Page 32 of The Truth of Our Secrets

I’d rather get takeout and spend the night in bed, but I could use a distraction from my thoughts.

Chapter thirteen

Emmet

“What’s your boyfriend going to say?” I ask as I place the plastic over my client’s bicep tattoo.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” He pauses, then says, “Yet.” His big brown eyes give him a youthful look, with his average height and a slight build, his personality makes him more attractive than the combination of his features.

“Let’s give him a push.” I press my hand to his back, guiding him past the not-yet-boyfriend to the checkout counter, and say louder than necessary, “It looks great. Call me if you have any questions. Any time. Day or night.”

He’s adorably confused.

“Here’s my card with my cell.” When I click the pen, the not-boyfriend races to his side. “You did so great. I hope I can cover you in my ink.”

“Th-thanks,” he stammers and reaches for his wallet, but the not-boyfriend hands me his credit card.

“I’ve got this.”

After they leave, I hear a slow clap. “Bringing couples together one flirty con job at a time.” Alec grins from the office.

“Fuck off.” I laugh. “You do it all the time.”

“Nah, I’m really tryin’ to get in their pants,” he lies.

“I’ll mention that to coffee guy next time he comes in.” I raise my hands in surrender when he tries to murder me with his stare. “He’s got you so whipped.” It’s hilarious how Alec has no idea he’s in love with Von.

“Fuck off.” He jerks his thumb in the office. “And get your ass in here.”

Cole’s waiting behind the desk and Alec sits on the edge.

“Am I in trouble?” My eyes dart between them. “Which one of you is the mean dad and who’s the pushover daddy?” I ask.

Cole shakes his head, and his neck gets a little red.

Alec cackles. “Cole’s definitely the daddy.”

“Jesusfuckingchrist,” Cole mutters. “We have a proposition for you.”

Alec doubles over, laughing so hard no sound comes out.

“Ooooo kinky sex games?” My gaze roams around the room, pretending to scope out places for sex.

“Will the two of you shut the fuck up.” Cole growls and I bite back telling him that was sexy. He turns to Alec. “I’m never letting you hire another one of your mini-mes.”

“Hey,” I complain. “If anything, I’m his maxie-me.”

“In your dreams, Padawon.” Alec huffs.

“For reasons,” Cole says, “we’d like you to train as the assistant manager.” Cole outlines the job requirements and pay.

I nod and process the offer. The hospital started calling here because of my mom’s astronomical medical bills, so they know I need the money. Cole won’t let me pay him for the room I’m staying in, but I’m still crushed by the weight of the bills.

They want someone loyal to them and their business.

I’m loyal as fuck because I’d be homeless without them. Alec will train me, and I grin at that.

“You fuck up my business and I’ll bury both of you.”

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