Page 46 of My Prince

It sucked that Adalee had lost her job, but it wasn’t the end of the world. “There is one good thing, though,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

Adalee sighed again, a deeper, more resigned sound. “Hit me with it because I am ten seconds away from having a full-blown breakdown.”

“Well,” I began, “you don’t have to deal with him anymore. And now you can focus on what you really love to do.”

She wrinkled her nose. “And what is that?”

“Cake, cupcake,” I laughed. “I saw that cake you made. That thing belongs in a bakery case, not in a motorcycle club.”

She rolled her eyes. “I already tried that, Fade. I did not do well. I can decorate cakes, but it’s the whole making it a business I wasn’t good at.”

“Yeah, but that was in LA. You’re in Texas now, cupcake. I think there are a few storefronts for rent on Main Street, and you know you’ll have the whole club behind you. Hell, who knows if you’ll even need other customers other than the club. They’ll sell you out every day.”

“You’re sweet, Fade, but you haven’t even tried the cake yet. I think you might be getting ahead of yourself.”

I scoffed. “If that cake tastes half as good as it looks, you’ll kill it.”

Adalee sighed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Maybe Don just needs to calm down, and I’ll still have a job.”

I leaned up on my elbow, resting my head on my hand. “Do you want to still have a job?” I asked. Because I sure as hell didn’t want that for her. Adalee didn’t need a job where she was yelled at all the time.

“A paycheck is nice, Fade. I can’t really survive without one.”

“Yeah, but money isn’t everything. I’d rather live in a cardboard box happy than be miserable counting my dollars.”

A knock sounded on the door, and we both lifted our heads to see Mark standing in the doorway.

“Uh, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I just got an email from Don.”

Adalee let her head fall back on the bed. “Oh god.”

“What does it say?” I asked.

“Filming is suspended for a week because Garett quit, and Adalee is fired.” Mark looked down at his phone, looking uncomfortable. “And I’m in charge, which is pretty terrifying.”

A giggle escaped Adalee’s lips despite the situation. “Maybe Don won’t be changing his mind,” she sighed.

I could see the mixture of relief and uncertainty in her eyes. It hurt to see her so torn. “We’ll figure this out, Adalee. Maybe it’s a sign to get back to what you love.”

She nodded. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice now, do I?”

Mark shrugged. “If it’s any consolation, from the chatter I’m hearing with the other crews for Tread, Don is being a dick to them all.”

“Not surprising at all,” Adalee sighed.

“Oh, and Sloane wanted me to tell you that dinner is ready. It would be a good time to get some footage, but”—Mark shook his phone—“Don suspended filming, so I think I’ll just enjoy my dinner.”

Mark left, closing the door quietly behind him.

I looked down at Adalee. “You want me to bring you a plate?”

Adalee wiped her eyes and shook her head. “No. Don isn’t going to ruin my night. I was looking forward to hanging out with the girls tonight.”

“Just the girls?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Adalee reached up and pulled my face to hers. “There is this guy there I kind of like,” she whispered.

“Is that so?” I growled softly, feeling a surge of possessiveness.

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