Page 116 of Invisible String
“Never thought I’d see Max Cano fold like origami for a woman,” Leo says as we head back to the office after running to several locations to check on security camera installation. “You deserve it. Whatever you’re doing is working. She didn’t kick us out or throw food at our faces.”
I laugh. “Does she scare you?”
Leo jerks back, his eyes wide. “Of course she does. This is the first time I’ve seen her smitten like a kitten.” He wags his finger. “Don’t act like you weren’t terrified of her days ago. Now you’re acting all cocky and shit.”
“I’m terrified of losing her. More than anything, that’s what scares me. I need her to love me all over again before she leaves me. I can’t tell her how I feel until it’s the right time and she believes every word.” I set a stack of papers on his desk.
Leo leans on his desk, ankles crossed. “You know, I don’t think she will leave you. I might not know her personally, but with your history, I don’t see it happening.”
I sigh, slipping my hands into the pockets of my slacks. “How’s everything going for you?” I ask him because I know life can be lonely when you don’t have a family. Since I broughtLeo into my tight circle, he’s coming out of his shell. Boxing has helped build his confidence, and he has gained muscle, has food, and has a roof over his head. It’s what darkens the pit of your mind that can become dangerous. Trauma has a way of fucking with your head.
He shrugs. “I’m good. I keep busy, so that helps. Especially with Xander, that crazy mother fucker finally quit fighting the Undergrounds. I had thought about fighting there, but after all the shit going down with Daniel, fuck that.”
“I guess we will all get hooked on the bloodshed.” It’s more like we strive to release all our anger and testosterone. Now that Xander is out, that will only piss Daniel off even further. Not that I care. I just don’t want him around Rainey.
“I guess so.” Leo laughs just as Roxy walks in from her lunch break. She greets us with a wide smile. Leo has drool on him.
“Wipe your mouth, fool.”
“It’s not like she’s looking at me,” he muses as she stands in front of me.
“Hi, Max. How’s your day been going?”
“Good. Yours?” My tone is flat and dry.
Her lips curl into a weird smile. She hands me a bowl of warm food. “This is a Japanese protein bowl. It has all the protein you need. Just picked it up down the street.”
“Thanks, but I just ate at my girl’s place. I’ll find someone to give it to.” I take it from her. I clear my throat. “Well, back to work.”
She nods and walks off.
“Here, you want it?” I offer it to Leo.
He scrunches his nose. “No, she brought it for you. Just like the last couple of weeks.”
He’s butthurt. She pays him no attention, and honestly, I don’t see why he cares about her. She’s too desperate.
“Besides, I’m still full,” he adds.
“Alright.” I pivot to the kitchen to drop the food in the fridge.
My phone pings. I groan, reading Rainey’s text.
Rainey: Check your camera in my office. Hurry quick.
I’ve never run so fast to my office, causing heads to turn. I slam it and lock it. I type in the password and enter the code to access her office camera. Blood rushes straight down to my groin. I reach for my phone.
Me: Fuck, you’re so hott!
She’s naked on her desk. Thank God, I programmed the cameras so only I can access them.
She mouths, “I only have five minutes.”
Me: Spread your legs for me, Rainey. Then, touch yourself.
She circles her index finger, and I slump in my chair.
Me: Pretend it’s me inside you. Insert two fingers.
