Page 22 of King of Pain

“Fantastic,” she mumbles as she stands. I catch the flush before she turns away. One corner of my mouth tilts up. I look down at my boots, kicking one with the other.

They were expensive once upon a time, but I’ve worn the hell out of them.

Leo likes designer casual wear. Roman and Mason are all high-end suits. Jake is old school and wears whatever he wants.

But me… I like ripped jeans, old boots. I like a little wear and tear with my fashion, and so I smooth a hand down my Walmart T-shirt like I’m the boss.

It does a decent stretch across the shoulders. Not too shabby.

“All right.” I roll my shoulders, getting ready to face the world and get my shit done. “I’ll be right back, love.”

“Bye,” she turns to the bathroom, but I don’t miss the way she looks back over her shoulder at me. I give her perfect ass one last glance before I’m out the door.

Making my way down the street, I look like any guy in worn jeans and scuffed boots, except I’m new and I know I’m good-looking, so I get a few looks. I’m just about thinking I’ve got to go on a side street when I see a couple standing outside a gas station, in front of an old beat-up pick-up truck with the hood open.

“I told you not to buy this thing,” the woman huffs. “Piece of junk.”

“It was free, Alice.”

“Free,” she says back. “It breaks down every time we drive it. It’s been anything but free.”

The guy scratches his head. “I never was good at repairs.”

Luck be a lady, I grin. And I’m a girl magnet. “Hey there,” I call out. “Truck trouble?”

The guy looks relieved. “Know anything about this kind of engine?”

“Love these oldies with their carburetors and their leaky oil,” I wink as the woman, Alice I think her name was, rolls her eyes.

“What’s the trouble?”

“Won’t start. Again.”

“Let me have a look.” I climb up and move a few wires, check the oil. Spark plugs are gone which is likely the issue. They’re a cheap fix too, but I’m not telling this guy that. I whistle through my teeth. “It’s not good.”

“I knew it!” Alice cries, her hands flying up in the air.

“How bad?” the guy asks. “How much?”

“Couldn’t say. With time and money, she’ll run again…”

“No,” Alice hisses. “No more money.”

“Didn’t catch your name,” I say to the man. “Mine’s Jake.” I use my uncle’s name just in case.

“Jake?” He cocks a brow. “Pleased to meet you. Clyde.”

“Clyde. A pleasure.” I stick out my hand and we shake. Then I look back into the truck’s engine bay. “A truck like this can be a real gem.” I’m not lying. “But she’s going to require a lot of tender loving care.”

Clyde makes a face. “I’ve only got room for one high maintenance lady in my life.”

“I heard that,” Alice says, hands on hips. Then she stomps into the station.

“You ah…” Clyde scratches his head. “You wouldn’t be interested in a gem like this?”

Now, here is the part where I really need to work it hard. I’ve only got so much cash and Kate and I are going to need to eat.

Maybe buy a few more pajama sets.

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