Page 165 of Awakened by Sin

“At point blank range. A blind man could have taken him out.”

She bared her teeth at him. “I’m busy.”

“Fucking around with Marcus?” He shook his head. “It’ll never work out.”

“Since you and Gavin share the same brain, I’m not surprised you think so. But both of you fail to realize that we’re not in a relationship. We’re just friends.”

“Friends,” Blade repeated in a flat tone of voice that said he didn’t believe her.

“Yes, friends with benefits. You should look into it. I think you’re going numb below the waist.” She dipped her eyes down to his crotch and then back up again. “That would be a shame. Women could write sonnets about that cock. You’re packing.”

His eyes narrowed. “It works fine.”

“How would you know? When’s the last time you got laid?”

“I find the time.”

Carmen leaned in close and stage-whispered, “Is it the cook?”

A muscle clenched in his cheek. “She’s fifty.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

“Carmen, you ready?” Shonda called.

“Yeah!” She handed Nora to Blade and patted his chest. “Take care of the baby, Daddy.”

She skipped over to her seat and jumped when Janice shrieked. She came running across the salon wearing a cape with her hair dripping wet.

“You and Marcus?” Janice shrieked.

“Friends with benefits,” she clarified.

“With Marcus Fletcher?” Janice pushed.

“Yes.”

Janice jumped up and down on her and nearly fell because stilettos weren’t built for exercise. “Holy shit! I’m so happy for you.”

“Friends with benefits, Janice.”

“Is he good?”

“Good? You think I’d bother with justgood? I’m insulted.”

Janice clapped her hands together. “I knew it! He’s a god, isn’t he? Tell me he’s raw and sexy and tells you to call him daddy.”

She grinned. “Yes, yes, and we’ll work on the last.”

Keenan stomped over. “Missy, you’re dripping everywhere.”

“Sorry, I had to get the scoop.” Janice winked at her. “I want details later.”

“New man?” Shonda asked with a broad grin.

“Yep.”

“Tell Shonda all about it.”

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