Page 263 of Deceit

I purposely waited that amount of time just for her to cool down. Ledger asking me to make the final decision was some 1880’s type shit however, I appreciate him looking after me and her.

“Waited up for me?” I hedge, tossing my keys on the side table near the hotel door. It took some convincing, but I got her to stay out of her condo until it was all cleaned up. I wanted her to come home with me to the cabin, but Hardy and Scarlett are there, and I didn’t want her to feel crowded. Furthermore, we haven’t spoken about where we’re going to live.

Perfect scenario, I’d like her to sell the condo of fucked up memories and move in with me. However, I come with my own baggage.

With a house full already, I have no fucking clue how to do this.

“Of course, I did,” she purrs, swinging her perched leg and clinking the chain along with it.

Dressed in ripped black jeans and a pink Coach sweatshirt, her white hair contrasts against the dark color with her Chucks.

My girl who can’t make up her mind which side of the fence she wants to play on.

From where Emmy is, everything is good and moral. I believe she’s tapped into something that scares her a little.

“You mad, baby?” I close the space in the overly large room, cocking my head to the side in silent challenge.

I’m aware of what she wants to know, and as hard of a decision that it was, I’d never purposely upset Emmy and her life.

“Should I be?” She lifts a brow and waits for me to step closer, not bothering to get up and greet her man.

I shrug. “I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“Why, what?”

Her eyes narrow. “Bishop…”

“Oh, you wanna know if I ripped you from your dream job and family.” She blinks, and I pivot for the minibar.

Communication.

This woman and I are going to learn how to fucking do it right this time.

“Bish!”

“Mhm?” Something flies by my head but I don’t bother to look at what it was. It must’ve been soft because nothing shatters or breaks, so at least I know it’s still safe to turn my back on her when she’s pissed.

“What did you tell Ledger since I’m your property now?”

I roll my eyes and grab two beers of shit I’ve never heard of before. “I couldn’t keep you down even if I were that type of asshole.” I turn to face her, popping off the caps. “Well...I’m sorta that kind of an asshole.”

“Speak fucking English.” She takes the beer I hand over to her and chugs it down.

“Emmy, what kind of monster do I think I am?”

“Depends.”

I sigh. “You’re still on B723, Emmy. I wasn’t going to make that decision for you. Even though—“ I bring my beer to my lips. “—I would’ve gone on every single one of your missions, been your helpful sidekick, and took the target out on the first day. That way, you and I could spend a few days alone.”

“I’m doing the hacking job he mentioned?”

“Yep.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Emmy shoots from the chair, her metal chain rattling and falling to the floor with a heavy thud as she wraps her arms around my neck. “Watch the beer.”

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