Page 22 of Admiring His Omega
Mal moved through the rest of the short session, Truffle finally settling on the mat beside him. “Let’s end in the Siddhasana pose for some box breathing. This is meant to help reduce mental clutter. Remember to use a count of four for each step. Inhale, hold the breath in, exhale, hold the breath out. All for a count of four. Four corners, like a box.”
Mal counted out the beats for the first breath. “Good, now five more breaths.”
The session ended with a long, drawn-outom, and people began to log out, looking more at peace than when they had signed in.
“Fuck me, bro, I needed that,” Tripp, one of Mal’s friends from college, said, looking refreshed.
“Life too hard for a stockbroker?” Bom asked, wryly.
“Nothing I can’t handle, beautiful.” Tripp grinned. “You going to let me make you some money today? No extra charge, just send me some of your homemade kimchi.”
Mal cleared his throat, fighting a smile. “No soliciting during zoom calls.”
Bom rolled her eyes. “Pretty boy knows he’s not getting my money, Mal. I will send you some Kimchi though.”
“You’re the best, Bom.” Tripp looked happy.
“Don’t let him charm you out of your kimchi,” Marta, a young woman Mal had met in Arizona, said, stretching her legs out infront of her. “Next thing you know, you’ll have to feed him every day and get rid of his fleas. That’s what happens with strays.”
“Marta, my sweet, lovely Marta,” Tripp blew a kiss. “Are you ready to leave that wife of yours? Shayna and I will take good care of you. We’d make a happy throuple.”
Marta snorted. “I don’t know how your wife puts up with you.” She stretched her arms, then let out a painful yelp before cupping her breasts.
Bom looked sympathetic. “Is the baby not latching right?”
Tripp winced. “Your poor nips.”
Marta grimaced. “My nipples are cracked more than Tripp’s head. I love my baby girl, but I swear I don’t want to feed her ever again.”
“Try a warm compress and a salt-water rinse,” Bom said, nodding firmly. “That will help.”
“Shayna works with a lot of new moms at her clinic,” Tripp said. “I’ll ask her to text you. She’ll fix you up with whatever you need.”
“It sounds like you’re dealing for your wife,” Mal said, chuckling.
“Nah, nothing illegal,” Tripp said, grinning again. “More like medi-honey and nipple cream.”
“That is better than cocaine for a new, breastfeeding mama.” Bom grinned.
“Enough about my nipples.” Marta groaned. “Benson, how’s your friend doing?”
Cain, looking as calm and solemn as usual, nodded to them. “His case is progressing too slowly. That’s all I can really say about it.”
“Of course,” Bom nodded respectfully. “You must keep privileged information. I am following the case in the news too. I hope those villains get what they deserve.”
“I hope so too, but it will be hard.” Tripp frowned. “I know people like that. They have more money and power than they should and use it in all the wrong ways.”
“Actions have consequences,” Cain said, voice hard. “I will make sure they understand that.”
A shiver ran down Mal’s spine. “Super lawyer,” he whispered, a little in awe of Cain. It had only been a few weeks since Roe was injured, but Cain and Jasper were working the case hard. Every night, Cain would call and vent with Mal. They were facing opposition at all fronts in Loriston. Mal had faith, though. Cain was persistent and smart.
The others in the group gradually logged out, eventually leaving just Cain and Mal.
“I saw Roe at the bookstore in town the other day,” Mal said. “He looks okay. I think he likes Hobson Hills and the sheriff.”
The corner of Cain’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “Hereallylikes the sheriff.”
“Who wouldn’t? Sheriff McKenzie is one fine man.”
