Page 185 of Unexpected Hero

After I jump into my car, I fire off a text telling her my rope preference. As soon as I disable my car’s GPS tracking, I race straight to the club.

Honestly, the ropes aren’t what have my heart pounding. It’s seeing her. Being there when she sings. Making her happy.

The bouncer greets me, same as always. “Hey, James. Good evening.”

Instead of my typical silent acknowledgment, I clap him on the shoulder. “Evening, Tim. Nice to see you.”

His head draws back. “Yeah, uh… you too.”

I’m smiling as I enter the lobby — teeth showing and all.My steps falter when I find Freya at the front desk instead of my girl.

She glances at me, barely taking her eyes off a magazine she’s reading. “Hey, James.”

I tip my chin at her, my expression slipping. “Hi. Where’s Lettie?”

Freya puts down the magazine and stands. “Getting ready to sing. She’s up next. Glad you made it.” She lowers her forehead, giving me a stern glare. “Finally.”

I narrow my eyes at her in warning.

She steps in front of the door, blocking my entrance to the main room, and crosses her arms.“Listen up, sir. Before you go in, I need a word.”

There was nothing respectful or playful about her tone. Brat.

“What?” I snap.

“Look, James, I’m getting a little worried about her.”

Hackles rising, I pin her with a concerned look. “How so?”

“I know that you guys have some insane chemistry, and that’s all fine and good. I’m glad you finally stepped up. But I think she’s getting attached. Like... really attached.” Her eyes widen, and she lowers her chin to her chest. “So if you aren’t serious about her, it’s time to cut the cord. I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

There are so many things wrong with this conversation. The tone. The warning. And the fucking idea that I’m not serious about her.

But it does give me pause.

I’m lying to Lettie.

Every day that goes by that I don’t tell her who I am or who her father is, is another bullet in the chamber, poised to fire into my chest.

And I fucking hate where that leaves me.

“What makes you think I’m not taking her seriously?” I deflect.

“Well, this is week three of karaoke. She’s expected you to show up every time before. And the disappointment on her face after her first song tonight fucking gutted me.”

I’m thrown instantly into defense mode. “I planned on coming every time, but work has been demanding.”

She purses her lips at me and shakes her head dismissively. “Not buying it. It’s not as if this is a middle-of-the-workday activity. Make her a priority. And if you’re running around on her, I’ll fucking lose my shit on you.”

“I’m not, and it’s just karaoke,” I toss out flippantly, although knowing it’s not insignificant to Lettie.

Her eyes widen, and her nostrils flare. “Do you know her at all?”

The sound of muted applause coming from the main room distracts me. “Yes.”

“Then you’d know how much music means to her and how excited she gets about singing. She talks about karaoke all damn week.”

Fuck.

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