−
Will accept all gifts.
I let out a long, high-pitched whistle. “Yeah, she’ll never sign this.” But man, do I love Julien for the shoe designation.
“I don’t want her to make this relationship transactional. I don’t want her to think she always has to give, to be given something in return.” He shakes his head. “When she was with them, they made every decision for her. She worked for them, lived in their club, never had anything that was truly hers. They kept her hidden, but they stripped away her autonomy. We need to give that back to her.”
“So we don’t want her signing… because she’s only doing it to feel like she’s paying us back,” I say, and he nods. “Yeah, fuck that. She doesn’t owe us a thing.”
We’re the ones who owe her everything.
“But what if she calls our bluff and signs it anyway?”
Zeek smiles then, like he’s already imagined that exact outcome. “Julien says he’s got it covered.”
I scoff, patting his back. “Wow, I thought I was the manipulative fuck in this unit. I’m impressed, man. The cameras, the secret purchase, now this? Almost like you’re sicker than me.”
He huffs, but doesn’t deny it.
“We have a chance, Sai.” His voice lowers. “I wasn’t sure she would ever give us another. But after what she did for Julien, the way she’s been with us all, and then last night...” He stares at me, eyes glowing. “We don’t deserve her. But I’m done waiting. I want her.”
My brows dart up. Fuck me. I want this side of Zeekallthe time.
“When do we give it to her?”
“Today, soon.” Zeek slips out his phone, tapping onto the group chat. “And I want everyone here.” He hits call.
Julien answers after the first ring, “Good morning, my friends.”
“Jules, what happened to sharing everything with each other? You’ve been making secret contracts for Zeek behind my back?” I tut. “I’m disappointed.”
“My dearest friend, I thought you’d enjoy the surprise.”
Fucker’s right, I did. “Yeah, well. Should’ve seen me when I thought it was a different type of contract.”
He chuckles and damn, I’ve missed that sound.
“Kane’s not answering,” Zeek murmurs, staring at the black half of the screen. “His mental wall’s still up too.”
“When isn’t it?” I mutter. “Text him, tell him it’s about Red.”
He does, and wouldn’t you know, his clipped voice appears. “What?”
“We need to discuss the contract—”
“Contract?” Kane’s voice echoes, like he’s moved into a larger room.
“Brother, you’ve been blocking me all morning,” Zeek says, and he sounds a little bit pissed. “Haven’t you read your emails?”
“I think he’s been a little busy with our Red.” I smirk even if he can’t see it. “How’re those flirting skills coming along, mate? Learnt how to smile yet?”
