Page 49 of Wicked

“What did you say to them?” What did he do to get them to quiet down so fast? Did he give them his intimidating stare-down? Or bribe them with sweet treats?

“I said if they behaved, I’d take them to the team’s party next Saturday.”

“You didn’t.” I can’t hide the surprise in my voice. “I thought you’d only take Collin?”

“And leave the rest behind? Nah. We’re one happy family and this surrogate dad is not leaving anyone behind.”

Surrogate dad? I’m ready to melt into a puddle at his feet. “I can take the girls shopping if you want to take the boys?”

“Next Friday we hit the mall?”

“Sure,” I say.

“We can rent a limo for the dinner. I’ll pick up the tab for everything.”

“Ryker, that’s too much.”

“It’s not a huge deal. I’m loaded.”

This guy.

“Are you always this forthcoming with how well off you are?”

“There’s no shame in having money.”

“Money attracts the wrong people,” I point out. “Knowing someone has a lot of it can make a person desperate.”

“Are you implying women line up at my door, begging for a piece of this”—he grabs at his crotch—“because they’re after my money?”

He’s so crass, but I’ve seen people do godawful things in the name of money.

“Accidents happen.”

“Like anillegitimatekid?” He stares at my mouth. Licks his. My cheeks heat. I nod.

“Are you after my money, Harper? Or are you in this for my rock-hard body?”

My, he’s not shy. He just says what’s on his mind. I like that, a lot. Different from Shephard.

Shephard internalizes his feelings and broods, then erupts with the least amount of provocation. It’s exactly what happened when I asked for more time in the boxing ring though I was ready to pass out from exhaustion.

The burden of protecting me is getting to him, more so after my father’s murder. If Sam’s guys can get to my dad in prison, how can Shephard keep me safe? Still, he had no right to treat another person the way he treated me, and he did apologize in front of the guys. I’m glad he did. I could tell the gym regulars respected him more for it.

“I’m not after anything except for you to keep my fridge full. Your idea, remember? You’lleasemy burden?”

“We should avoid that word.”

“Burden?”

“Ease.”

Oh.

Oh.

Laughter from the other room draws his attention to the spot above my head.

“I don’t think we’ll be interrupted for a while.” He walks over and occupies the seat next to mine again. “And if we are, so help me . . .” He takes my hand and laces our fingers. “Clue me in as to why you and Shephard don’t live together.”

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