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We look over as Yale enters. He’s in a three-piece dark green suit, gold pocket watch hanging from his right breast pocket, looking every bit a “professor from a porno,” as Steffi calls him.

“You’re not dressed? We’re gonna be late,” he says to his brother.

“I was just about to check on X.” Zayden leans down and kisses me softly, his lips brushing my ear. “Try not to fuck him while I’m gone.”

My cheeks blaze, and I swat his arm. “I want a divorce.”

His deep laugh sends shivers across my skin, and he leaves, but not before squeezing his brother’s shoulder as he goes.

Yale approaches, tucking his hands into his pockets. “You look beautiful. How was the rest of your shift?”

“It was fine.” Finished with my makeup, I return to the walk-in and drop my robe before taking my dress off the hanger. “Remind me not to work night shifts and day shifts in the same week, though.”

“Gladly. I hate not having you next door when I get my midnight cravings.”

Sometimes, when we can’t sleep, I’ll sneak over to Yale’s or he’ll sneak over here, and we sit on the kitchen floor and eat whatever we have in the fridge. We’ve done it for years, and I’ve missed it this week.

“Sorry, won’t happen again,” I say, slipping into my dress and heels. As I step back into the bedroom, Yale whistles.

“Looking good, love.”

I spin and flutter my lashes. “Thank you. You don’t look half bad yourself.”

“I know. Also, I found this.” Yale closes the space between us and takes a pearl-encrusted hair clip out of his pocket.

I gasp. “You found it.”

“I did.”

In a slow, swift movement, he slides the clip into my hair. My heart beats a little faster, because while he’s focused on his task, I’m focused on him. He may be identical to his brothers, but there are small things that set him apart. Where Zayden is rough edges and control, Yale is a gentle soul, but no less powerful. Zayden and Xavier could take down a threat with their fists, but Yale could talk someone out of anger.

He smiles and tilts his head, pressing the backs of his fingers against my cheek.

“You’re blushing.”

Fuck. Fuck this dream to hell and back. “I’m just warm.”

“You’re not getting sick, are you?” He touches the back of my neck. “Do we need to cancel?”

I shake my head. “Honestly, I’m fine. Probably just need to wake up after that shift. Can I meet you downstairs? I just need to grab my clutch.”

“Sure.” He pinches my nose and leaves, and I slump onto the bed.

It was a dream. That’s all. I also dreamt I was being chased by an elephant detective last week. That doesn’t mean anything, either.

I just need a glass of wine and Zayden to fuck me, and I’ll be fine.

Right?

Chapter 4

Silence

“Xavier’s not answering his phone,” Zayden says as I descend the stairs. “If he’s late, I’m going to kick his ass.” He dials again, growling when there’s seemingly no response. “X, if you’re not here in the next two minutes, we’re leaving without you.”

Yale chuckles. “Who leaves voicemails anymore?”

I reach Zayden’s side. “He’ll be here. Is Grant meeting us at the restaurant?”