Page 83 of Taken Off Camera
Obediently, I fork a bite of eggs into my mouth. They’re creamy, seasoned with herbs I can’t identify, and nothing resembling the rubbery eggs I cook for myself.
The conversation shifts around me. Milo and Leo discuss Leo’s job doing data entry, which surprises me. I wouldn’t have thought the sweet-looking Omega would be working, and certainly not in such a boring job. Don’t the mates of billionaires spend their time supporting charities or hanging out at the country club?
Phoenix whispers into Damien’s ear, and theAlpha chokes on his coffee. A few minutes later, the two sneak from the room. Leo guides Nolan’s hand away from adding more food to his already full plate with gentle patience.
It’s overwhelming, not only the food and the setting, but the sheer abundance of everything. Warmth. Connection. The easy way they all occupy the same space, even when they’re bickering. The casual displays of affection. The shared history that flows beneath their words.
“You okay?” Sebastian asks, his thumb tracing small circles on my knee.
Not trusting my voice, I nod. There’s no way I can explain how I’m drowning in the contrast between my life and this, between my loneliness and their togetherness, between my fear and their security.
“Micah,” Milo calls from across the table, cutting through my thoughts. “If you need clothes or anything else, just let me know. I can have it delivered by this afternoon. You, too, Saint. Don’t hesitate to abuse the Rockford coffers.”
“Milo,” Leo scolds.
Milo pats his hand. “Not everyone enjoys your level of frugality, sweetheart. And there should be some advantage for being thrown in with these sharks.”
“I… thank you.” The offer catches me off guard. “That’s very kind.”
Milo lifts one eyebrow. “It’s practical. You can’t wear the same clothes for however long it takes to find this stalker.” His gaze softens. “Besides, you’re wearing Sebastian’s Mark. You’re family.”
Family.The word ripples through me. Is that what I am now? Part of this strange, powerful clan? It’s only one Mark, though. Sebastian could still change his mind before my next Heat. Or the Heat after. Three Marks leaves a lot of time for things to fall apart.
“Don’t look so terrified,” Ezra comments, amused now. “It’s not a life sentence. Though Sebastian might hope otherwise.”
Sebastian’s fingers tighten on my knee. “Ezra.”
“What?” Ezra spreads his hands. “Just stating facts.”
Leo leans closer, or as close as his beach ball of a belly will allow. “So, Micah, you’re in the entertainment field? Do you enjoy the work?”
I freeze again, my fork scraping the china. I knew everyone was aware of my job, but I didn’t expect to be confronted about it over French toast.
“Mind your own business,” Saint snarls. “There’s nothing wrong with what Micah does.”
“Don’t speak to my mate in that tone,” Nolan snarls right back.
“I’m sorry,” Leo says, waving his hands to calm both Alphas. “That was rude of me. I’ve just always thought those who choose the entertainment field must have so much confidence. Jade worked as a stripper in Nolan’s club for a while. He’s a fantastic dancer.”
Jade’s head lifts, his blue eyes a vibrant contrast to his black hair. “Thanks, sweetie. That’s kind of you.”
“It’s not kindness,” Leo insists and turns back to me. “I was a server at the club, so I got to watch him perform a lot. He made a killing.”
I stare at Leo in shock. “You worked at a strip club?”
I can’t wrap my head around this beautiful angel in such a dirty place.
“Yes, for rent money.” He reaches out to grasp his mate’s hand, stopping him from adding another scoop of eggs to Leo’s plate in the process. “That’s where I met Nolan. It was love at first sight for me.”
“For me, too, sweet boy.” Nolan leans over to kiss his mate’s soft cheek.
“I worked at a gas station and as a cleaner at a casino before I met Liam,” Milo adds, his perfect lips curving into a smirk. “So don’t feel too out of place.The Rockfords have a taste for us blue-collar Omegas. We’ve just had more time than you to acclimate to the riches.”
“Some of us acclimate better than others,” Gabriel mutters.
“Don’t try to shame me for my sparkles.” Milo strokes the diamond collar around his slender throat. “Liam loves it when I dress up.”
Nolan leans closer to Leo. “I could buy you?—”
