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“You’re sure about this?”

“Yes.” And I am. I’ve seen my share of gnawed-on wires and wires that have been tampered with. This was exactly what it looked like and nothing more.

“Good to hear.” There’s a pause, followed by the soft squeak of his office chair. “And did you remind the dean that I’m still waiting?”

“I did.” He was on my list of visits this week; the fire just moved his name higher. “I’ll be back next week. He’s including an extra ten percent as a gesture of good faith.”

The line goes silent. I know he’s still there, which is why I don’t hang up or say more. It’s better to wait for further instructions. Eighteen months with him has given me great insight into his personality and work style.

“Unacceptable. Not good enough. He’s had plenty of time to figure this out. Giving him more will only reinforce his behavior. He’ll try to pull this shit again next time.”

“Which is why I took it upon myself to take something as collateral.” I smile, thinking how delighted he’ll be about my choice. “You know, the painting he has behind his desk? The one he gloats about every time he meets with you in his office.”

Silas Doyle has one weakness. Expensive art he can’t have for whatever reason that may be. He’s been drooling over this painting for the last three years, since he first stepped inside Dean Witcher’s office to discuss his daughter’s admission to the school.

“I bet that was… inconvenient for him.” His laughter is short-lived. “Where is it now? You didn’t leave it in your truck while you’re out chasing tail, did you?”

“Seriously?” I can’t believe he’d think me so careless. “Briggerman took it back with him. He was ordered to guard it with his life. I’m sure if you call him, he’ll be more than willing to bring it to you.”

“Remind me to give you a raise.” A familiar hiss and sharp click echo over the line, followed by a long inhale. “When will you be back? There’s a job I need your help with. Someone is lying, and you’re the best at sniffing out the BS.”

The sound of female laughter saturates the air behind me. It has me turning my head and smiling as I watch Jen and her friend stumble into the parking lot. They are pissed and giggling like they’ve lost the plot.

“Later tonight,” I tell him, “if all goes as planned.”

I hang up before he can ask more, exiting the dark alley and into the light. The ladies don’t spot me straight away, and I need to leave before my dick convinces me to make a move.

Just as I’m about to make a clean exit, my cousin clocks me and shouts my name at the top of her lungs.

“Aiden! Just the bloke I need.”

“Jen.” With slow, deliberate strides, I approach them, aiming my arrogant smile at her friend. “Hello, beautiful. Quite a voice you have.”

“Don’t be a twat.” Jen punches me in the arm. “You heading home?”

I nod, my gaze fixed on her friend with honey-brown eyes. Behind my zipper, my dick swells, and I shift covertly to make room.

Linking her arm with mine, Jen does what she does best. “Good, then you can give me a ride.”

With her friend’s eyes holding mine, a warmth blossoms in my chest, and I break my own rules. “I’ll give your friend a ride too.”

Something sharp and unwelcome hits when I see her friend’s cheeks flush, catching my meaning. “I don’t need a lift. I have one already.”

Her thumb directs my gaze to a black SUV where two women wait nearby.

“Friends of yours? Are they as pissed as you two?” The thought makes me uncomfortable. “I’d feel better taking you myself. Call it what you will, but as Jen’s cousin, it’s my duty to make sure you both make it home safely.”

“They are⁠—”

Before Jen can finish, her friend cuts in. “Such a gentleman. I’ll let my friends know. Give me a second.”

Turning, she unsteadily walks over to the SUV. Once there, the three of them exchange words. Tilting her head back, she seems frustrated. After a few seconds, she turns to face us, shaking her head as she stumbles back our way.

“It’s all set.”

“You can just ditch them?” Jen squints, sounding surprised. “How is that safe?”

Her friend shrugs, a cute-as-fuck smirk playing on her full lips. “I pulled rank. So, are we ready?”