Page 41 of Mob Star

“Thea?”

“I don’t know how this works. Are there things I shouldn’t— can I —um —are our calls and texts private?”

She wants to know if someone’s tapping my phone. Not an unreasonable question.

“I’m home, so we’re fine to talk about whatever you want.”

We have technology to jam anyone trying to listen in when we’re in our homes and vehicles.

“I had an idea, but I don’t know if you’d be into it. I don’t know if it’s?—”

“I’ll tell you if it’s something I don’t want to do.”

“I just don’t know if I’d offend you to suggest it.”

Now I’m really curious.

“I’m worried it might be too much like some of your— work. I —I don’t want to make assumptions. But I also don’t want?—”

“Thea, just tell me. I won’t be upset by whatever it is. I don’t like you being scared to tell me something. Especially something you want.”

“I want to go ax throwing, but is it too much like your work?”

The entire sentence came out as basically one long word. I try not to laugh because she won’t understand why I am. I get why she’s worried. I’ve never taken an ax to anyone. I have used bone saws, though.

“That sounds like fun. Is there a place around here?”

“There’s one in Queens. I looked it up. Finn, is this really okay? I don’t want to make you do anything?—”

“Thea.” I infuse command into my tone.

“Yes, D?—”

I can practically hear her teeth clack as she cuts herself off. What was she going to say?

“What time do you want me to pick you up?”

“I can be ready at six.”

I glance at my watch. An hour and a half. That’s going to feel like an eternity.

“Sounds good.”

It’s long enough to jack off a couple times, so I don’t maul her the moment I see her. What didn’t she let herself say?

Chapter Ten

Thea

My entire drive home, I chastise myself for suggesting something that probably is like work to him. A weapon. Throwing it. Hacking at something.

Then I tell myself I’m stupid for thinking ax throwing is anything like what he does when he’s being what he called the ugly side of him that he hopes I never see. I’m going around in my head about what an idiot I sounded like stammering on the phone. I know he was trying not to laugh at me. Once I’m in the shower, I have plenty of other thoughts. I close my eyes and let the hot water run over my back and tits, thinking about what it would be like to be in here with Finn. To go down on him or have him go down on me. To brace my hands on the wall and stick my ass out for him to fuck my pussy or my ass. I get myself off three times before I hurry to get clean.

I took longer in the shower than I realize, so I’ve barely finished getting dressed when the doorbell rings. I glance at my watch. He’s early. I’m about to open the door without looking through the peephole. Something tells me I should. That is not Finn.

“Ally, I know you’re home. Open up.”

I remain silent. I fervently pray Uncle Corey is gone before Finn gets here. One of them will end up dead.

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