Page 15 of Beyond the Darkness

“You better believe I like.”

The jeans were definitely unique. The denim was dark and medium blue twisted into something like a braid or a figure eight in the front, and the open spaces were sheer panels.

“I can literally see patches of your skin peeking through,” Connie mumbled, staring.

“Yup. Pretty cool, aren’t they?” Kit wore a denim pair of ankle boots with the jeans. He held up the jacket. “And it matches too.”

“I had no idea blue jeans could look so sexy.” Hudson stepped into the room, his suit jacket slung over his arm. He tossed it on the couch and approached Kit. “You look lovely.”

Kit had French braided his hair, and since pearls were on his mind so much, that was the jewelry he wore around his throat, wrists, and in his ears. “Why, thank you. Black really does look good on you.”

Connie stood up, walked over to Kit, and kissed his cheek. “You take my breath away, as usual. Sorry if I sounded a tad bit possessive a second ago.”

“I would rather you sound possessive than disinterested,” Kit admitted. “And can I just say how sexy the both of you look in your expensive suits? I love the color blue on you, Connie. I take it you’re going into the city to work today?”

“Yes. Do you have plans for lunch?” Hudson asked.

“Oh. Unfortunately, yes. Beckett and I are going out to lunch with Austin and Denisha. Austin’s doing a book signing on the eighteenth, so they’re dropping some stuff off for that.”

“Tell Austin we said hi,” Connie said. “We’ll catch you for lunch another time.”

“Sounds good. Are we ready to go to breakfast?” Kit asked.

“Absolutely,” Connie said, rubbing his rumbling belly. Snickering, Kit led them from their quarters to where Hudson’s court gathered for breakfast.

Beckett was already there when they arrived, as were several of Hudson’s inner court. Lanny, Austin’s agent, was also there. She and Kit discussed specifics about the signing as they ate.

Kit understood all the questions she directed his way, of course. The last time Austin had stopped by the bookstore, it was because Nox, masquerading as Kit, had lured him there and attacked him. It was why Denisha and Beckett were also going to lunch with them. They were basically bodyguards.

How his life had changed.

Beckett checked his watch and glanced at Kit. “Are you about ready to leave?”

“I am. I’ll meet you by your vehicle in a couple of minutes.”

“Don’t be late,” Beckett shot back as he stood. “I’ve heard the boss can be a real pain.”

“Good thing I have an in with him, huh?” Kit joked. “Seriously, though, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“No rush.” Beckett waved as he left the table.

Kit followed Hudson and Connie from the communal eating area to their quarters. Both of them had left their suit jackets there. After they grabbed those, they escorted Kit to Beckett.

Hudson opened the passenger door for Kit. “See you this evening.”

Kit kissed Hudson, then Connie, before getting inside. “See you this evening. Have a good day.”

“Bye.”

“See you soon.”

Kit sat down, and Hudson shut the door. Once he’d buckled up, Beckett drove off.

THE MORNING went pretty fast. Around eleven, Denisha and Austin showed up. Sunlight poured through the windows, filling the space with a warm glow and highlighting specks of dust floating in the air.

Denisha stood by the entrance, her eyes scanning the street outside while Austin, Kit, and Beckett carried inside the things Austin would need for the signing.

Kit’s bookstore was cozy and quaint, with shelves lined with colorful books stacked neatly. The boxes they carried were heavy, filled with books and supplies. Beckett’s muscles bulged as he lifted the boxes with ease.

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