Page 52 of Muted

Susu: That doesn’t sound like a friend question.

Oh, it’s not a friend question. But it’s one that I desperately want answered. Rolling over to my side, I give her the bluntness that she’s so good at giving me, and maybe a little test.

Me: It’s not. Answer my question.

Susu: Yes, Sir… And I think so. I like the idea of it. It’s intriguing to me.

Groaning out loud, I blink up at the ceiling and convince myself that I don’t need to stroke my cock while we talk. She wouldn’t know, but I’d prefer she did.

Me: Christ, don’t say that.

Susu: Say what? You asked and I answered.

I should stop. Yes, I had hoped for a reaction. I had hoped forthatreaction, even. But she should be off limits and since I’m the one that started the line of the questioning, it ought to be me that ends it.

My subconscious is also telling me I’ll push the line again, but this was far enough for tonight.

Me: You’re still too young.

Susu: For what?

Me: For me to ask you that.

Susu: Again, you asked.

Me: Another thing that’s only my problem, right?

Susu: You got it.

Me: It’s definitely a problem. I’ll let you go so you can get some sleep. Thank you for sharing with me.

Susu: Goodnight, Theo.

Me: Goodnight, Susu.

Setting my phone on my nightstand, I lay flat on my back, staring at my dark room, and spend the next two hours trying to get thoughts of Susu out of my head. Thoughts of her whispering “Yes, Sir” if I ever get her alone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Are you still serious about buying him out?” Chaz asks me, leaning against the wall next to where I’m sitting at the door. We’re just about to open for the evening, and the two of us are watching as Vance and Susu get set up.

It’s been a few days since I texted with her, and I would have expected nothing to have changed when we’re face to face. It’s odd talking candidly with someone virtually, but when you see them in person, you both don’t acknowledge it.

I only glance at him so he knows I heard before my eyes land back on the woman who has my never-ending attention. “I’m very serious. Why? Do you have numbers for me?” I ask him, my eyes following the line of her spine as she leans over to the side, reaching for a book on the floor. Involuntarily, I lean forward when she looks like she’s about to fall off the edge, but she catches herself at the last minute. “Gotta get her a different seat. Damn thing is too high,” I grumble.

My friend laughs softly. “It’s the best we’ve got. She’s just short. Not much to do about it. Back to the buyout. No, I don’t have numbers, but I’ll have them soon. This all needs to happen sooner rather than later.” By the time he’s done, his voice has gone from laughing at Susu’s height challenges to sour.

“Something change?” We haven’t talked about this since we met at the bar, but it hasn’t been very long, and I know these things can take time.

I can practically hear his jaw cracking under the pressure. Turning my head to give him my full attention now, it’s obvioussomethinghappened.

“You could definitely say that. I haven’t found the proof yet, but I’m positive he’s stealing. Skimming the books somehow.”

My eyes shoot back over to Susu.I wonder if she’s noticed?

Nodding toward her, I ask, “Did you ask her if she’s caught anything?”

He shakes his head and crosses his arms. “No, not yet. I think he’s been using our supplier, though. We’re going to make the swap and then I’ll be able to see if he acts differently because I cut off his cash flow.” Then, he nods toward Susu like I just did. “Doubt she would even know if she’s just entering receipts and invoices.”

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