Page 85 of Dark Endures

“Maddox.”

“That boy is stupid. I really should talk to Emilia about this. We might have to step in and get that boy in line.” She shifts on the bench and stares at me. “Why didn’t you dissuade him of that ridiculous notion?”

“I tried to, but he kicked me out.”

“Kicked you out?” She shakes her head. “Maybe you're better off without him.”

Better off? “He’s the best boss I’ve ever had. Well, he was. Until he passed me off to this guy named Pit.”

“He what?”

“I’m Pit’s problem now. I report to him instead of Maddox. They cut my hours and doubled my pay with all these crazy benefits. Oh, and I think Canyon plans on driving me to and from work today. It’s like Maddox doesn’t think I can take care of myself.”

“To be fair, you aren’t doing a very good job of it.”

What? Isn’t there some girl code that says she’s supposed to support me?

Even if there was, this woman doesn’t follow anyone’s rules but her own.

She stands up. “You have a lot to learn about idiotic, alpha men.”

“That’s all the wisdom you’re going to share with me?”

“Yes. You two need to stumble through this together. But I suggest you figure out the difference between pity and this really quickly, or your life is going to be hard for a while.” Louisella starts to walk away then turns back. “Don’t you let him treat you like that. If he pushes, you push back. You let a man know what you want and what you need. If he doesn’t give that to you and more, you walk away.”

“My mom says that.” Though she’s usually talking about money and I’m pretty sure Louisella didn’t mean that.

“Then you better listen.” She walks away.

Men usually give you what you want when they think they’ll get something from you. How do I get my boss not to pity me without any funny business?

Not that I’d be opposed to funny business with Maddox. Am I mad he pities me or that he doesn’t want to date me?

Feed The Snakes

Maddox

As soon as the door locks behind Mindy, I turn to Canyon. “What’s wrong?”

“We had two little girls show up a few minutes ago.”

That’s not unusual.

“They look to be about twelve or thirteen.”

A bit young, but again street kids find us.

“They were running from their pimp.”

My hands ball up into fists.

“And they’re positive that he’s going to come after them. He’s found them every time they’ve tried to run away before.”

“You notified security.”

Canyon nods. “They’re with Fiona now. Should I contact Vex to hunt the whole organization down?”

That is his specialty. “No. He just got married. Let’s take care of it ourselves. Tell the council to meet in my office and every other brother is on security. No one gets near the kids.”

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