Page 9 of Fight

Rattling off some properties I know I’ve seen had a for lease sign recently, I glance at my watch with a sigh. I have to get going.

“What are you doing after this?” I ask her. “I’m kind of worried about the Arthur Bailey situation, if I’m being honest. I’m going to ask Gabriel if he’s heard anything regarding retaliation.”

“Shit,” she murmurs. “I’ve worked really hard to make sure this place is neutral ground, I don’t want to worry about some thugs rolling in while I have a club full of people.”

I’m more worried about something happening to my little blue-haired pixie than the fucking club.

Taking a breath, I shake my head. “I don’t think it’ll come to that. He touched one of your employees without permission, most people who come here know that’s unacceptable.”

“Damn right,” she growls. “I plan to pick up some Chinese food and then go home to eat and take a bath. That’s my idea of a fun time today. I have a feeling it’s going to be a longer day than I planned by the state of my spreadsheet.”

“I restocked the bath bombs in your bathroom. I noticed you were running a little low,” I say smugly at her surprised look. I know just about everything that happens in our apartment. “Please make sure to have someone walk you out when you leave?”

“Done,” she agrees with a nod. “I should be surprised you know when to restock my bathroom, but I’m not.”

Smirking, I shrug. It’s the least I can do to make her happy.

“I have a lot of ground to cover today, and the girls want to show me a new routine they want to try, so it may be a late night. I’ll text you when I’m home?” she suggests.

“Please do,” I tell her. “I may get home late, depending on how things go. Be safe, okay?”

Cerenity stands, walking over to give me a hug. Her jeans hug her ass like a glove, her crop-top kissing the top of her pants like a lover. “You’re the best,” she says with a happy sigh as I wrap my arms around her. “This shirt is so soft.”

“It’s yours when I’m done wearing it,” I say immediately.

Cerenity rubs her cheek against me before freezing and looking up at me in horror. My scent match just scent marked me. I fucking love it.

“Oh my God,” she gasps.

“Nope,” I purr, letting myself just be for once. Cere hates her omega tendencies, but what she doesn’t know is that I tend to purr for her when she’s sleeping. I notice she always wakes up refreshed and relaxed afterwards.

There’s no way I’m stopping. “Lean into it, it’s totally natural. I don’t know why you fight an alpha purr, Cere. It’s not influencing you in any way except maybe putting you in a better mood.”

“You usually put me in a good mood,” she whispers, giving me a squeeze before stepping away. “Is there anything else you’re doing in Chicago?”

Cerenity’s birthday is soon, so I’m getting her gifts while I’m out there, as well as some other things. It overlaps with her heat, which is unfortunate, but I want her to have the best day possible regardless.

“I have the cooler in the truck,” I admit. I cleaned it out a few days ago. “I’m going to see a butcher out there and bring the frozen meat back for the deep freezer. I can’t seem to find someone who can get the cuts I want.”

“You’re so bougie,” she says with a giggle. She's not wrong, but she enjoys it just as much. “It sounds like I won’t have to grocery shop for meat for a while, then. I fucking hate the grocery store.”

My lips twitch at the admission. “You could just get it delivered,” I tease her.

“Sometimes that’s worse when they bring you food that’s not right,” she grumbles.

“Okay, you’re right,” I say with a nod. Meat, fruits, and vegetables are some things I need to see to decide if I want them. “Have fun with your numbers, Sweetheart.”

Cere flips me off with a grin, making me laugh as I walk out.

I feel a little better knowing she’ll be fine as I drive out to Chicago. My scent match hates to celebrate her birthday, but I still want to do something special.

A thought drifts through my mind, making me feel guilty. I do need to tell her the truth soon, but I don’t know if there’s ever a good time to tell your best friend that she’s the one she keeps telling you to find.

I’m so fucked.

Chapter Three

TOMMY

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