Page 37 of Peep

“Are you going to tell anyone?”

“Of course not. Are you going to keep doing operations at Emeralds?”

“No, I’ve wanted to move on from this for a while. I still have three jobs left, though. I used to do it at a warehouse, but some homeless people started squatting there. That’s why I had to move it to my apartment. The night you saw me with the trunk was the first time I’d done it at home.”

“I see. So, after these jobs, are you done?”

“I am, but…”

“But, what?”

“I’m going to need your help getting them in and out. Could you keep an eye out and let me use the staff lift so I don’t bump into any other tenants?”

Anders pulls his hand away and runs it through his messy fringe. Fear takes over his face. I know what I’m asking of him is a lot, but what other choice do I have?

“I-I dunno, I’m scared, Jay; what if we get caught? I’m too pretty for jail.”

“Yes, you are,” I tease, poking his dimple even though it’s hidden.

“I’m serious. This could go to shit and completely ruin our lives.”

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this, but it’s almost over. Three more jobs, and we can put this behind us. Financially, I’m set. So if things go south, we can get the hell out of here; if that’s what makes you nervous, don’t worry; I’ll take care of you.”

“Woah, what? I’m not going on the fucking run. I like living here; this is my home.”

“Ok, ok, ok, it won’t come to that. We’ll be careful, and like I said, three tiny jobs, and we’re done.”

Anders nibbles on his nails, eyes darting all over the place before his shoulders sag and he gives in. “Fine, but we can’t get caught.”

I beam at him, leaning in for a chaste kiss. Fuck, I should hate myself for getting him mixed up in this, but the fact he is willing to risk everything to help me proves a level of devotion from him that I don’t yet deserve.

“So, you’re in?” I ask, needing confirmation one more time.

“I’m in.” He smiles before snatching my t-shirt and pulling me across the table for a brutal kiss.

I’m so close to finding peace and putting my ghosts to rest; with the help of this beautifully complex man, I'll get there.

Chapter 17

Anders

I’m pretty sure the Greggs sausage roll I ate two hours ago is about to reappear. What on earth made me think we’d pull this off?

There are over ninety apartments in Emeralds, and god knows how many tenants live in each. The likelihood of us getting caught is astronomically high.

I pop my head out of the emergency exit, surveying the car park for Jahmar.

Where the fuck is he?

I release the door and step back inside, pacing the corridor like a wild beast trapped in a cage two sizes too small.

We figured entering through the back would be best if we didn’t want to bump into anyone. There are three lifts, and the one closest to the emergency exit is the staff lift that maintenance and cleaners use during the day.

Jay

Two mints out.

What!? Are you here?

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