Page 51 of The Mistake

Lottie

I felt a little guilty.My back was being massaged as was my sister’s, and Hubert stood in the corner of the room. There was no way he could be enjoying this, and I hated that I was. It felt nice, even though I was a little tense.

As for Cassie, she was very vocal with the sounds she made as the woman worked on her back. She had asked for a couple of strapping male massagers, but Hubert had been clear. No men, only women.

And so, my back was being worked, and it felt good. It was rather strange, though, because I wasn’t used to being touched, so each time her hands brushed across my skin, that first initial touch always made me jolt, just a little bit.

“This is so good.”

I couldn’t agree more.

“Why didn’t we do this more often?”

We didn’tneed to go there. We both knew the answer.

“Shit, forget I ever said anything.” Cassie’s arm raised in the air and she lifted, turning her head to look at me. “Well, what do you think?”

“It feels great,” I said, smiling.

“Good. It was hard to think of what to get you. You don’t have any hobbies and we’ve not spoken in so long.” Cassie pouted. “Rage told me he gave you a cell phone.”

“I don’t have it.”

“Why not? I’ve been texting you, wanting to meet up, so we can do all kinds of shit together.”

I was about to answer when Hubert’s cell phone went off.

“You can’t have cell phones in here,” one of the women massaging our backs said.

Hubert took the call. He spoke in hushed tones, and then looked up. “I just have to step out a moment. Both of you,leave,” he said, pointing toward the women.

They looked like they wanted to protest, but Hubert gave them a look, and neither of them argued.

“I’ll only be a minute,” Hubert said, following behind them a couple of seconds later.

“Wow, he’s like … intense, isn’the?” Cassie asked.

“He’s … I don’t know.” I sat up and pulled the towel around my body.

“Why did you give the cell phone up? Rage didn’t know what life was going to be like for you and he promised me I could always contact you,” Cassie said.

Licking mydry lips, I tuck some of my hair behind my ear. “Think about it, Cassie. Think about who I’m married to and what I’m married into. A secret cell phone is a sure way to get me killed.”

“No, no, that’s not possible. Rage wouldn’t have done that.”

“I know, but this is the Volkov Bratva. I can’t have secret cell phones or any of that.” I nibbled my lip. “You understand, right?”

“Yeah, I understand, and I also know I’m going to yell at Rage, which is always a lot of fun to do. Crap, I had no idea a secret cell phone would cause you trouble. I’m so sorry.” She reached out, offering her hand, and I took it, giving it a squeeze. “Us being here for your birthday isn’t causing any issues, is it?”

“No, none at all.”

“I’m glad.” Cassie winked at me. “I’ve missed you.”

“What has it been like back home?Apart from Rage, having to earn the club’s respect and all that?” I asked.

“Oh, you know, the same old, same old.”

“How do you mean?”

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