Page 33 of On a Fault Line

“It’s not the same thing. I think Graham and Nic are driving them both crazy, and they could use me as a buffer. And it’s not like we have plans today anyway.”

“Maybe they are usingmeas a buffer.”

I let out a one-syllable laugh. “Doubtful. You are way too biased toward my brothers. You will always pick them.”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize yet again the weight of the decision on his shoulders to go against all his instincts and code of honor to enter into a contract with me.

Because he didn’t pick my brothers.

He pickedme.

While he’s said it before in the moment, I very well could be the worst mistake of his life. And it’s the weight of that guilt that I find the most debilitating.

Dammit.

Why does he have to work for my brothers? Life can be so unfair.

While the girls don’t act like I owe them, deep down I feel like I do. They’ve given me so much already by trusting in me that hanging out when I clearly have no other plans is the least I can do.

“And you’re going to behave once we get out of here?”

I sigh. “Yes. I always behave.”

Collins’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he glares at me. “There’s no way you actually believe that.”

I shrug. “We just have different definitions ofbehave,I suppose.”

“And yours is wrong.”

“Only in your eyes, Master Collins.”

Oh great, now he looks even more displeased.

Oops.

“Besides, I have already proven that I can leave your sex shack without any incidents. So just trust me to do it again.”

I swear the man is sulking. Every time we leave this safe place—inside the confines of his apartment—we have to put up a fake front and pretend that he is just my bodyguard, and I am just his client. Yet up until now, we haven’t had a ton of days where we actually left the building.

Sometimes trying to be sneaky can be sexy. We just haven’t experienced it yet to the extent we will today.

Today I’m breaking out of my pampered palace no matter how grumpy Collins is about it.

“It’ll be fun. And besides, I don’t have much choice where Angie and Claire are involved. Those two make it very difficult to say no to.”

I text back a confirmation on the group chain and get the details that we are all meeting up at Graham and Angie’s place for some girl time first before we decide on the real plan.

“You know I don’t do well with the unknown.”

I prop my hands on my hips. “You don’t do well with anything that isn’t your idea.”

Collins shrugs. “It’s difficult to go through life always being the bearer of the better ideas.”

I laugh. “Oh yes, you have it sooo hard.”

“I’m going to be so freaking hard not being able to touch you all day while being in close proximity.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll make up for it later,” I call out over my shoulder while moving into the closet. “I don’t call you Boy Scout for no reason. I’m sure you’ll be resourceful.”

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