Page 98 of Nest of Thieves

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In the middle of the night, Vette drops a kiss on my forehead and gets out of bed. He pulls on the gym clothes he changed into after we showered right before we fell asleep. I stretch and yawn, my body deliciously exhausted from the two rounds of sex. My hair is dry now but a little messy since I slept with it wet, but I’m too happy to care.

“Where are you going?”

“I can’t sleep, so I’m going to go workout.”

“It’s two in the morning.”

“The perfect time to get in some cardio. I’ll be back in an hour or so.” He leans over the bed and kisses me again, swatting my ass. “Go to sleep.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” I grumble, but still snuggle into the blanket.

The door closes behind him and sadness rushes over me. I wanted him to stay. I close my eyes and breathe through the overzealous emotions. It’s too soon to feel sappy. A few minutes pass and all I can think about is Vette’s body next to mine. Sighing, I sit and grab my phone.

Jo: I can’t sleep.

Tori: Why are you awake?

Jo: Why are you?

Tori: Colette is awake. Is something going on?

Jo: I think I found a pack...

Tori: >heart eyes emoji< Tell me everything.

I chew on my lip and stare at the message. Everything? No. I can’t tell her everything.

Jo: They’re different. Not so clean-cut.

Tori: So they have beards?

Laughing under my breath, I try to think of a better way to explain it.

Jo: More like they like adventure.

Tori: Okay, so they’re bad boys?

Jo: Something like that.

Tori: You know, at some point, you’re going to have to tell me the truth.

Jo: I know.

It’s the closest I’ll get to admitting I’ve lied to her about a huge part of my life. That conversation will hurt, and I hope Tori will understand why I’ve hidden things from her. The secrecy wasn’t meant to be mean.

Jo: I love you, you know that, right?

Tori: I love you too, but now I’m worried. What’s wrong?

Jo: I just need you to know.

Tori: Please talk to me. I promise I won’t tell anyone.

Jo: Soon. I promise.

Tori: Okay. I’m holding you to that.

Jo: Deal. I should try and sleep before the sun comes up.

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