Page 53 of Whispers in the Dark

“I haven’t seen you around this way much lately,” he said to me.

“I’ve been traveling a lot for business. I’ve barely been in the town the last two months.”

It wasn’t a complete lie as I had spent most of the holiday season in one part of Asia or another. Granted, it had been more from avoidance, but I never spoke business to those not involved in it. These men were all pillars of the community and successful in their own careers, but Benedict Technologies was not their concern, and I intended to keep it that way.

“All that work with little play is no good,” Stavros said, then reached down between his legs. “Move that hot mouth of yours down to Erebus,” he told her, and moments later, a submissive I knew as PAINSLUT987 appeared between my legs.

She immediately reached for my pants, and I grabbed her hand to still her. “As tempting as you may be right now, I regretfully have to decline,” I told her.

“Did I displease you in some way?” She asked me.

“No,” I said a bit more abruptly than planned. “I’m just not in the mood tonight.”

Usually, that was all that needed to be said, and I expected her to leave me be as soon as I removed my hand, but she decided to try it again.

“I said I’m not interested,” I told her once more, this time a bit more firmly.

“Oh for fuck’s sake, just let her suck you off,” Stavros said.

“Fuck off, Kyrios,” I said to him making sure to use his code name.

“He does seem to be uninterested in everyone but that new brunette. What’s her?—”

“Karma_is_a_B is her name,” Stavros said to Drew.

The submissive on her knees looked up at me. “I can be whoever you want me to be.”

I scooted my bar stool back a bit before responding. “I don’t want you to be anyone or anything right now except gone.” Ithen slammed back the second shot before glancing in their direction. “Good night.”

From there, I left the club and went home where I should’ve gone to begin with.

37.Brynn

“Bry, you know you are not allowed in my kitchen. And you are especially not allowed to do dishes. You are a guest.” Kevin gave me a disapproving glare as he took the large ramen bowl from my hands.

“Youknow that I hate being a lazy houseguest. You went out of your way to make dinner. And you take care of my dog so often…I feel guilty, Kev. Let me help, dammit.”

“I get paid in cookies. And I get to snuggle with the goodest boy, so consider it even.”

At that particular phrase, Lug Nut sauntered over, plopped his butt on the floor next to the treat cabinet, and gave Kevin his most endearing look. Con artist.

“That dog has your number, babe,” Phil said with a laugh. Kevin gave a good chin scratch and crooned to the dog about how good he was and how much fun they always had together.

Lug Nut’s ears perked up and he gave his best meatball smile when Kevin began to reach into the cupboard. At the sight of his favorite treat, he gave a soft woof in thanks before gently taking the treat and padding back into the living room.

“He does have your number,” I said. We had formed an interesting little family unit among us, and I simply could not ask for anyone better to look after my dog.

Kevin sighed and relented part way, telling me I could finish clearing the table and bar, but under no circumstances was I allowed to wash a single dish. I considered that a victory and did just that.

Sometime later, we were in the living room, and I was being peppered with questions about Adrian. It was comical because they were both very direct with what they wanted to know. If I didn’t like him so much, I might be offended that Phil was asking, too.

“So,” he said, eyes dancing with mirth. That had been one of the first things I noticed about Phil. Sure, he was physically gorgeous with his lean, athletic build, dark hair, dark eyes, and masculine features; but it was those eyes that had captured my attention the first time I had been introduced. He always looked like he had a secret he was busting to tell. He was good for Kevin and that’s all that mattered, really, but I did genuinely like the guy.

“Sooooo,” he said again, “tell us about your Hot Rod.”

“My who?”

“Your Hot Rod,” Kevin interjected. “I’ve seen the car. I’ve seen the driver.GURL.You’ve done well. Tell us more.”

---