Page 58 of Yours Truly

That vexes me.

Lucy nods, filling the cup. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Food will be out in a minute.”

Once she walks away, I return to my phone, relieved to see Ivy has responded.

Hodwy.

I smirk at the screen.

You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?

Why would I?

I like that you call me Firecracker.

And I like that she’s telling me what she likes. My thumbs work quickly, the morning commotion of the diner falling away as I focus on Ivy.

Tried a can opener on my dick this morning. You know. To get the cage off. Didn’t work.

And don’t think you’re off the hook, by the way.

LOL. Can opener. You didn’t tell me you’re funny!

Off the hook?

In my periphery, someone sits next to me at the counter. But I don’t take my eyes off the screen, the phone moving between my hands as I type.

You touched my naked body without my consent to get me in this device.

You gotta pay the piper for that one, baby.

Is the piper your dick? If so, I paid him yesterday, remember?

Or do you need a refresher?

I smirk.

I think the proper payment comes in the form of a tiny silver key.

I don’t.

I’m bringing you breakfast.

Thank you.

But I’m keeping the key.

I watch as three dots bounce along the screen, and nearly jump when a hand comes down on my forearm. Flipping the phone screen down, I glance over to find Deuce sitting next to me, and Hudson on the other side of him. It irks me to leave that message unread. What did it say?

“Gentlemen,” I greet, tipping my invisible cowboy hat.

I may live in cowboy country now but I am not wearing a fucking hat. Hudson lifts his from his head, resting it atop the bar counter as he greets me hello.

“Trace, good to see you,” he says, then lifts his phone to his ear, reading the menu to someone.

Deuce turns to face me. “Morning.”

I sip my coffee. “Good morning.”

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