Free War Torn by Andria Large Page B

that he would find this amusing. Dennis, on the other hand, looks completely mortified. His face is bright red, but he turns it away so he doesn’t have to look at her.
    “Tucker,” Arianna says in greeting. She looks confused as hell, though. She definitely does not know what to make of the scene in front of her.
    “Be right back,” Tucker chirps. He hikes Dennis up a little higher on his back before turning and walking down the hall to their bedroom. When the door closes behind them, Arianna looks at me.
    “They’re totally together, aren’t they?” she asks, a slight smile curling one side of her mouth.
    “Totes.” I chuckle.
    She snorts and shakes her head. “How did that happen?”
    I shrug. “No idea, really.”
    “Are you…?” she asks, eyebrow raised.
    I give her an incredulous look. “What? With them two? Fuck no! I’m as straight as they come.”
    She gives me a dubious look but nods.
    “I’m serious. I’m completely straight. No dudes for me. Go out with me and I’ll show you,” I offer, because seriously, I want her in my bed.
    She holds up her left hand, showing me the giant rock on her finger. “Engaged.”
    “Damn, that sucks,” I mutter, honestly disappointed. “We could have had a lot of fun together,” I say, lowering my voice a little, letting her know exactly what my intent had been.
    I notice the slight shudder that she tries to fight and I can’t help but grin at her.
    “Oh well, too bad for you,” she says a bit snarkily. She’s probably pissed because I apparently have some kind of effect on her.
    A dressed Tucker steps out of the bedroom and shuts the door behind him. He goes to Arianna and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
    “Hey, what are you doing here?” he asks.
    “I brought over a chicken and vegetable casserole for you and Dennis. Congrats on the successful surgery, by the way.”
    “Thanks, I’m still getting used to being able to hear everything,” he replies.
    “How’s Dennis feeling? Is he not coming out?” she asks.
    “He’s a bit embarrassed at the moment, but he’s feeling okay.”
    She tsks. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
    “He just feels weird without his prosthetic.”
    She hums then says, “So, were you ever going to tell me that you two are together?” She puts her hands on her flared hips and gives him an expectant look.
    Tucker shrugs, totally unaffected by her knowing. “I don’t see you that often.”
    “You know, I knew something was up with you two when I saw you at that deli a few months back,” she murmurs thoughtfully.
    “It was still new then.”
    “And now?” she asks curiously.
    “We’re in love with each other.”
    Arianna smiles softly and gives Tucker’s bicep a squeeze. “That’s great. I’m glad you have both found someone.”
    Tucker smiles. “Thanks. How’s your fiancé? Everything still going good?”
    She smiles brightly. “Yep. We set a date.”
    “Awesome. I’m going to be invited, right?”
    She rolls her eyes. “We’ll see.”
    Tucker chuckles. “Not in the habit of inviting ex-lovers?”
    “Yeah, that would be kind of weird, don’t you think?” She snickers.
    Tucker laughs. “Yeah, probably.”
    “Alright, I have to go. I’ll see you later. Just give my dish to my brother when you’re done.”
    Tucker nods. “Will do. And thank you for that.”
    She smiles prettily. “You’re very welcome.”
    She gives him a hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning to me. “Duke, it was nice to meet you.”
    “You, too, Arianna.”
    She gives me a cute wave and a smile before going to the door.
    After she leaves, I turn to glare at Tucker. He smirks. “What?”
    “You hit that beautiful piece of ass?”
    “It was a long time ago,” he replies. “We kinda dated for a little while, but she wanted more and I didn’t.”
    “Dude!”
    “Dennis went on a couple of dates with her, too, but didn’t sleep with her,” Tucker says, rubbing it in more.
    “Dude!” I huff and