Page 188 of Sinful Like Us
For one week.
Tony just keeps shaking his head. He exits into the parlor, not giving me the satisfaction of knowing what the hell he plans to do. But I can’t see an outcome where he doesn’t rat me out to the Alpha lead.
It’s over.
Banks and I—we’re fucked.
38
BANKS MORETTI
27 Extended Days Pretending to Be Thatcher
Security’s townhouseis empty at oh-two-hundred—a rare thing and this beauty belongs solely to me. Really though, I fucking hate being alone.
So being the only SFO bodyguard in Philly sucks major ass. I miss my brother, and I’m waiting for those unlucky souls to make it back home.
Until then, I lounge on the leather couch, feet kicked up on the coffee table. Cold beer in one hand, my cell balances on my knee. Set to speakerphone.
“Am I…in clear?” Akara’s voice fractures over the line.
“Negative. You’re breaking up.” I swallow more beer.
He hasn’t been able to call in weeks because of the wind chill. It’s finally died down this morning. Enough for Akara to stand in the blistering cold with a sat-phone. Static cracks against the line.
I’ve already been informed of the two shit pies.
Tony knows about the twin switch. Yippee-ki-ya,motherfucker—I’m not excited, but I take the bad and just keep going. We’ll see what happens.
I also just heard about the plan—a ten-hour hike to the village’s inn—and how Thatcher is set to go. If the weather stays like it is, the group of six might be able to move out tomorrow. Apparently a storm has delayed the journey for seven days.
I wish I could be there to stay back with Jane. My brother must be losing his fucking mind to have to leave her behind with Tony.
“How about now?” Akara asks.
“You’re clear.”
He starts venting about the Rooster, and I think I mishear Akara.
My feet drop to floor, blown forward. Glaring at my phone. “He what?”
“He jerked away after touching the hair on her leg.”
I hold the phone to my mouth. “Fuuuuckthis knuckle-fuckbag.” My blood is boiling.
Akara laughs. “Shit. I needed that.” He means the laugh.
“What’s he looking for, a two-holed plastic doll?” I shake my head. “He made her feel like shit, didn’t he?” I take a harsher swig of beer.
I can’t stand men like that.
“Sulli said Jane made her feel better about it.” He lets out a rougher breath. “He’s getting on my last nerve.”
Akara has insane self-restraint, which makes him a great lead. He knows the Rooster is untouchable. As the boyfriend to a client, we’re not allowed to glare at him.
Can’t air our opinions about him.
Can’t punch him—which I’d love to do—sorry, Mom.
