I’d had enough. I tried to break away from them, but all three tightened their hold on me so I ducked down and crawled out through their feet. “You guys are too annoying now.”

Corrigan started for me. “Come on, Sheldon. We’re having fun.”

I rolled my eyes and darted out of his reach. “Forget the murderer. Take me away now.” Wait. “Never mind.” I asked Denton, “Where’s your wine? Can we please all get drunk tonight?”

“Yep. Same old Sheldon.” Bryce and Corrigan shared a look; both were trying to hold back their grins now.

Denton nodded and headed down the hallway. “Yeah, that sounds like a perfect plan. Let me get your dad and his . . .” He halted and lifted an eyebrow.

I answered, “Girlfriend.”

“Ah. Got it. Let me get your father and his girlfriend settled for the night. I need to ask if I should find bedding for all those guards too or not.” He kept going down the hallway and turned in the same direction Neil and Beth had gone.

I turned to see Bryce and Corrigan laughing. They were whispering more jokes to each other, and I shook my head. “Screw waiting. I’m going to find his liquor stash all on my own.”