Page 72 of Mischievous Lies

“You give me a name, and we’ll take them out before they become a problem for you, and I’ll give you access to a better tracker.” I don’t like the idea of bringing my girl into the deal without her permission, but I’m happy to pay whatever price she charges. Hell, I’ll even buy her a new apartment or wardrobe as a reward on top of her price.

Waylon laughs. “You realize you’ve just downgraded your offer.”

“Not at all. I’m showing you how quickly I need that name, and I don’t want to banter much longer, knowing those assholes are out there. I’ll give you my left fucking testicle as well. Whatever I need to finalize this shit so I can go back to my woman at a reasonable time tonight.”

Hayley chuckles, and Waylon turns to her as if receiving a silent instruction. I wonder if the two work closely together. Maybe she’s the same to Waylon that Ford and I are to Eli. It’s hard to tell.

Waylon is smirking when he meets my gaze again. “It just so happens I have a left testicle myself and have no need for yours.”

“Scared yours will feel inadequate?”

Waylon’s smile grows wider. “How’s the Viagra treating your left nut?”

My smile drops. “How the fuck did that shit get here?”

Waylon laughs as he stands and holds out his hand to me. I shake it as he says, “I might have a source, but let me verify that information and name before I give it to you. I’ll be in touch. Being monogamous looks good on you.”

“You should try it sometime,” I say with a grin.

“You guys might be suckers, but that is not for me.” I shake my head as I walk back through the doors, knowing I once thought the same thing. But when it happens—whenshehappens—there’s not a thing in the world that will stop it.

But I’m sure he’ll learn that in his own way.

“She’s a very lucky lady,” the youngest sister purrs from her corner as I walk out. “Let me know if it doesn’t work out.” She winks.

“You’ll be waiting a long time, sweetheart. She’s literally the best,” I reply as I take my leave.

CHAPTER 44

Ivy

Isaw it on the news that afternoon. Jared had been taken into custody and publicly announced as a murderer. Billie and I watch in a bar, and a sense of satisfaction and justice rushes through me. I hope it gives Makayla’s family a bit of peace. I still haven’t come to terms with it all, but at least I’ve done this much.

Now, we wait patiently for Ford and Hawke to return from Boston. He told me last night that he shouldn’t share anything with me, but because it might be tied to what happened to me, he’ll tell me. I don’t like the idea of knowing there’s been such a massive push of this drug reaching the streets I live on, but it’s not surprising, either.

I know Hawke sees himself as a killer, but to me, trying to hunt down a drug ring sounds like something a hero would do. I’ll never get it twisted; I know he’s not a hero, but sometimes it takes the bad to deal with a greater evil. He made it very clear that ordinarily they wouldn’t deal with things like this outside the city, and they only get involved if it directly impacts Eli’s power.

The news switches to another breaking story, and I take a sip of my water as I spot Hawke strutting in, Ford closely behindhim. He walks straight up to me, throwing his arms around my shoulders, and pulls me in to press a kiss at the top of my head.

Ford rolls his eyes as he scoots in beside Billie and kisses her on the lips.

“So, you two are officially a thing now?” Billie asks, raising her eyebrows.

“Yes! See, you get it,” Hawke says as he smacks Ford on the shoulder.

“Do not get him started on the ‘thing’ part again, please,” Ford grumbles, looking at the menu, his gaze immediately falling to the desserts. Billie smirks as she casually pulls out a lollipop and passes it to him.

“What are you guys talking about?” I ask, confused. From the way they walked in, I’m assuming it went well today, but I’m not sure if I’m allowed to talk about these things in front of Ford.

“We’re a thing, and it seems some people have issues with that,” Hawke explains, and Ford shakes his head.

“No one has an issue with you two being together. If anything, it’s not even surprising. It’s more you using the word ‘thing’ to describe it. Just stop saying it,” Ford tries to tell him.

“We could be a thing, but we’re brothers, and I’m sure it’s illegal in many states,” Hawke jokes.

“You’re disgusting and have screws loose, you know that, right?” Ford quips back. I tap Hawke’s arm around my shoulder, and before I can say anything, he picks me up and takes my seat before he places me on his lap.

“Better.” He sighs. I should’ve expected this from him. The moment I give him an inch, he’ll run a mile with it. But I’m certainly not someone against PDA. In fact, I like it.

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