Ari: Oh right…that wasn’t you that called Golden Boy “Daddy” the other day. I’ll edit that in my journal.

Me: You didn’t write that in your journal.

Ari: I did. I made a note about how I was outraged that once again I wasn’t getting the attention I deserved. It says right here: “Another simp infiltrated the group.”

I perked up at that.

Me: So, I am in the Circle?

Camden: Absolutely no one said that.

Walker: It’s true. No one said that.

Lincoln: I see what you’re doing, though. You’re trying to distract us from the fact that you have to pay for someone to touch your dick.

Ari: Definitely not Circle of Trust behavior.

I huffed, impatient because I could picture Sloane with Miller right now, and it made me feral.

Me: HOW DO I HIRE AN ESCORT?

Ari: So shouty.

Camden: Are you hiring an escort for, like…normal escort stuff? Or…

Ari: Or because you want someone to call you “Daddy.” Because Hero can testify that you don’t need to pay for that.

Camden: It’s true.

Walker: And it seems like you already have practice with that term so…

Lincoln: Good point.

I ran a hand over my face.

Me: You all are going to be calling me “Daddy” if someone doesn’t help me the fuck out right now.

Ari: Ooh. I just got goosebumps, York.

Me: This is for an important thing. I’m trying to figure something out, and Google isn’t helping.

Lincoln: Google isn’t helping because normal people don’t Google how to hire an escort, Rookie.

Walker: Why don’t you try typing in “how to rob a bank.” Or what about “poisoning your lover’s husband.”

Ari: Personal experience with that, Disney?

I groaned, sinking back in my chair. This was a disaster.

Me: Nevermind. I’ll figure it out myself.

Walker: Oh, no. You’ve opened the door, and now you’re stuck with us.

Camden: I’m still waiting for you to explain why you’re asking about escorts, though.

Ari: Maybe he’s Googling “how to hire an escort” because he thinks it’s code for bodyguard. Hint, Rookie, it’s not.

I snorted and sighed again. I was going to have to fess up.