He wrapped me in a hug and swore.
“No, baby. You didn’t do anything. Things came up with work that have been distracting. I probably shouldn’t have come home for dinner tonight but I wanted to see you. Things will settle down soon.”
I held him just as tightly as he held me.
“Are things at the club okay?”
He stiffened slightly but then he seemed fine.
“Yeah, the club is fine. It’s just business. No big deal. It’s been making us neglect our Kitten, though, which isn’t acceptable.”
I leaned back to look up at him. There were more lines around his eyes than normal and I could almost see the tension radiating off of him.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Blowing out a sigh, he shook his head. “We’re making some changes with one of our businesses and it’s caused some issues.”
A thought I’d been having for weeks moved to the forefront of my mind and I couldn’t help myself.
“Y’all have illegal businesses, don’t you?”
His face turned stern and he gripped my hips and walked me backwards until my butt hit the table. Just when I thought he was going to bend me over and spank me for asking that question, he sat in one of the chairs and put me on his lap, facing him. He cupped my cheeks and searched my face.
“Why do you think that?”
I focused on the buttons on his shirt.
“Theo’s whole…murder thing…I’m not allowed to take the kids off the property. The secretive way none of you talk about your business. Most people come home at night and talk to their families about their day. Just your overall vibe, honestly.”
His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.
“What if we did have illegal businesses?”
I met his gaze and felt the last remnants of my walls crumble at how nervous he seemed. I’d asked myself the same thing at least twice a day for weeks. I was a kindergarten teacher. I was still a virgin, not for lack of trying. I was about as plain as a woman could get. I had no business being involved with anything illegal. I didn’t even speed.
“Sutton?”
I made a face.
“Kitten. You only call me Sutton when you’re unhappy with me.”
“Kitten. Answer me.”
“I don’t know. I know what Ishouldsay but that isn’t what I feel. It’s irresponsible and stupid of me but I don’t think I care. I don’t like the idea of any of you being in danger, though. Is that what’s happening right now? Are y’all in danger?”
His breath left him in a bigwhooshand then he was crushing me to his chest.
“Fuck, you’re perfect, Kitten.”
I cuddled into him, loving the way he made me feel small. His non-answer made me shiver, though.
“You’re in danger?”
“We’re leaving the business. There are…growing pains. We’re handling it, though.” He spoke into my hair. “Theo keeps us safe.”
“You sure did make me forget that I was horny.” I pushed at his shoulders so I could stand up and see his face. “You’ll tell me more one day?”
“One day.” He tipped his head back and groaned. “I have to go, Kitten. My phone’s vibrating the shit out of my pocket and I know it’s Leon and he’s getting pissy.”
