Page 16 of Ruthless Lullaby

Maurice continues. "I had some cash left from the money dad left me, but not enough for the treatment. So, I went to Marble Monkey."

My eyes widen. "You fucking didn't."

He heaves a big sigh. "I did, Maron. And I know what you’re thinking. It was a stupid idea, I know. But that was my only option to double the money, so we can pay for Mindy’s IVF. We were going to start the process on Monday. That’s in less than a day, and I only had half of the money, you understand? I loved Mindy and trusted that the hormone therapy would reduce her… sexual appetite. And that having kids will also take away her libido, and we can have a happy family life."

"Let me guess, Maurice. You went to Marble Monkey and you lost the fucking money. Am I right?"

He nods. "Yes."

Jesus, what a fuck-up.

"Let me take another guess. You came here to ask me for money so you can get your ex back and pay for her treatment."

He nods and sighs. "That’s right. I'm in deep shit, bro. I need fifty grand."

"No shit."

"Please, Maron. I promise I'll pay you back."

Yeah right.

Maurice and his empty promises.

I pour myself another drink. "I've heard that way too many times, Maurice. I would happily believe you if you had paid back the previous loans you took from me." I down the drink. It burns my esophagus like hell, just the way I like it. "But you didn’t. Sorry, brother, no cash this time. I’m not running a fucking charity here."

As I see the desperation etched onto Maurice's face, I can't help but feel a tinge of pity for him. The man is a fool, constantly making poor choices, a streak of fuckups. Judging by his past behavior, if I give him money now, he’ll just fuck it up again and will never pay me back.

Then, a thought hits me. It’s like a jolt of electricity racing up my spine.

This Mindy girl, he broke up with.

The one with the wild sex drive.

The one who was sending him nudes.

I must know.

“Maurice,” I say, taking another swig of vodka, eyeing my brother with curiosity. “The girl you told me about. Mindy. Mind telling me her surname?”

Maurice looks at me surprised. “Williams. Her name is Mindy Williams. Why are asking, Maron?”

My grip falters, and I almost drop my vodka glass on the carpet. My mind races, connecting the dots at lightning speed.

Holy.

Fucking.

Shit.

Mindy Williams, my gorgeous chief accountant is Maurice's ex-girlfriend. And the nudes she sent me by mistake were meant for Maurice.

“Just curious,” I tell Maurice, shooting him a glance. But my mind has already wandered off, thinking about that video with Mindy fingerfucking herself, grinding her hips, and shaking from her orgasm. My dick is rock-hard in my pants in an instant.

Fuck, what are the chances?

Jesus, I need another shot of vodka.

I just don’t get it. Why would a woman like Mindy choose to be with a fuckup like Maurice? For two and a half years? Did she not see Maurice for the loser he is? Not that it matters now. What matters is that Maurice broke up with her. It’s over.

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