“I’m second in command of my platoon.” He leans back in his swivel office chair, then clasps his leather gloved hands together.
“A soldier boy?” Fuck my life, not another one, though my brother-in-law has switched his dog tags for a shield and Kane came out of the army years ago.
“I don’t know what kind of soldier boys you’re used to, sweetheart, but I’m all man.”
A smile curves my lips. “I don’t doubt it.”
A low rumble comes through the speaker. “Have you had a good day today?”
“It’s been the same as any other day. Work, eat, repeat.” When I say it out loud, it sounds even worse. My life is not the life a twenty-seven-year-old should live, but with bills to pay and people to care for who rely on me, I’ve little time for anything else.
I always thought I was doing my subscribers a favour by listening, helping them get a release. But I needed them as much as they needed me. Once I’m at home and close the door, it’s rather lonely. I needed the human interaction as much as they did. Still do, which is why I’ve been looking forward to this call all day.
“What do you do for fun?”
This guy. If he’d seen my box of toys, he wouldn’t have to ask that question. I bite into my cherry flavoured lip gloss on my bottom lip. “You wanna see?”
His shoulders shake as if he’s laughing. “Sure.”
I turn around and bend over, giving him the perfect view of my arse covered in bright pink satin. Years ago, I would never have dared bend over in front of a man, but years with Kane built up my confidence in that department. At least I have that to thank him for.
I slide my box of toys from under the bed, then spin around, giving him a glimpse of what’s inside. “This is my box of fun.”
His leather hand rubs over the mask covering his chin. “That’s quite a collection you have there.”
I sit back on the bed and position the box at my side.
“But I meant. Don’t you go out with friends. Have fun? Take a day off?”
I shrug a shoulder. “I haven’t had much time to go out lately, but I went to the local bar last night. Thursday night is pool night for the guys, and I made a new friend.”
“The guys?” He sits forward in the chair, resting his elbows on the desk. “Who are the guys?”
I roll my eyes at myself for mentioning guys. Rule number one in the business is to make the client feel like they’re the only guy you’re interested in. “Just some people I hang out with at the bar. Guys and girls.”
“I want to know more about the men you’re hanging out with.” His fingers clasp together, creaking the leather. “And don’t lie to me. I’ll know if you’re lying.”
His authoritative tone causes my stomach to pull inwards, tightening all the muscles in my core. “Yes, sir.”
He growls behind the mask, but it comes through the mic loud and clear like a wild animal’s mating call. “Are you seeing any of them?”
“One guy is dating the girl I made friends with.” I chew on my lip, hoping that relaxes him a little. “The other is my brother-in-law.”
“Is that it or are there any more?”
My stomach twists into knots. I can’t seem to lie to this man. “One more. I slept with him occasionally, but in all the time I’ve known him, he never took me out on a proper date. We just slept together. Well, we didn’t sleep. He would have sex with me, then go into another room once I was asleep.” I bury my face in my hands. Saying it all out loud now, I can’t believe I let myself be treated like that for so long.
I deserved better. I should have known it was never going to amount to anything when I only ever saw him at the bar or at his place or mine. He may have given me confidence in the bedroom, but now he’s dropped me, I feel like shit.
“Are you still in love with him?”
I snap my head up. “Hell no. I thought I was at first. But I just care about him. He’s been through a lot and reminds me of my brother.” Inhaling a deep breath, I calm the emotions whirling inside me. “I’m just sad that I let him use me for so long…but I guess…I was using him, too. He was the release I needed when my mother went into the care home.” Dropping the box of toys to the floor, I lean back on the bed. “He helped me get my house sorted along with my brother-in-law. I got a mortgage on this old house, and they helped me fix it up.”
“So I don’t need to kill him?” He chuckles behind the mask.
I can’t tell if he’s joking or serious. “No, please don’t kill him. I may need his joinery skills again some day.”
“As long as that’s all you need him for.”
