Page 8 of His Dark Hunger

“Why would you ask that?” She straightened, conscious of the chilly breeze that was whipping around the side of the house. “You’ve never asked me about salaries before.”

“I don’t know.” Jonah shoved his hands in his pockets. “It’s just something about this seemsoff,that’s all. I want you to be safe.”

“I am,” she reassured. “And this role could give us and your brother a shot at a better future, so please watch your tone around my employer. He can be funny about the way people speak to him…”

“Funny?” Jonah’s gaze narrowed.

“Particular,” she clarified. “But remember, without him, where would you be?”

“Yeah.” Jonah blew out a breath. “I remember.”

“Listen.” She hadn’t meant to remind him of his recent custody, but she needed Jonah to toe the line and not make waves while he was staying there. The Lord knew it was going to be weird enough being around Kyle, with all their crazy sexual shenanigans and one of her sons in residence. She still had no idea how that was going to resolve itself. “It will be okay, love. You’re out of jail, and you’re safe.”

“You’re right.” He wrapped his long arms around her. “Whatever this place is, I appreciate being here. I’m sorry I’ve caused you yet another headache, Mum.”

***

“This must be your son, Jonah.” Kyle strode toward them, his hand outstretched as they walked into the immense hall.

Amy had been relieved that the front door had been unlocked. It avoided another potentially awkward chat with Jonah about why she didn’t have a key.

“Mr. Kyle.” Jonah took his hand and shook it firmly. The compliant version of her son was far more like the person she knew and loved. He’d never really been a rule-breaker before, and even his recent descent had been based on his desire to do more and be better. “I’m Jonah Kendal. I want to say a huge thank you for everything you’ve done to help me and my mum.”

“You’re welcome.” Kyle beamed at him. “I’m happy to help.” His gaze slid to Amy, the corners of his lips twitching as she met his eyes. “Although you did steal my housekeeper for the morning.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Jonah glanced between the two of them as though he could sense the visceral energy they produced. “But she was my mum first.”

“Jonah!” Amy’s tone was chiding. After everything she’d just said, she couldn’t believe his cocky comment.

“He has a point,” Kyle sniggered. “I guess we have to share for the time being.”

“Thank you for taking Jonah in.” She hesitated over the final word she wanted to use, unwilling to call him ‘sir’ in front of her son. It shouldn’t have been such a big deal, but the word had started to take on an altered meaning since he’d commanded her so sensually. “We do appreciate it, Mr. Kyle.”

“You’ve got it.” Kyle’s gaze was fixed on Jonah. “When’s your court date?”

Amy’s throat dried when Jonah answered. He wasn’t due back to court for weeks, and she knew Kyle would ascertain what that meant—her son would need to stay there for much longer than her agreed trial period.

“If it’s a problem, we can make other arrangements.” Her cheeks heated as she attempted to assuage any concerns Kyle might have. “Jonah would just need to let the court know, and—”

“It’s no problem.” Kyle cut her off. “Jonah’s a welcome guest here.”

“Thank you.” Jonah glanced at her, his eyes full of questions.

In her mind, she heard his queries.

What’s going on here?

Why is he being so generous?

Is there something between you two?

She’d had all the same thoughts in the last few days herself.

“Let me take you to your room.” Kyle motioned to the staircase. “Amy, can you meet me in my office afterward, please?”

“Of course, Mr. Kyle.” She squeezed the muscles of her sex, hoping the formal address would compensate for the one word she wasn’t using. “I’ll see you later, Jonah.”

Jonah offered her a quizzical smile as he followed Kyle up the sprawling stairwell. She watched the two of them disappear into the labyrinth of upstairs hallways.

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