Page 84 of Playing Flirty

Shaun blew out an irritated breath before walking away toward his bedroom.

William froze and inhaled a shaky breath. Even though Shaun had left, William still spoke softly, as though wishing Shaun could hear his thoughts rather than his words. “I wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t hit me first. I swear.”

“I believe you,” I said, walking into the kitchen and placing my hand on William’s tense back.

“I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

“You haven’t.”

William turned to face me, and the area beneath his chin was colored in a rainbow of blues and purples. “He shouldn’t get to talk to you like that because he’s your boss. That doesn’tmake him above the law or more important than your rights. And I’ll bet you’re not the only woman he’s doing this to.”

“You’re probably right,” I said.

William paused as though he wasn’t expecting me to say that.

“He’s lucky all he got was a broken nose,” I continued, examining his bruises. “And maybe a concussion. I’ve never seen anyone headbutt another person in real life.” I released a long sigh. “I wasn’t raised with violence.”

William’s eyes turned glossy as he looked beyond me instead of at me. “I’m sorry.” A darkness clouded over his gaze as though his mind was somewhere else.

“Does it hurt?” I touched the spreading deep blue across his skin.

“I’ve been through much worse. This…” He gestured to his jaw, and pain flashed over his black eyes. “… is nothing.”

Every time William spoke of his past, I pieced together another part of his upbringing, and it all equaled something I could barely imagine.

I opened my mouth to say something, but he stopped me.

“Stop distracting me before I burn this.”

The heavy concern in my stomach relaxed. “Anything I can help with?”

“No, thanks. I’ve seen the contents of your fridge, and I’m guessing you survive mostly on grilled cheese.”

“And mac and cheese, or sometimes just cheese.” I leaned on the counter, watching him focus on the meal. “When did you learn how to cook?”

“At my school, once you were around sixteen, you had access to the home ec rooms, provided you bought your own ingredients.” Grabbing a spoon, he lifted a piece of onion out of the pan and brought it to his mouth. “Hmm… it’s missingsomething.” That wicked grin covered his face as he lifted an index finger. “Maybe some maple. I think you know where it is.”

“Ungovernable man.” I smiled, my cheeks flushing.

I leaned down in the same place William had kneeled not long ago and searched for the bottle. Finding it, I straightened and handed it to William.

Shaun came out of his room, now wearing loungewear after changing out of his work clothes.

“You could put your pajamas on. No one else is here,” I told him. “Look at William. He doesn’t care that I’m here. He’s in pajamas.” I pointed at his bare feet. “He’s not even wearing any shoes.”

“Pajamas are for sleeping,” Shaun said, his tone still clipped.

Patrick used to say the same thing.

“Could you help me with the seating chart?” Shaun asked me, making a point of avoiding William’s gaze.

“Of course.” Approaching Shaun, I pulled him close. “He wouldn’t have fought if Markham hadn’t started it.”

Shaun’s glare softened, and a huge sigh escaped him. “Still, he shouldn’t have… Never mind.” He shook his head, but instead of leading me to the couch away from William, he pulled me up to the kitchen counter and climbed onto a bar stool.

Sitting across from the kitchen was a bad idea. I could barely focus on the seating chart. Instead, I kept stealing glances at William as he cooked. I couldn’t help smiling at the way he frowned into the wok as if offended by it or when he inhaled through his nose and then scratched around for some spice. I could never tell what he’d chosen, but he’d pour the powder and herbs directly out of the jar, mix it in with the vegetables, and inhale again before his frown lines softened. He repeatedthis process multiple times until his frown lines disappeared entirely. That was when I knew it was time to eat.

“How much out of ten?” He turned to me with a bowl in one hand and a serving spoon in the other.

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