He let Cass help him to his feet before stepping under the shower and washing Cass’ release from his skin.
It was barely gone when Archer was coming. His hands gripping my hips, thrusting into me with his usual reservation, not holding back, just taking his time. He whispered something before slumping over me.
"What did you say?" I asked once he caught his breath.
"I said one hundred percent of people in the shower are happy right now," Archer said.
I smiled. "You know, I think you're right."
EPILOGUE
HARLOW
"Thank you for agreeing to meet me," I said, looking up as a shadow loomed over the table.
"I was surprised to hear from you," Forrest admitted. He pulled out the chair opposite me and sank into it.
"Do Cass and Jules know we're here?"
"They do," I said. "I don't go behind their backs." Not for any reason. Except maybe the occasional surprise birthday party. Or special gift.
"I see." He nodded slowly, reached to pour himself a glass of water. "Do they know why you asked me to come here?"
"In a manner of speaking," I said.
"Should I be worried?" He glanced around the otherwise empty Angel's Redemption before taking a sip of the water, confident at least I hadn't poisoned it.
"I wouldn't say worried," I said slowly. "You’ve alluded to working with people who have the same priorities as I used to."
"Used to?" he asked.
"Not anymore." I pushed up my sleeve to show all of the lines on my arm, crossed off with a strike, the last tattoo, still red. "My goal is done. I'm going to be busy with my restaurants."
"Ah yes, building your empire." He nodded and placed his glass back on the table before steepling his fingers in front of his lips.
"I'm not sure I'd call it that," I said with a laugh. "Three restaurants might be enough."
"I haven't known you for long, but my guess is you said that after you opened your first restaurant," he said smoothly.
I opened my mouth to deny it, then smiled. "Okay, you got me there. But really, three is a lot."
"I'm sure you have your hands full with them and your boyfriends," he said. "About why you asked me here…"
"Right." I leaned forward. "Do you remember Wolfgang Taylor-Francis?"
Forrest thought for a moment, then nodded. "As I recall, he was killed in his hotel room. In bed with his wife, if I remember correctly. She didn't seem too disappointed to see him gone."
"He was abusing her," I said bluntly. "Sable is still in town. In fact, you and she move in the same circles. I was wondering if you and your associates might agree to keep an eye on her from time to time."
"You want me to babysit?" he asked, an eyebrow raised.
I snorted softly. "Not at all. Just keep your eyes open. She went through a lot before he…mysteriously died."
Forrest smirked.
Okay, that was fair enough.
"As it happens, I have seen Sable at a few events recently," Forrest said. "My associates and I would be happy to watch over her for you."
