Page 49 of Good Girls Beg

“You might say that. It's not likely they'd agree,” she said easily. “They're notoriously private. That's what comes from working in security, I suppose. You learn not to trust anyone but yourself.”

She didn't seem to approve of that mindset. Her smile had faded, replaced with a frown, her lips a tight line.

"I suppose so," I agreed.

I was tempted to tell her about the proposal, but decided against it. She might be friendly to me, but at the end of the day, she was their employee. If there were sides to take, she'd take theirs.

Besides, the fewer people knew about it, the better. The last thing I wanted was for this to get back to my fathers. As long as they thought the money came from the crowdfunding campaign, they'd let me give it to them. Not happily, but they'd take it.

“You've known them for a long time,” I guessed.

"Before I worked for them." She nodded. “My son used to go to school with Oak and Faden.” She glanced toward the darkened window, a wistful expression on her face.

"Were they friends?" I asked.

"Right up until Hamish died.” She blinked but her eyes seemed dry. "The three of them were thick as thieves."

"I'm sorry for your loss," I said softly.

"It was years ago now," she said. “Still, every day I miss that little prick. Motorcycle. He was riding too fast. Didn't take the corner." She shrugged one shoulder. “I don't know how many times I told him to slow the fuck down.”

"That's terrible," I said sincerely. She was clearly still in pain from losing her son. I couldn't imagine what that must feel like. That she was still quietly grieving was obvious.

"You have two dads?" she asked. "What happened to your mother?" That was blunt, but a question I didn't mind answering. Not too much, anyway.

"She died when I was a baby," I said. “I was only a few months old, so I don't remember her. My dads are the only parents I've ever known. I was lucky to have them.”

"Sounds like it," Shannon agreed. “I’ve met them a handful of times. They seem nice."

"They are nice," I agreed.

Of course they were. If they weren't, I wouldn't be standing here right now having this conversation with her. Or would I? If they weren't nice, would I have stood by and let the bar go under? Probably not, but I don't suppose the question mattered too much. Speculation wouldn't change anything. They were who they were, and I was here right now. Still annoyed at Fade for getting me off, then walking out.

What was I going to do the next time I saw him?

I already knew confronting him wouldn’t do any good. He’d shrug it off and have a good laugh.

No, whatever I did, it was going to have to be a lot more subtle.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

TEDDIE

"You're just in time," Shannon said.

If they knew about today's rule, Hel and Oak gave me no sign as I slipped into the kitchen in search of breakfast. They didn't insist I join them, but since Shannon was preparing it, it seemed like the right thing to do. Also, while I could get my own cereal or toast, the pancakes looked irresistible. Between those and freshly made coffee, the kitchen smelled like heaven.

She gave me a wink as I headed over to the corner to pour myself a cup from the machine.

"Looks like everyone slept well," she remarked, flipping the pancake in the pan.

"Like a baby," Fade said slowly, sitting back in his chair to give me a sly smile, his eyelids half-closed.

I rolled my eyes and added an extra spoon of sugar before stepping over to sit next to Oak, as far away from Fade as I could, while sitting at the same table.

"Morning," I said to Oak and Hel.

Oak grunted.