Page 58 of Collin: Episodes 4-6
Collin blinked and stared. The teenager was a confusing mess of informed and clueless. Like he’d gotten half the recipes of adulthood but no one had prioritized the most logical for uploading. He knew how to look up an area code and why people would use fax machines, but he didn’t know how to dress to keep himself out of trouble.
Ash rubbed his hands nervously against his sides and grabbed his baggy pants in two fists. “I like it better here anyway. Please don’t tell Mr. Reevesworth.”
“I don’t keep secrets from Mr. Reevesworth.” Collin sighed. He’s my dom, and I really don’t want an actual punishment, but I am NOT telling a seventeen-year-old that. “And he’s on his way here now because he needs to help me with something. Anyway, putting that aside, I’m going to call a friend. They are going to have a field day with you if they’re free. I promise they don’t bite, but they will scare you.”
He opened his contacts and called Ellisandre.
They answered on the second ring. “Speak or forever hold your peace.”
“I need to ask a favor of your most excellent skills. Namely ones having to do with uniforms.”
Ellisandre hummed. “I thought we’d fixed you. You looked positively perfect last time we saw you.”
“As if I would shame your skills, Your Highness. No, I need help with Mr. Reevesworth’s tech wizard, the one you helped me with last week. I just had to bail him out because a shopkeeper thought he was a delinquent.”
“Send me a picture.”
Collin held up his phone and snapped Ash’s visage just like he was. He sent it.
Ellisandre tsked on the other end of the phone. “The hair is gorgeous.”
“I took him to the salon Damian told me to go to.”
“Bring him over. He’s almost my size. I’ll let him play in my closet.”
Collin blinked twice. “I don’t know where you live.”
“Wherever my lady lives, of course. Though I have my own apartment. Sending the address now. Bring tribute. I was going to dramatically swoon on my chaise lounge all day, but now you’re making me work.”
“I never know if you’re actually insane or hysterical.”
“I’ll endeavor for you to never discover that answer.” Ellisandre hung up.
Collin took exactly five seconds to consider that he was introducing two of the most dramatic people in his life to each other and whether he was going to regret it.
Then he decided it wasn’t his job to worry. If Linda and Mr. Reevesworth didn’t want the drama, they wouldn’t keep such interesting people close to them.
Mr. Moreau, not Mr. Reevesworth, arrived at the office. Mr. Moreau had a Band-Aid on his arm and a scratch on his face.
Collin immediately hurried towards him. “Are you all right?”
“I’m going to the clinic to get it cleaned, but yes, I’m fine. Artemis had an accident.”
“I’ll just come home.”
Mr. Moreau shook his head. “Don’t. Damian’s swearing into his phone, and Richard is on the way to the vet with Artemis.”
“What happened? Will she be okay?”
“It’s her dignity more than her form that is harmed. She tried to rush the door as Richard was leaving, and it closed on her tail.”
Ouch! Collin flinched in sympathy. “Is it…still attached?”
“Attached yes; broken, most likely.” Mr. Moreau grimaced. “She was not pleased to be retrieved for medical attention.” He gestured to his arm and face.
“Let me at least come with you to the clinic.”
Mr. Moreau shook his head firmly, waving Collin back. “It is mere scratches, Collin, not a significant head injury, like you had.”
