Page 64 of Things Left Unsaid

“It’s because I love you that I can give you crap.” Rachel, ignoring Sommer’s wriggling, arches a brow at me. “It’ll be strange you not popping by for visits.”

“I know.”

“You sure there’s nothing I can do? Want me to reach out to some attorneys in Canada?”

“It’s fine. Honestly.”

Rachel shakes her head. “I didn’t think arranged marriages happened outside of the mob and for religious purposes.”

“Business. That’s all it is.”

Parker and Rachel share a look.

“If he hurts you,” Rachel growls, “then you tell me and I’ll send Rex to deal with it.”

“Who’s taking my name in vain, little swimmer?” Rex, the President of the MC, demands as he swoops in to grab Sommer and tosses her up and down, making her chortle in delight.

“I’m telling Zee that if she finds herself in a sticky situation, you’ll sort out her new husband for her.”

Rex settles his attention on me. “Without a shadow of a doubt. I know you wanted to keep the reason for your departure a secret from the rest of the MC, but you’re one of us—”Grand-mère would love to hear that.“—and we protect our own. You get me?”

My lips twitch into a smile. “I get you, Rex. Thank you.”

“She didn’t want a farewell party. That’s why she didn’t want anyone to know,” Parker inserts.

“I’m not leaving. Not really.”

“I think you need to look up the definition of that verb,” Rachel derides, her tone as cool as ever.

I spent the first two years of my position with her thinking she detested me.

Now, I can’t decide if she likes me.

Idoknow that she didn’t want to lose me. Enough that she’s given me a stipend to set up a proper home office at the ranch and she doesn’t have a problem with me telecommuting.

I guess that means I do something right.

Rex kisses Rachel on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

“You’ll be okay taking her to the pool?”

“I think I can handle it,” he drawls before he whispers something in her ear that has her blushing.

“Would you like some coffee?” Parker asks, rolling her eyes at their antics.

“I have some work stuff to finalize with Rachel.”

“Boring.” Parker boos. “You’d better come and see me in my office before you leave. No sneaking out like a big, sneaky sneak.”

Rex chuckles. “Original, Parker.”

“You don’t appreciate that I refuse to swear around your offspring, Rex.”

“Come on through, Zee,” Rachel directs as the other two start bickering.

I almost appreciate Rachel’s MO—the second I’m through the door to her office, it’s all work and there’s comfort in that.

I didn’t want to make a fuss about leaving and I sure as hell didn’t want to attend what the Sinners consider a party. Farewell or otherwise.

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