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Guy

Damn, Leo. Way to kill the vibe

Leo

This doesn’t just impact you, Roman. Our family’s reputation is at stake.

Can I trust you to handle yourself like a professional? Or do I need to deal with this myself?

Goddamnit. What the hell was I thinking, disclosing my epic fuck up to Leo? Haven’t I learned my lesson by now?

I knew he’d hold this over my head. But now, thanks to my big mouth, Kira could suffer the consequences.

I don’t know what she’s running from, but there’s got to be a reason for all of this. A strange sense of protectiveness settles over me, stronger than it has any right to be. Maybe she’ll tell me when she’s ready. Until then, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and make sure she’s taken care of.

Roman

It won’t be a problem. Forget I mentioned it.

Jett

I must say, I usually hate being roped into these group texts against my will, but you got my attention with this one. Can’t wait to see how this shit show plays out.

Leo

Well, that’s a first

I toss my phone onto the sofa and bury my face in my hands.

A smarter man would walk away now, before this whole thing goes off the rails and blows up in all our faces. I glance up, seeing the soft glow of the bathroom chandelier illuminating the window, and just knowing she’s probably soaking in a bubble bath right now, barely fifty feet away from me, is too much to take. I spin around and force myself to march upstairs to take a cold shower.

I can do this. I’m a professional.

By the time I reach the shower, my fist is already wrapped around my rock-hard cock.

CHAPTER TEN

Kira

My eyelids flutter open as the warm sunshine filters through the sheer curtains. Normally I’d be annoyed to wake up before my alarm, but for the first time that I can remember, I’m actually excited.

Maybe it’s because I spent the last two weeks in isolation at my sister’s place, trying to stay out of the way while they all continued living their busy lives around me. Or maybe it’s because today is my first real day at work. For the first time in my life, I’ll just be like everyone else, working a normal job that doesn’t involve hair and makeup, dodging paparazzi, or fielding invasive questions.

I’ll be virtually invisible, simply another set of hands for my boss, who carries all the stress of the job. A boss who, I happen to know, is a good person, which is a rarity all its own.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes either.

My alarm finally rings, interrupting me from taking that thought any further, and I roll over, apparently disturbing all of Tilly’s comfort. I know because she tells me as much.

“I know, I’m a bitch,” I tease as I scroll through my phone, clicking on a missed text message notification.

Unknown number

I have to go into the office early, so I won’t be able to give you that ride this morning. I spoke to my gardener, Lewis, and he’s happy to let Matilda out. Just leave him a note on the counter if you have any specific requests.

I scan the message as an odd feeling of disappointment sinks like a pit in my stomach, but I quickly catch the thought and shake it away.

This man doesn’t owe me anything. He’s already done more than enough, giving me a place to stay.