Page 26 of Promiscuous Lies

“No. I just want a date and to get you off the floor.”

I’m so confused by the situation that I don’t know where to start, but I know better than to shoot myself in the foot. It might be crazy, and my boss is certainly unhinged, but I can’t say no to that type of money.

I offer him my hand. He looks at it, confused, but then takes it, and we shake on the deal. “I’d like to say it was a pleasure doing business with you, but we both know that’s a lie. I still hate your guts.”

The corner of his mouth tilts up, those blue eyes seemingly staring into my soul. “I look forward to our date, Posie.”

I release his hand and swallow. I feel like I’ve just made a deal with the devil. I turn and go to open the door, holding up the book. “I’ll be keeping this as well.”

As I open the door, I pale when I see the twins leaning against the wall with their hands in their pockets. They look me up and down, and Dutton’s voice growls over my shoulder. “Inside, you two.”

The bulkier one chuckles as he dips his head in greeting. The other one seems to be assessing me as if I’m some kind of threat.

How long were they standing there?

Were they listening?

I don’t give a fuck.

I head to the back to collect my things to go home. I need to figure out if I’ve just done the right thing or if I’ve signed my life away to a psychopath.

CHAPTER 13

Posie

“Snap!” Bentley giggles as he beats me in another game of cards.

“Oh no! You’re too fast! But I know who’s faster at…” I raise my hands in the air. “Tickles!” He squeals as I launch a tickle attack on him. He’s kicking back and forth as he tries to make his grand escape.

“Stop, Mommy! I’m going to burst!” he gets out in short breaths. I scoop him up into a hug and press kisses to his cheeks. This kid is just too cute. He snuggles into me, and I enjoy the peace as I sit on the living room floor and lean against the couch as I hold him.

“Can we play the new game you got me for my birthday?” he asks excitedly.

“Go on!” I encourage him, and he squeals in delight as I clean up the cards.

Today is my day off, and I plan to spend it with my favorite little boy.

I go to make myself another cup of coffee while Bentley is preoccupied, most likely cleaning up the board game from the floor of his room so he can relocate it to the living room.

I turn the kettle on, and my mind immediately drifts back to the same thing it’s been dancing around since last night. Dutton Taylor. I don’t like the idea of owing him anything. But I can’t deny the attractive package.

I’ve done my very best getting everything together so Bentley and I can enjoy our lives here in Manhattan, but there’s no denying its expense. I consider the sign-on bonus I’ll get from Dutton and how I could spend it.

I’ll save most of it, but perhaps I’ll finally be able to buy myself a bed frame. The thought opens my eyes to all the things I could add to the house to make it feel homier.

I pour the instant coffee into my mug and stir. Hell, I couldn’t even get the espresso machine I’ve been eyeing for two years. But none of it seemed to matter as long as Bentley had everything he needed.

I tip my head back and sigh.

What job could I do for Dutton? I don’t want to be his personal assistant because that would involve way too much time with the asshole. I glance to my left at my laptop, and an idea springs to mind. I’ve recently gotten back into graphic design, and my interest in social media has again been sparked. Perhaps I can offer something there? I mean, I’d much rather not have to deal with clients, so maybe an office job that’s creative is something I could enjoy.

My mind starts racing with a bunch of ideas. I grab my coffee and go back into the living room, where I open my new Instagram account. I only opened it so I could check out what other people were doing. My eyebrows dip as I take a sip of my coffee and look at the new friend request.

Amy is the only friend I have on there. My profile is blocked and isn’t under my real name, but I have one new friend request. My jaw unhinges as I see Dutton Taylor has tried to add me as a friend.

Oh, fuck off.

Over my dead body.

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