Page 7 of Submission

“So why did Hunter lock you out?” I ask curiously.

Christian shrugs. “Because he’s a cold, unfeeling bastard? Who knows why he does some of the shit he does.”

“I see.” My lips twitch. “How long have you known him?”

“Quite a few years.” Christian grins.

“So, do you work for him?” I ask, trying to figure out the exact nature of their relationship.

“Nah.” He takes a large forkful of the pasta, chews, and then swallows. “I have my own law firm, Christian Lee Esquire. Hunter is one of my biggest clients.”

“What about Vaughn?”

“He’s a data broker and runs his own company as well, Exalt Logic. We both work alongside Hunter.”

The name of the company sounds familiar for some reason. Both names do.

“Oh,” I murmur.

“I think I’m insulted that Hunter doesn’t talk about us.” He finishes his last bite. “We’re his only friends.”

I just shrug my shoulders. “He doesn’t talk much.”

Ugh, that sounded dirtier sounding than I intended it to.

“Are there any other questions you have for me?” he asks, clearly trying to hold back a laugh.

“Can I get you some coffee?” I ask, wanting to keep my hands busy.

“Make that two cups,” Vaughn says, strolling back in the front door.

“I thought I locked that.”

“Nope.”

“What happened with the plumber?” I ask, feeling tense.

“Don’t worry about him,” Vaughn says casually. “But next time someone asks to come in, and you don’t know them, don’t open the door. Someone from the main office will let you know in advance if they’re sending a repairman, and you will not be alone when they come.”

I’m starting to realize that Vaughn and Christian didn’t just happen to get locked out of Hunter’s place. Hunter probablysent them.

I start another pot of coffee and put on the sports channel on the television while Vaughn takes a peek inside my fridge. I’ve never really had semi-strangers just invite themselves over and make themselves at home, but it’s not a bad feeling. Since Naomi is keeping herself busy with cosmetology school and whatever else she does afterward to avoid me, it’s nice to have the company.

“That’s a foul!” Christian snarls at the screen.

“Only because you’re blind!” Vaughn shoots back. “He barely touched him!”

They’ve made themselves completely at home, and I wonder how to feel about it. It’s a little strange for me, but not the worst feeling. It's while I’m steaming the milk for my coffee, my thoughts a little distracted, that I hear my phone ping. Thinking that it could be Naomi, I set aside the cup, wiping my hands, and pick up my phone. The number on the phone is an unsaved one, but the message has me going still, my mouth dry.

God, not again.

I slowly set down my cell phone on the counter and make sure to keep my voice steady.

“Guys, I must step out for a second before heading to work. You can stay here if you want and watch the game. Just lock the door behind you.”

“You don’t mind us hanging out here when you’re not home?” Christian asks.

My head is reeling so much that I don’t even consider the fact that I’m leaving two strange men in my apartment.

---