She inhaled through her nose and put her hands on her hips. “It was me he asked to lunch that day. Engineer to engineer. He confessed that he doesn’t wanna go back to finish his master’s, and he was nervous about telling you guys.”
KC and I sought each other out, exchanging a glance. We didn’t buy it. No fucking way.
Unfortunately, River and Reese were too emotionally invested, and they dove for the possibility of that being true. I couldn’t blame them. I would’ve done the same thing. They went over to Shay, all concerned, and I backed off toward Jordan’s corner, knowing the interrogation really was over now.
“Sweetheart, why would you be nervous about tellin’ us?” Reese ushered Shay out of the room, and their murmurs faded.
KC chuckled to himself and sent Penelope a side-eye before he grabbed his cane and walked out.
The party was over for now, but I was more confident than ever. I had two suspects.
Penelope and Shay.
I wordlessly extended a hand to Jordan, who took it while I locked eyes with Penelope.
As I passed her, she cocked a brow when I leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“I know it was you, Fredo.”
She scoffed and backed away. “You’re delusional, Ash.”
I smiled and walked out with my boy.
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” Jordan whispered under his breath. “My heart is beating so fast.”
I gave his hand a squeeze, and we met up with Nate, James, KC, and Noa by the stairs.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I need a cigarette,” Noa said frankly.
I chuckled and ruffled his hair.
“That sure took an interesting turn,” Nate noted.
I nodded and glanced at KC.
“She’s in on it,” he said. “She has to be.”
“Without a shred of doubt,” I confirmed. “I’m on the fence about Nora, but Pen and Shay? Absolutely.”
He nodded once. “We’ll see if the Tenleys agree after the Daddy fog has cleared. Good job, my friend.”
“Back at’cha, buddy.” I shook his hand.
“Daddy?” Jordan tugged lightly on my hand. “Can we go to the dojo? I want to talk to you.”
“Sure.”
“Daddy, can I also wear my jammies?” Noa asked. “I look too British in a suit.”
I laughed. Noa was too damn funny sometimes.
“Let’s see what we can find in the cabin,” KC chuckled.
Actually, I should go get our overnight bag first. Maybe get us something more to drink too. And raid the snack buffet.
Nathan Riley
It was a relief to return to the dojo. My kinky home away from home, where the club atmosphere never reached, where the chaos never invaded.
