Page 6 of His Middle

Arlen’s eyebrows shot up. “In that case, absolutely nothing.”

Noah whimpered. “Great. Just perfect.” He clutched his stomach. “God, I hope he doesn’t get mad or ask me why I’m so pathetic. I won’t be able to stand it.”

Arlen frowned. “Where’s Daddy Garth in all this? Why isn’thehere helping, or at least lending some support?”

Noah looked down. He’d honestly been wondering the same thing—not for the first time—but since he already knew how much Arlen disliked Garth, he hadn’t brought up the subject. There was only so much conflict he could handle at one time. Actually, he couldn’t handleany, so he’d allowed his relationship with Garth to drift on and on without complaint.

He lifted his eyes and was met with Arlen’s reproachful expression.

“Oh, you know, he’s had a lot going on at work. I haven’t had much time to play, and the one time recently that I spent the night at his place, all he wanted to do was spank me when all I wanted was for him to hold me.”

“The guy’s a first-rate dickwad. Sorry, but I said what I said.” Arlen shrugged. “He doesn’t seem like a real Daddy to me—at least not one who’s into age play.”

Noah didn’t want to talk about it anymore. He was already worried enough with Sawyer’s impending arrival. The last thing he needed was to get distracted by his ever-present doubts about his relationship.

“Yeah, well…” Noah sighed. “I’ll worry about it later.” He gestured to the desk. “Right now, I’ve got this shit to contend with.”

The door flew open and Dirk poked his head in the office with a scowl. He regarded Arlen.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the front? I’m busy slicing up fruit. I don’t have time to deal with people.”

Arlen crossed his arms. “I haven’t started my shift yet. The club doesn’t even open for another hour.”

“Then why the fuck are you even here?”

Arlen batted his eyelashes. “I ask myself the same thing about you every day.”

Noah cleared his throat. The last thing he needed was two of his employees going at it when Sawyer arrived.

“Hey, guys. Come on. Let’s be nice.”

Dirk grunted. “Whatever.” He regarded Noah. “You’re such a pussy.”

Noah gasped, his mouth opening and closing like a fish as he fought to squeeze out a response.

Arlen shot to his feet, jabbing his finger at Dirk. “Don’t you fucking talk to him like that, you raging asswipe!”

The beefy and much taller Dirk got up in Arlen’s face, his cheeks turning scarlet. “You’re not my fucking boss, you little piece ofshit!”

“That’senough!”

Noah jumped and everyone else fell silent at the sound of Sawyer’s booming voice. Noah gulped.

Dammit.

Sawyer regarded him, his features softening for a bare second before hardening again as he returned his attention to the two men. “Both of you need to leave so I can speak with Noah.” He pointed to Dirk then Arlen. “Neither of you are to say one word to each other, understand?”

“I don’t have to listen to you,” Dirk snarled.

Noah cleared his throat. “Uh, actually. Sawyer’s taking over management, so yes, you do.”

Sawyer jerked his head around and stared at Noah with a puzzled expression, but he seemed to quickly shake it away. He went back to frowning at Dirk.

“That’s correct. So, if you plan on continuing to work here, you need to listen to what I say.”

Dirk grunted, then left the office grumbling something under his breath. Arlen glanced between Noah and Sawyer.

“Um…would it be all right if I left to grab some lunch? My shift doesn’t start for an hour and I feel like I’m leaving Noah in good hands.” He tittered uneasily.

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