Page 77 of The Price of Forever

“You’re probably right. The last time you did that, you and I ended up doing something we’re not allowed to bring up anymore.”

“Thank you for remembering the new rule.” My skin prickled with anticipation as she positioned my other hand on the pole, about an inch above the first one.

“There we go. Just like that, Mr. Eleven.” She placed her hands on my hips and adjusted my stance, bringing them closer to the pole.

“Once you see how good I am, you’ll be calling me Thirteen.”

“That ego just continues to grow.”

I sniffed, squeezing the pole extra tight. “Your fault.”

She sent me a heavy look before tapping my right knee. “Bring this up here.” She showed me with her own knee. Once I did it, she showed me how to bring my other leg up.

The delight on her face once I was launched halfway up the pole had me smiling right back at her.

“You did it!” Jordan clapped. “The stiff body builder is officially mounting my shaft.” She pushed onto her tiptoes, resting her hand on my thigh as she added, “And that’s the most action either of us will get with each other, isn’t that right, Eleven?”

The twinkle in her eye as she winked promised me nothing but bratty mischief.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

JORDAN

I loved consecutive days off. The entire world stretched before me, unencumbered with annoyances like shift times and handsy clients. This was my second day off in a row, which made me feel like I wasn’t a desperate, cash-strapped stripper, struggling to find a place to live that wouldn’t drain her bank account within two months. No, I was a put-together professional with a two-day weekend, goddammit.

At least, that’s what I wanted to feel like on this momentous Tuesday.

Seven and I crossed paths early in the morning—after his workout and before mine—and he informed me that he had plans today. Before I could ask if they’d require me to scout out his location and hunt him down, he said, “Whatever you have planned for the day is fine. I’ll call Chico to come over and be on call.”

I sighed, rubbing my face. Somewhere between the family dinner and this morning, I realized how long it had been since I’d been alone. That was one of the perks of living by myself—being alone. At least for an introvert like me. “Can I just get some personal time? Or is that forbidden per the bodyguard laws?”

He dropped his chin, his gaze narrowing. “You promise you’ll stay here?”

“Of course. What else am I going to do but swing around the pole and cook elaborate lunches?”

“You could always go hunt Pokémon,” he said.

“Sure, but I don’t feel like it today.” I crossed my arms. Ranger sauntered into the room and sat equidistant between us, watching with mild interest.

Seven didn’t seem convinced. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’ll be good. Promise.”

He watched me for a moment longer before issuing me a curt nod. “Okay. But if you change your mind, let me know and I’ll send Chico over.”

“Thanks, Daddy Warbucks.”

He shook his head as he walked toward his bedroom. “That’s not a good one.”

“I didn’t realize you were scoring and judging my submissions.” His bedroom door shut a moment later, and I drew a deep breath, dropping down to stroke Ranger’s fur. Not only did I have an unexpected day off…I would have most of it to myself. And Ranger, of course.

This felt like luxury.

I was on the pole when Seven headed out for the day looking casual in dark jeans and a T-shirt, his laptop bag slung across his chest. My heart squeezed as I watched him go. I wanted to know what he was doing. What was he working on? Did he need any input? Was this more about the business that involved Chico?

I had so many questions, and I wanted to have none of them. Just like I wanted Seven, but wanted to not want him. The longer I practiced on the pole, the deeper my thoughts dove into the abyss. I was sick of this tangle my life had become. Nothing resembled anything I’d selected for myself. This wasn’t my apartment. Not my furniture. Not my daily commute. Not my fucking neighborhood.

And Seven…definitely not my roommate. Or my boyfriend. Yet here we were.

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