Page 28 of Gilded Lies

Years of living under the radar and hiding out in the most secretive of locations has paid off. I don’t need to run.

If I did, it would also mean I would lose them. Danika, Rune, and Oliver have become an important part of my life. These past few weeks feel sort of like I have stepped out of my old life and into a new one where the past can’t touch me.

I press my trembling hands over my abdomen.

I don’t need to be scared. He’s in Georgia for God’s sake.

My life is no longer recognizable as what it was just two months ago. Can I give that up?

Do I want to, is the better question.

No, I don’t.

And more changes are on the way. We haven’t taken a pregnancy test yet, but if I am not at work, one of them is trying to breed me. It’s only a matter of time before they knock me up. We’re fine just letting it happen and taking this new direction of our relationship one day at a time. Or one fuckfest at a time. I swear they can’t keep their hands to themselves which might be why they talk little about themselves when we are together. And I admit, it is also a bad case of me avoiding hard topics like theircriminal life choices or the fact that if I ask them about their lives, they will turn the tables on me and ask right back.

What that says about me is glaring. Until now I have dodged any chance of them peeling back the layers of my past. Why should I dwell on the ugly when something beautiful spreads out in front of me? But I can’t run anymore, and they deserve to know where I come from before it’s too late.

They will see you as trash,the voice in my head whispers conspiratorially.

The hard truth of the matter is that I am, to some that is. I grew up in foster care and bounced from one trailer park to another. One house to another and then ended up abused before I could age out.

I have spent my entire life sequestered in the darkest of shadows. And now that I have forged a path to the light, I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my new life.

Rune wants to take me for a ride through the city and then we have an early breakfast planned with everyone since I get off work a little before sunrise. An idea forms. It will be our first time alone without Danika and Oliver. Rune teased them earlier this morning that he is taking me to one of their safe houses, tying me to his bed and sending nude pictures. I don’t put it past the teaser. Maybe after we have some fun, we could talk. It would be easier to share details with one at a time versus all three at once.

“What are you smiling about?”

My gaze lifts off an empty coffee cup on my floor to see the owner’s intermediary, Raja, walk through my office door. One of his jobs is to help the owners of the Society get fresh talent intothe adult club. A little sweet talking and he has agreed to bring the show from New Orleans here before Belle gives birth. He’s also the major reason I have a job and a man I consider a friend. He believed in me and convinced the owners I wouldn’t screw up their business.

I give Raja one of my practiced smiles meant to hide my true thoughts. I don’t mean to be secretive, but old habits die hard. “Raja! I didn’t realize I was smiling. Just happy about the turnout for the Christmas gala.”

Raja’s slight Middle Eastern accent clings to the English consonants as he fluidly speaks. “AKA mind my own business. Got it,” he says casually, his dark brown eyes glittering with amusement. I’m sure he’s seen me leave with one of my men or all three of them the few times he’s flown up from New Orleans, his favored location.

He leans against the doorframe of my office, his hands shoved into his pockets. He’s around Danika’s age with the slightest of gray dusting his temples and decked out in a suit tailored to fit his tall, muscular frame. If he’s not careful, he’ll become a member of some lucky lady’s harem with those killer dimples and easy-going vibes. His billionaire status helps, too, but I don’t see dollar signs when I look at him.

I see a man who never found the love of his life. Or not yet anyway.

“It’s good to see you.” I cross my office and take the big hug he offers. He smells of fine cigars, leather, and masculine power.

“What’s up? You were not due back in Seattle until tomorrow.” I pretend to straighten the papers on my desk, but the truth isthere’s no wrangling the mess. I give up and lean against the heavy wood, wrapping my arms over my middle.

His hand falls to my shoulder and then my arm. He gives it a squeeze before moving to the far window to look out over Seattle at dusk. “A couple of reasons. Belle and her men are set for your Christmas gala.”

I pivot away from my desk and join him by the window. “Yes! That’s perfect! Thank you for working that out. I can’t think of better Santas and their elf with her being that pregnant with a package due after the new year. But you could have just called. What else brought you to the city early? You didn’t miss me did you?” Now I give him a genuine smile.

He wiggles his brows before dropping his head back with a hearty laugh. “If I were ten years younger, you would already be on my arm, beautiful.” He taps the end of my nose.

It’s like this every time we get together. He teases about yearning for me, and I tease him right back.

“I would be the envy of all the ladies now. Forget ten years ago. They’d probably wish me dead or try offing me for my spot at your side.” He reaches out and places a kiss on my forehead before moving to a chair across from me, but doesn’t sit down. He’s casual elegance and quiet confidence. He thinks I’m teasing, but I’m serious when I say he’d be a woman’s dream come true if he ever opted to settle down.

“The real question is how you heard about Belle and her partners.”

I can either lie or tell my friend the truth.

I opt for a little of both. “I went to New Orleans a few weeks back with some friends and saw the show. I shamelessly pilfered ideas I want to implement here.”

His grin is heart melting, but it’s his deep rumble of laughter that makes me pray he finds his forever one day. “Shameless indeed. If there are any plans I can share to make your pilfering easier, let me know.”

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