Page 30 of Sinful Secrets

One thing I’ve learned about Arturo is he prefers direct talk when we are face to face but discreet texts. It makes sense since text messaging records can be accessed months and years later.

He immediately replies back.

That makes me very happy to know she is working out. I’ll send someone over shortly to give her more shifts and put her on the permanent schedule.

Even if I pay Savannah’s tuition, Arturo just made her a member of the family, whether she knows it or not. I need to call her to make sure she stays at the club for a little while longer.

Her phone rings and rings. When I’m sure the voicemail is about to pick up, she answers my call, sounding breathless.

“Hello?”

“Hey, is everything alright?” I ask while staring at Rhett and Joey. They seem to be in a deep conversation.

She chuckles. “Oh yeah, I was just talking with Emily.”

I check to make sure no one is paying attention to me before whispering, “My boss is very pleased with your work and is sending someone over to the club to pick up the money and drop off another bag discreetly.”

“Already? I just called you.”

“We move fast sometimes. Especially when you are this good. He’s going to put you on the permanent schedule. If you want out, just tell him or me and I’ll handle it.”

“Uh, yeah. I’ll work another couple of shifts until I can pay tuition and put some money away for savings. I’ve been waitressing here more than I’ve been dancing, so the extra income will supplement.”

“Make sure you take your cut out now before the guy shows up.”

The guys stand and start redressing, so I say, “Savannah, I need to go, but I’ll send you a message when I’m on the plane home.”

“Be safe.” She whispers before ending the call.

For a moment, my heart races. It’s like we are already past the dating stage and in a serious relationship. Why would I tell her I’ll message when I’m on the plane? And what was with her response?

None of my ex-girlfriends ever told me to be safe.

Is it because Savannah knows I delve into illegal activity? Or does she genuinely care about me?

Another text comes through my phone. Looking down, I see it’s from Arturo.

You’re doing a great job. Let’s talk more next week.

A smile forms on my face. It’s not me who’s doing a great job. It’s all Savannah. She’s the one selling the product, not me.

I grab my helmet and quickly meet up with the guys, who are already walking back down the tunnel.

The team athletic trainer William pats me on my back as I walk past. “Good luck in the third period.”

I roll my eyes.

We are losing three to zero. I think we need a miracle, not luck.

Joey pulls me to the side. “Me, you, and Rhett need to catch up and talk on the plane ride home tonight. Dad is giving me more freedom with operations, and I want the three of us to be on the same page going forward.”

“Yeah, we need to be on the same page because things are heating up and we need to solve the problems before they get worse.”

He gives me a nod before taking the ice. I follow behind him and take my place on the opposite side of the ice as the left winger.

The referee speaks to each center before dropping the puck.

Like every other game I’ve played before, I clear my mind and focus solely on the next twenty minutes. That’s all that matters. Everything else can wait.

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