Page 104 of Cruel Steps

“That’s not the point. I need to get back there before my break is over, and there’s nowhere for me to keep an ID unless you want me to make a scene every time I need to pull it out.”

Hendrix’s face blanched. “Not necessary. I’ll figure something out. You can let her back, Holden.”

“Of course, Boss.”

“Of course, Boss,” I mocked as I passed by. Holden snickered, only making me more irritated. I couldn’t believe he worked here.

This had been my space, and now he was invading it, too!

How did he even know I worked here? I hadn’t told anyone other than Cody, and I knew he wouldn’t tell. Stomping down the hall, I pushed open the door and sat on the bench. Crossing my legs, I tapped my foot in irritation while pouting. The audacity of that man!

“Did you see him?” JoJo asked, hopping in front of me like an excited bunny.

“Who?”

“The hot new guard.”

“No. The only person I saw was the asshole who wouldn’t let me back here.”

“The one at the door to the hallway?”

“Yeah,” I grunted.

“That’s him. Isn’t he sexy?”

Groaning, I dropped my head into my hands and rubbed my temple. This could not be happening. Stupid, sexy man. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

“I’m missing something, aren’t I?”

I nodded, but didn’t lift my head.

“Ooh. There’s a story here. I like it. Is this your classic E2L? Opposites Attract? Love at first sight? What am I working with here?”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, lifting my head enough to peer at her.

“You and the Hottie.”

“I don’t know what any of those words mean. That’s Holden, my step-brother.”

“Oooo, girl. Even better. I love me some taboo.”

“You do realize you’re not making any sense, right? Are you having a stroke? Do you smell pancakes?”

“Pancakes? Yum. Now I want some pancakes.”

Chortling, I shook my head. JoJo was one of a kind.

“Step siblings are so in right now. I wish I had a step-brother.”

“No, you don’t. He’s so… grrr! He’s annoying. One second, he’s all in my face saying how he hates me, then he’s tempting me with his hot body, and then back to saying I’m a mistake, and then back to doing sweet things. Then, when I think we’re okay, going to be friends, he invades my job and takes away the last place I had to myself.”

“I feel like I should get some popcorn and watch this show. Girl, this is the shit I live for. He wants you.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m dating his best friend, and we’ve hurt each other too much. I just want to be his friend, but I don’t think Holden knows how.”

“You’re kidding, right? A man that fine does not have female friends. He has girls he fucks and girls he dates. It’s impossible to only be that man’s friend. And the more, the merrier. Have you ever been DP’d? Hands down worth it. 10 out of 10 would recommend.”

“I need a glossary to understand half the things you say, JoJo.”

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