Page 116 of Reaper

“Hell no. What were you ladies talking about?”

“I was just telling them about the changes I’ve made so far with the sweetbutts,” Natalie says as she leans her head back onto my chest.

“Seriously, we’re thankful for everything you’ve done so far,” Baby, one of the sweetbutts, says.

“You’re welcome.”

“Honestly, I’m mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner.” Elenore frowns.

Natalie reaches out and touches her arm. “It’s okay. Sometimes we don’t think about changing things when were so used to the way they’ve always been. That’s not on you.”

Sunny eyes a couple of the sweetbutts. “I’m just as guilty as you are, Elenore. I never thought to change things either and I’m the one who’s had problems with them in the past.”

“Some of us sweetbutts,” Tara points out. “Not all of us have tried to steal your man away.”

“True,” Sunny says reluctantly.

Baby jumps in. “I think you and Pinky are great. Honestly, I want a man like him or like Pres here with Natalie. The way he respects you and doesn’t even look at another woman.” She shakes her head with wide eyes. “It’s refreshing.”

“Not all of us stray,” I point out as I pull Natalie closer.

“Exactly.” Baby nods.

“I’m thinking about trying a girls’ night between the sweetbutts and old ladies. What do you guys think?” Natalie asks, changing the subject as she moves to my side instead of standing in front of me.

The women voice their approval, making Natalie smile. “Awesome. I’ll plan everything and let you all know.”

“Sounds good.”

“Watch out, slut.” Daniela pushes past Natalie to congregate with the rest of the sweetbutts.

She tried to make her comment low, but I heard it. I wait for Natalie to put her in her place, but she doesn’t, making me frown. She should know how things work by now.

“You can’t let her talk to you like that,” I whisper in Natalie’s ear as she scowls at Daniela who is across the group being obnoxious.

“I don’t want to cause problems,” she tells me.

I turn her in my arms, my hands finding her face. “Cause problems. Throw a fucking fit. I don’t care. What matters is that you are top of the fucking food chain here, sweetheart. You are mine which means that you need to earn their respect. By letting her talk shit about you behind your back and to your face, you are telling them you are weak. Show me that strength you got, baby. Show that bitch who I belong to. Who is queen of this place.”

She takes a deep breath, raising on her toes to press her lips to mine. After a moment, I realize she’s not going to back off.

I wrap my arms around her pulling her closer.

I don’t know what her plan is, but fuck, I’ll follow it.

I’d follow her anywhere.

* * *

What Harrison is saying makes sense, but I’m still working on that confidence he wants me to have. I fucking hate confrontation, but this has to stop. Every move I make with the sweetbutts, Daniela is there trying to undermine me, and I’m over it.

Still, I know he’s right. I need to do something.

So I kiss him. Then I keep kissing him.

It’s not much, but I know he never shows public displays of affection.

At least, not until me.

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