Page 171 of Awakened by Sin

She grit her teeth. “We’re friends.”

“Who are fucking.” He glared at her. “He’s not Vinny.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

“He doesn’t have time for your games.”

“Shut up, Gavin. We’re happy. Go to Bora Bora, visit the spa, and ask them to pull the stick out of your ass.” She took a few steps away and then turned back. “And when you come back, Marcus is taking a vacation, got it?”

“Marcus can do what he wants.”

“Then he’s taking a vacation.”

Gavin shrugged. “I want to hear it from him, not you.”

“Fine.”

Knowing her departure would be imminent, she moseyed over to Honey and Beau who lounged near the pool. As she approached, Beau met her halfway. She scratched him behind his ears and watched Honey debate whether she wanted to be touched. In the end, her competitive nature won out. Honey nudged Beau aside and took his place. It was amazing what a few weeks in a loving, safe environment could do.

“You’re such a good girl,” she praised. “I told you, only good from now on, baby.”

“Ready for dessert?”

She turned and found Angel standing behind her with two slices of cake. She stared from the cake to him and back.

“Where’d you get that?” she asked.

“It’s the last two pieces of a cake that Blade wants out of the house.”

Angel was back to his relaxed vibe—jeans and a black tee, but neither his appearance nor the cake fooled her. But if he wanted to play nice and bring her cake, why not enjoy?

“Thanks,” she said and took the plate. “I think you can take Mickey and Frederick off babysitting duty.”

“Not yet.”

“You haven’t killed all the Black Vipers yet?”

“Getting there, although they reconnected with the Spade gang from California. They’ve been quite entertaining.” He shrugged. “It’s only a matter of time before they flee.”

Beau and Honey ran toward the house as Gavin and Lyla went inside. Honey had really bonded with her new family. She was a whole new dog. Gavin seemed taken with her in particular. According to Lyla, the dog’s favorite place was his office.

The staff cleared the table, leaving them alone on the patio. The tranquil sound of the waterfall and the dim light made this strangely intimate. She ignored all of that and took a bite of cake.

Her eyes fluttered shut. “Oh my God. What is this and how do I get more of it?”

“You’re with Fletcher.”

Her eyes popped open. “What?”

“You live together.”

It wasn’t a question.

“We’re friends, and I’m staying at his place. He’s mostly at the hotel.”

He tilted his head to the side. “And that’s working for you?”

His incredulous tone made her tense. “It’s working perfectly. Why?”

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