Page 27 of Sold on Them

I just don’t know.

I don’t want to die. I’m too young and haven’t lived my life to the fullest.

Plus, there is Cormac and Royce to consider. I love them. I have since I met them while the three of us were in the military together. I’d like to think I wouldn’t just give up on my life with them by killing myself, but the razorblade was in my hand and there was blood running down my wrist.

I don’t remember what happened.

I don’t remember going into the bathroom. I don’t remember picking up the razor blade. And I certainly don’t remember cutting myself.

But, clearly, I did.

It freaked out both myself and my lovers. One of them is now always with me, and if there’s a closed door between us, they’re constantly checking on me. I just don’t bother to shut the door anymore.

I don’t want to worry them. I hadn’t meant to worry them ever, but it’s clear that something is broken inside of me. I don’t know if it’s always been like this and the captivity has just made it come to the surface or if the captivity is what has broken me. What I do know is that I’m fucked in the head, and I don’t like it.

Rolling onto my side, I reach into the bedside table and pull out the picture I keep in there. It’s seen better days, but it’s the only picture I have of the three of us—me and my two best friends. I still remember the last day I saw them with crystal clear clarity.

Before that day, I would’ve said that I loved my dad and that he loved me. After that day, I realized neither of those things were true. I haven’t spoken to him since the day I graduated from the military school he sent me to.

He wanted me to go to college and take over the company from him. I wanted nothing to do with his hateful ass. He cut me off, so I did the only thing I knew of to take care of myself—I joined the Marines.

Military school has nothing on the actual military, in case you’re wondering.

While I was in the military, I started taking college classes. I went full-time when I could and part-time when I couldn’t. I only served four years before I was discharged. I was already with Cormac and Royce by then, and they were both enlisted for a bit longer so they sent me to finish my degree.

By the time Cormac was discharged, Royce and I had already started our own private security firm. And by private security, I really mean killers for hire. Not that we don’t do security work aswell—at least we did until all this shit started—but our primary income comes from taking kill contracts.

Honestly, I love what we do, but we haven’t been able to do a damn thing since I’ve had to go into hiding. Because it’s not just me that had to go into hiding—it was Cormac and Royce too. Not just because they wanted to but because we’re known lovers and they’d go after the two of them to get to me.

So, here we are. All three of us have had to put our lives on hold because some asshole has pinned this murder on me. And I can’t fucking figure out who did it.

Running my finger over the picture, I wonder what happened to Mackenzie and Damon. I know I could’ve looked them up when I joined the military, but my focus was on my job and school. Then it was on school and the men I’d tied my life to. Then on starting our company, and now it’s too late. I can’t reach out to them when I’m on the run—it wouldn’t be safe or fair.

Maybe one day.

“Royce will be back soon.”

Glancing up, I find Cormac leaning against the doorframe. “I’m sorry we have to spend your fortieth birthday stuck in a hotel.”

Cormac storms across the short distance to the bed, kneeling beside it, and cupping my cheek. “It’s not your fault, Parker. I don’t know how many times we’ve had to tell you that. If you were the one who killed her, then you’d owe me an apology. But you’re a victim in all of this, too.”

“I guess.”

He scoffs, leaning over to brush his lips against mine. “No guessing. I’ll just keep telling you until you finally believe me.”

“Okay, Cormac.” Shaking my head, I know this isn’t an argument I’ll win. I know this because it’s far from the first time we’ve had it, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

His mouth falls open before snapping shut. “We’re still going to celebrate my birthday tomorrow, but you’re the one getting a present tonight.”

“Why would I be getting a present?”

Cormac smirks as he stands, obviously not wanting to give me an answer.

He’s still just as handsome as he was the day I met him, back when I was just twenty. His brown hair has turned the sexiest shade of silver, while his trimmed beard is only threaded through with it. Behind the glasses I love so much, his hazel eyes dance with mirth. His shoulders are wide—though not nearly as wide as Royce’s—and he hasn’t let his body go since leaving the military.

None of us have. I’d almost argue we’re in better shape. That’s what happens when you have nothing else to do while staying in hotels. There’s lots of swimming and working out—only at night though. You never know who might have eyes inside the hotel. The last thing we need is my whereabouts being made known to the Santiago Cartel.

“Is Royce bringing the present?” I ask with a grin, finally sitting up. Now that I’m done checking out my love, I want to know more about what surprise they have planned for me.

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