Page 159 of Awakened by Sin

Marcus didnotlook happy. She beamed at him. He was so dang cute.

“I’m with someone, but thanks,” she said.

“Not surprised. Only a matter of time before someone picked you up. You coming to my next fight?”

“Sure. Just let me know when and where.”

“Will do. Gotta go, babe.”

“Bye, Con.” She hung up and scrolled through her messages.

She had missed calls from Lyla, Mom, Maddie, Kiki, and Luci. Maddie was done with her test and wanted to do something. She sent her a quick text, saying she wanted to do nails and hair before she texted Shonda.

“Cormac Hart asked what kind of jewelry you want?” Marcus asked.

“Some reporter asked him about us. There’s a picture of us on the internet from that party where you and I fucked in the laundry room. He was messing around, asking what kind of engagement ring I want.”

“He calls you often?”

“No, but we party from time to time. Con and I go way back.”

Marcus sat. “How far back?”

“I sponsored him when no one else would.”

His brows shot up. “You sponsored a fighter?”

“I believed in him. He had heart.” She shrugged. “I met him in my stripper days. He came in, and we clicked. He’s a good guy although he acts like a douche. I have a thing for underdogs.”

“A stripper who invests in fighters, dates one of the wealthiest men in the state, is behind the most successful clubs and restaurants on The Strip, knows how to handle a gun, and looks like a supermodel …” Marcus shook his head. “Like I said, you scare me.”

“You should be afraid,” she said loftily as she popped grapes in her mouth. “I’m a kamikaze with a cause.”

He grinned. “That you are.”

“My parents let me be who I wanted.” She ignored the dull ache in her chest. “My dad was an enforcer, so I know the good, bad, and ugly of Las Vegas. He kept me from it as best as he could. He told me I was a princess.” She smiled sadly as she stared out at The Strip, which lacked the punch and magic that it had at night. “He was a great dad. The best. If you think I’m a brat, blame him.”

“I think he did a damn good job.”

She rose from her seat and leaned down so they were face to face. “You’re sweet.” She kissed his lips, but pulled away before he could open his mouth. “You’re sexy.” Another kiss, this time on the corner of his lips. “And you fuck like a porn star.” One last kiss before she looked into his eyes. “And you’ll always have a friend in me.”

His hand curled around her nape. “Promise?”

She nodded. “Promise.”

Marcus was just as much a part of the family as she was. No matter what, they would find a way to remain friends. No man had been able to put up with her for long. What he thought was sexy and exciting now would fade. He needed order and routine and control—those words weren’t part of her vocabulary. She would ride the wave for now and try to find herself before it ended.

“I guess I’ll let you use my body then. That’s what good friends do, right?” he murmured.

She ran a hand down his chest. “Yep. Whatever’s required. It’s in the best friend contract.”

“What about the family contract?”

“That means you put up with my craziness. You’re doing a damn good job so far.” Her phone beeped, and she straightened. “I have to pick up Maddie.”

“Your future stepsister?”

She shrugged. “She’s my sister now even though we’re waiting for them to get married.” She tucked her clutch under her arm and headed toward the exit. She paused beside the large lion fountain and bobbed her brows at Marcus. “We could have done crazy shit on this lion.”

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