I scowl, grunting my displeasure. Guess I’ll be jacking off to memories of Cashmere’s face and the sensual scent of his perfume. Again.
Rising from my chair, I nod at Wraith then walk over to grab my trench.
“Are you going to bed mad?” Carnage teases. “I could come with you. I like it when you’re mad.”
Rolling my eyes, I flip him off. “You wish.”
“I don’t, actually. I just like fucking with you.”
The guys laugh as I shake my head and walk down the hall to my room. I’m not tired yet at all. I guess I could get back in the car and camp out in front of Cashmere’s place all night, but he almost caught me once when I fell asleep. The sun was up and he walked a little too close to my car. Besides, what will that do for me? Just add to the frustration.
In my room, I toe off my boots and hang up my trench before heading to the small area where I keep a few dry goods and amini fridge for something salty. I survey the options in my cabinet. The bedrooms are a decent size, and we all have our own bathrooms, but the primary kitchen is downstairs and I get hungry at weird times.
I grab a bag of pretzels and shuffle over to my bed, where I plop down and grab the remote from my nightstand. I flick the TV on, blinking a few times to adjust to the sudden brightness, wishing I had Cashmere’s phone number. I could text him and make sure he’s okay. Or I could tempt him to send me pics of his incredible body.
Fuck, I’m being a creep. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him since the day I laid eyes on him months ago. Usually, I don’t even notice details about the men I hook up with, but you can’t ignore Cashmere. He’s got me wrapped around his finger, even if he doesn’t know it.
I stop on a true crime show and settle in. I don’t even feel like jacking off, so I guess I’ll watch murder and eat pretzels until I fall asleep.
Sitting in the dining room with the entire crew the next morning, I sip my coffee and keep an eye trained on Shadow, who’s sitting across from me, tapping on his phone screen. This man gave me purpose and structure in a sea of chaos, and while I originally thought he wanted me for his bed—a role I would have been happy to accept—I soon learned he had much bigger plans for me.
He looks up and settles his gaze on me as if he can hear my thoughts. He winks, and I nod my acknowledgment. His hair is pulled back into a low bun, revealing his neck, which is covered in purple marks—proof of his escapades last night. I’m happy for him. He’s been a little high strung lately.
He sets his phone down once we’re all gathered. It’s unusual for us to meet on a random Friday morning, but here we are.
“Gentlemen,” Shadow begins. His dark eyes take in the whole table, ensuring he has our full attention before he continues. “Late last night, or rather early this morning, we added to our family.”
I startle. I was not expecting that.
“A favor for a friend, but he’s qualified.” He leans forward on his elbows, one hand draped over the other. “It’s the one we’ve been watching for months.”
Wraith whistles low. “Seriously? You got him?”
“Like we thought, he was working with Seamus’s crew, but now he’s ours.”
“How do we know he’s not a mole or something?” Carnage asks.
Shadow’s jaw ticks. Carnage tends to push his buttons the most. “You think I’m a fucking idiot? I got this far by making stupid decisions?”
Carnage holds up his hands in surrender. “Not what I was saying, boss.”
Shadow blinks slowly several times before pulling his gaze off Carnage’s face. I’m the least likely to push him. Whatever he says is what I accept. I figure he’ll tell me what he wants me to know.
“He needed out,” Shadow says. “And it so happens that he went to the right person for help. His name is Foster. He’s sleeping now, with his boyfriend, I guess, and I’ll introduce him around later.”
“He has a boyfriend with him?” Whisper asks. “Hmm.”
“Extraordinary circumstances. The boyfriend won’t be staying. I’ll expect the same of you as I always do. Show him the ropes, no hazing, and give him space to trust us.”
“He seems cool,” Ghost says. “Me and Phantom greeted him. A little lost, but good vibes overall.”
“Agreed.” Phantom nods.
“And he’s gay?” Carnage asks.
Shadow looks annoyed again. “He’s got a boyfriend.”
“Right.” Carnage nods. “I just meant, he’s one of us.”
