Page 39 of Sold on Them

This time, Mackenzie and I will have one another. It won’t keep us from missing Parker, but it’ll help to not be missing both of them at once.

As the limo comes to a stop outside of Club Lust, my eyes find Royce once more. His smile is a little tight as we wait for the driver to open the door.

“I know talking on the phone isn’t the same, but we’ll do what we can to set up video calls, too. And this willnotbe forever. I can guarantee that Parker is already hard at work trying to find something we’ve missed.”

Mackenzie sniffles as she nods. “This was just what I needed—a weekend away from it all, and I’m going to be able to keep the house. On top of that, you brought back two men who I’ve loved my whole life. I can be patient. I know you’ll do what you have to do to fix this, and I’ll be here waiting. Not just for Parker either. A weekend together might not be enough to know you and Cormac, but I know enough. You’re good men, who love Parker. I look forward to a time when the five of us have the time to really get to know each other.”

Royce’s smile softens as he reaches out to take Mackenzie’s hand, pressing a kiss to the top of it. “I look forward to the same.”

“Take care of Parker, and I’ll take care of Mackenzie,” I tell him with a smile. “We’ll be here once you’ve cleared his name.”

Before any of us can say anything else, the door opens. Mackenzie pulls away from me to take the driver’s hand, allowing him to help her out. I follow her out with Royce right behind me.

“I’ll be back shortly,” Royce tells the driver. “I’m just going to make sure they both make it inside safely, then we’ll return to the hotel.”

The driver nods his head, shutting the back door. “Of course, sir.”

Royce grabs our bags while I take Mackenzie’s hands, the two of us following him into the club. Down the elevator we go,and then we’re stepping into the club. I smile when I find Mel standing there with a smile.

“Phoenix and Blaze, it’s good to have the two of you back with us.” She glances at Royce. “We’ve got it from here, Mr. West.”

Royce sighs, nodding as he sets our bags on the floor. Too quietly for Mel to hear, he murmurs, “You both have our numbers. Text us when you get home. Call when you can.”

“Thank you, Royce.” Mackenzie hesitates for a moment before wrapping her arms around him.

Some of the tension falls away as he pulls her close, kissing the top of her head. When she pulls away, I give him a hug as well.

“We’ll see you soon.” I shoot him a smile that he quickly returns before retreating back to the elevator.

“It looks like things went well, but I still need to ask—was everything okay this weekend?”

Mackenzie sighs, her smile sad. “It was. It was perfect.”

“Blaze?” Mel probes when I don’t speak up.

“One hundred percent perfect,” I assure her. “Thank you for checking.”

She nods. “It’s my job, but you’re welcome. Now, let me get the two of you all checked in so we can make sure you get paid. Your drivers are here and will return you home as soon as we’re done here.”

Mackenzie leans into my side, my arm going around her shoulders as Mel finishes up, having us sign the tablet before two men approach us. Todd nods to me as the other man smiles at Mackenzie.

“Phoenix, I hope you enjoyed your weekend.”

“I did, Leonard. Thank you.” Tears are glistening in Mackenzie’s eyes as she turns to look at me. “I guess we have to say goodbye now.”

I glance at the drivers. “Or we can go up together and say goodbye there.”

Leonard picks up Mackenzie’s bag. “We can certainly do that. Todd, grab Blaze’s bag.”

Todd glances at me before grabbing my bag and following the other driver to the elevator. I call back my thanks to Leonard as I take Mackenzie’s hand and lead her toward the elevator.

The four of us ride it up in silence, the drivers leading us out of the building before pausing.

Leonard glances back at us, nodding slowly. “Phoenix, I’ll put your bag in the car and wait for you there so you have time to say your goodbyes.”

He doesn’t wait for a response and heads straight for one of the town cars waiting at the curb. Todd nods to me, and without a word, makes his way over to the second car.

I take a deep breath as I turn to face the woman who’s held my heart for more years than she knows. “Call me as soon as you get home, okay?”

---