Page 24 of Property of Max
“That depends,” Cody shoots back, chuckling. “You into guys or girls this week?”
“You free tomorrow?” the man fires back without missing a beat.
Cody shakes his head, still grinning. “Yep.”
“Definitely guys, then,” the man says, his voice dripping with amusement. “Can’t wait to get my hands on your little twink body.”
“For the love of…” another groan cuts in, sharp as a gunshot. “Cody, what the fuck did you actually call me for?”
“Someone’s jealous,” the man on the line drawls, voice full of mischief. “Cody, I think Bones is in love with you.”
“Oh, please,” Cody barks a laugh, tossing his head back. “Bones can’t see anyone over the shine coming off Sunny.”
A few of the guys chuckle, though Bones only growls low in his throat, the sound more warning than joke.
“Better start talking, kid, or he’s gonna shoot Skip,” a new voice cuts in, deep and rough, laced with amusement.
“Hey, big guy,” Cody says, grinning as he leans back in the chair with his phone on speaker. “Everyone there?”
“We were in the middle of a meeting when you called,” the voice replies. I think that one was Skip. “Bones decided you’re more interesting than financial statistics. Thank fuck, because I was about to fall asleep. You’re way more fun to talk about.”
“Flirt,” Cody shoots back instantly. “Anyway, I know you’re busy, but I need a favor. Think you can send someone scary…hell, maybe even Bones if he’s free…to put the fear of God into some asshat who thought he could proposition my friend?”
“Did your friend happen to be half-naked on the side of the road?” someone asks dryly.
“Nope.” Cody pops the P, eyes flicking toward me. “She was in her work uniform. Sitting in her boss’s office while he gave her a choice: suck his dick, or lose her job.”
My stomach twists again, that same wave of shame and fury crashing over me. Even saying it out loud makes me feel dirty, like I’ve dragged the filth of Gumphrey’s words into Cody’s clean kitchen.
“Who is it?” someone asks.
“Hey, Spike,” Cody says. “Names William Gumphrey. He owns Casa Del Sol.”
“House of the sun,” Skip whistles low. “I love that place. They havethe bestSea Bass this side of the desert. You know they have to pay out the ass to have those flown in every morning.”
“What is it that you’re asking, Cody?” Bones says. His tone alone makes me shiver. I do not ever want to get on his bad side. “Does she want to keep her job?”
Cody raises his brow in question, and I shake my head. Even if he offered me my job back, I would never feel safe under his watchful gaze anymore. I’m going to have to find a new job.
“Nope,” he shoots back. “Even if she did, I’d tie her up before I ever let her go back.”
“Kinky,” Skip cuts in without missing a beat. Cody grins toward the phone like the guy on the other end can see him. “Alright, Cody’s friend. Based on the looks from my brothers over here, we’re gonna help you.”
“Honestly, everyone,” I say quickly, my stomach knotting tighter. “I didn’t even know Cody was calling you. You can just drop it. I can’t afford for him to come after me out of anger that I told someone.”
“Oh, she sounds hot,” Skip says. “You single, sweetheart?”
Cody laughs. “Thought you were into men this week?”
“Right…So… you singlenextweek?”
“You’re hopeless,” Cody says, smacking his knee again. “One day, someone’s gonna catch your eye and give you the marathon of a lifetime.”
“I never skip leg day,” Skip fires back. “I’m ready. But… until then…”
“Bones, put the knife back in your boot,” another person sighs. “Skip, you’re pushing your luck today. Cody, we’ll handle Gumphrey. Your friend’s got nothing to worry about. Any harm…mental or physical…won’t ever get near her.”
“Knew I could count on you guys,” Cody says, flashing that cocky grin. “Alright, I’ll let you get back to your numbers.”
