There’s a little cupcake under my skin in the sweetest, most infuriating way. No matter what I do, I can’t get her off my mind. Her stubbornness, her resilience, and even the way she falls apart. She’s become the main focus in my daily life. And tonight, I’m sending her to a human meat market—a fucking slaughterhouse—to work. The thought sickens me.
“Sasha! Bring me the fucking depositions I asked for five minutes ago,” I scream through the door. As soon as this operation is over, I’m kicking her ass to the curb and finding a new secretary. I already know who I want to fill the position and hopefully she will take it.
I pull up the cameras from my phone; my cupcake is still knocked out in our bed. Last night, I pleasured her body until she was begging me to stop. She was so exhausted, I had to carry her out of Sapphire. I smile thinking about her messy hair, and the makeup smeared all over her face.
How I’m going to get through her shift tonight—and every other night is weighing heavy on my mind. The idea of sending her to that shithole makes me want to call off this whole operation. Realistically, I know she will be fine. She’s not going in there unprotected. Liam is a fucking beast, but it should be me with her. Never in my life did I think a woman would have this much control over me but here we are.
“I’m sorry, I had to search for them. Is everything ok?” She comes and sits on the edge of my desk, her face full of concern. “I can make you feel better.”
“By leaving. I have work to get done.” I look away from her and scoot forward, pushing my legs under my desk beforeshe gets any ideas. I’ll cut her fucking fingers off one by one if she touches me.
“Emily isn’t really your niece, is she?” The tension coming from her is palpable.
I’m not going to hide the way I feel about Maya; Sasha just better know to keep her mouth shut about the rest of it.
“No, she’s not.” Not really sure why she cares so much. She will bang anything if she thinks it will get her somewhere.
“Are you seeing her?” Her voice is soft.
Normally, I’d be wondering how people like her develop feelings, but it does seem to happen when and where you least expect it.
“Not that it’s any of your concern, but, yes, I am.” I cross my arms in annoyance. This isn’t her business.
“Do you really like her or is she just a fling? I know you, Nick. Your likes and dislikes. I could make you really happy.” She gives me a pouty look.
“It’s not just a fling, I’m fucking obsessed with her. Get back to work and mind the business that pays you.” I give her a deadpan stare. Sasha has been relentless lately. This major confession on my part might be the only way for her to take a fucking hint.
“Wow.” She drops her gaze to the floor. “She must be really special.” I’m relieved when she quickly exits my office.
I have to be in court all day. Kaleb is meeting me with Tito at the warehouse at four. I’ll be cutting it close. It shouldn’t take long to lock those two idiots in the cellar. I’ll have Lucas there for backup. He’s insisted on helping. We will deal with those idiots when my girl is safely home from work.
The Lucky Rabbit has three exit areas and a service dock. Liam will cover the one inside Cottontails, Lucas and Vade have agreed to stake out the other two, and Ethan and I will be parked behind the service exit. Maya says it’s overkill. I think she just doesn’t know how much she means to me.
Emma was right, there’s only one way a woman can get under a man’s skin to the point it drives him literally insane.
I love her.
From the moment I met her, I’ve been drawn to her like a magnet—like a moth to a flame. It might’ve been love at first sight, even though I didn’t recognize it. I’ve been falling harder and harder for her ever since that day. She deserves to know, but I have no idea how to tell her.
What if she doesn’t feel the same and it scares her away? I’ve told her how much she means to me, but she doesn’t talk about how she feels. I’ve been ok with that. She’s been severely mistreated by men; this is one thing I’m not going to push her on.
“Nick, the cameras and internet are offline, I’ve got to open the surveillance room for the repair man.” Sasha doesn’t even bother to step in the room. She looks like she’s been crying.
“Fine. I’m heading to the courthouse.” Like a lovesick puppy, I make sure the cameras at home are working and not just because I can’t get enough of my girl.Keep telling yourself that.
8:30 a.m. - Good morning, beautiful. I’ll be in court all day, but I’ll check in when I can. Ethan’s working from home. You two try to stay out of trouble.
The two of them together are like children, constantly laughing at the most asinine shit.
Court ran late and now I’m rushing to get to the warehouse. I call Maya on the way in, but she doesn’t answer. Probably getting ready for her first night at work. My phone buzzes with a text from Kaleb.
3:56 p.m. - Hey man, I was running a little late picking Tito up. We ain’t going to make it there til 5 or a little after but we’re on the way.
Maya has to be at work at five. Son of a fucking bitch. I turn around and head to the beach house, calling Ethan on the way. He can go with Lucas to lock them up and I can take her to work.
“What’s up?” he answers on the first ring.
“Are you still at the house?”
