Page 30 of Unexpected Redemption

Sugar bear:

Be right there. ??

“Any day now,”Shep parrots my earlier words back at me.

I flip him off as I slide the phone into my pocket. “Lettie’s coming by. She needs to ask me something.”

“Now?”

“Yeah. So hold that thought.”

With his palms facing outward, he lowers his chin to his chest in a mock bow. “No problem. I know who outranks me at Redleg these days.”

My head slopes to one side at his confounding behavior. “What does that mean?”

Assuming Lettie will be here in a minute, I stand and inch toward the door.

“Lettie is Boss’s daughter. She’s officially second in command here. Hell, I’d argue that with her role in your lifeandhis, she outranks him.” He clicks his tongue, wobbling his head. “Yeah, I’d much rather piss off Boss than piss off Lettie. If I piss her off, I gotta worry about you, Boss,andLettie.”

Turning away from him, I drag my hand across my face, muttering, “Unbelievable. What an idiot.”

Not that he’s wrong.

By the time I get to the doorway, Lettie’s there, heart-stoppingly beautiful as always.

“Hey, sugar.”

She widens her smile, beaming her light at me and causing an irregular heartbeat. “Hiya, babe.” Her gaze cuts past me, aiming for Shep. “Sorry to interrupt. It’s sort of time sensitive. We shouldn’t be too long.”

He straightens in his chair, his chest puffed out and a bullshit smile plastered on hisface. “Good morning, Lettie. How are you today?”

If chipper birds singing on a sunny spring morning were a vocal tone, that would be what Shep just used. Give me a break.

“Well, hello there, Shepherd.” One perfectly groomed eyebrow is arched, and suspicion dances in her eyes. “I’m fine. Thank you. And you?”

“I’m fantastic. Never a problem I can’t solve. Love it here at Redleg.”

Lettie quirks her head, casting a questioning glance at me before faking a smile at the moron itching for a punch. “Glad to hear it.”

He piles his bullshit on even thicker because why stop at one layer when you can have two? “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy to help one of?—”

That’s it.

“Shut the fuck up, Shep. You aren’t funny.”

“Just making sure our VIP is taken care of and feels welcome.”

“Wait a damn minute,” Lettie interjects, taking two bold steps into the office. “Are you makin’ fun of me for being here every day or somethin’ as if I have dozens of other options where I’m safe?”

She’s so fucking sexy when she’s standing up for herself.

Shep’s mouth rounds, and a strangled-sounding laugh gets stuck in his throat. He stands, edging around the desk and wearing his apology like a second skin. “No, no, Lettie. Not at all. That’s not what I meant. Damn. I’m sorry. I can see why you’d think that. My bad. Ignore me. You’re more than welcome to be here.”

His apology seems sincere.

Taking pity on Shep, I help him remove his foot from his mouth while contemplating shoving it up his ass instead. “Lettie, he didn’t mean it the way you’re taking it. He was attempting to kiss up because you’re Boss’s daughter and my girl, so he’s terrified of pissing you off because we’ll rain hellfire on him. But he’s not that bright, and his execution was tragic at best.”

Lettie snort-laughs, immediately cupping her mouth to hide it. “I’m not special. I’ve barely said ten words to Boss Dad since the day we met.” She turns to me, lowering her voice. “That’s part of what I came to talk to you about.”

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