“He’s such an amazing guy. I’m glad he’s happy.” Macie pats me on the shoulder, grinning ear to ear.
“Which is why I don’t want him to mess it up.” Darren interjects. “I’m taking his phone from him, so he doesn’t text or call her and say something to chase her off. Apparently, she gave him a time limit and now he thinks he has two weeks to get her to fall in love with him.” In love with him? Does he think that’s really an option?
My cheeks burn as blood rushes to every part of my body at once, which means my brain must be starving for oxygen. That’s the only explanation for why my lips curl upwards. Markus catches my eye and sees my smile.
“Did he give you her name?” He asks.
Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit. Of course he will. Phoenix always follows the rules, and he’s going to request a full background search.
“Nah, he’s being cagey about the details. He wants to respect her privacy.” Win. That’s my boy… no, my client. He’s not mine in any other capacity.
I’m about to speak when Markus says, “Then let’s leave it like that until it becomes an issue.” Double win. I’m giving Markus a raise, or maybe fancy donuts. Whatever.
“So can we lock his accounts, for his and her benefit?” Darren asks.
“Give him a one-thousand-dollar allowance for the next seventy-two hours. Then we’ll reevaluate the situation.” I’m very proud of my professional tone here. Macie moves into her seat and starts clicking away.
“Done.”
“Great.” Darren's voice echoes through the speakers. “He’s going to need supervision all day.” I flip through the schedule in my mind.
“You’re supposed to be on Honey Badger’s detail from 6 to12 tonight.” Darren groans.
“Do you think that’s enough time before he calls her and acts like a fool?” The three of us exchange looks. Markus and Macie are looking at each other because they don’t think it is, but I’m watching them for any signal that they know my mask slipped.
“After 6 he’s on his own. He’s a grown ass man. He can take care of himself.” I reply.
But Darren says, “oooooooo” and in my mind I can see his squished-up face and shoulders hitched high. “That’s gonna leave a mark.”
“What happened?” Macie asks before I can.
“Grae and his MMA trainer are going at it. Some broken skin, they’ll be fine. Neither of them wants to stop the sparring match.”
My clit pulses and my panties get instantly damp. Back when he was a kid, he used to do a lot of MMA training. He even competed a few times before I met him. Sweet, broken artist who thought I was the whole universe, and could also get his fists bloody? I don’t know what’s hotter—if he’s the one bleeding or the other guy.
“I’m going to my office to work.” I need to focus on something that isn’t Grae. Once alone, I check on basic intel about the Deviant and other criminal enterprises. It’s easy enough, the big crime bosses are in a group chat. It’s mostly memes, because I’m dealing with men. I avoid another call from my doctor—no news is good news, and denial is a lovely place to live.
I have an email from the auction to set up the delivery for Hadeon’s script. Ten minutes… I’ve been in the office for ten minutes, and five of those were dealing with Grae. Fuckkkkk. It’s going to be a long-ass day.
Maybe everything will be fine. It’s only two weeks. He can’t possibly fall in love with me in two weeks, right? And if I keep my guard up and don’t get too attached, I should be fine.
I shoot out a group text:
How long did it take you to fall for your partner?
Dimitri: Back in Russia it took about six months for me to fall for Katya.
Katya: Same.
Lance: One month
Izzy: I thought he was hot instantly, but real feelings didn’t start until he bought me plates.
Lance: Nothing says love like flatware.
Waverly: I always loved Lukas, never stopped.
Lukas: I was a bitter little shit when I wasn’t with Wave, it took about two days for me to remember who I wanted to be.
