Page 21 of Mike's Assistant

Talon stepped beside me. “Oh really? I think I know what I heard.”

My face burned. I peered up into the mirror and could see the red spread across my cheeks. Damn it. I was going to lose this job and my brothers. Tears burned in my eyes as I turned to Talon and took a deep breath.

“Listen, it’s nothing, okay? Please don’t say anything. I know Mike and Vanessa are an item. It’s just a crush. Please, I need this job. I know nothing will happen,” I said. I could hear the emotion in my voice, and I hated it. I hated being vulnerable.

Talon’s brow creased. “Relax, I won’t say anything. I was just teasing. It’s okay. Really, I promise I won’t say anything.”

“Really?” Hope bloomed within me. Could I trust him? I just met him.

He smiled. “Really. I won’t say a word. But—”

“No buts, you already said you wouldn’t,” I interrupted.

Talon’s smile widened. “Okay. No buts. I’ll just say Vanessa and Mike aren’t together.”

They weren’t together. What? I saw them yesterday. Maybe Talon didn’t know. Shit. Did I out their relationship?

I shook my head. I couldn’t dwell on it. “It doesn’t matter. It’s just a crush. Nothing will happen. You promised you wouldn’t say anything. I hope you don’t.” I walked past Talon toward the door.

“Jake,” Talon said softly, and I looked back. “I won’t say anything. You have my word, but never say never.”

“No buts,” I replied.

He grinned, and I left the room. No matter what Talon said, nothing could ever happen. I had to be strong—for Sam and Abel.

Strings and Walls

Mike

The mellow vibrations of the guitar strings resonated throughout the spacious office. The workday was done, and I needed a moment to collect my thoughts. It’d been a long day. Hell, it’d been a long week. Ever since that first morning, Jake had been distant. The times I tried to have small talk, he’d brush me off smoothly and rush out of the room. I didn’t know what happened, but he kept me at arm’s length, and his walls were firmly in place.

My fingers strummed the strings, and a familiar tune I'd been toying with formed. I hummed, then sang softly, “I’m a lion in a man's disguise. Can't you see the truth in my eyes? I'll be the king. You’ll be my crown, won't let those steel walls keep us down.” I smiled—those words felt so fitting right now.

A light knock caused me to stop playing and look toward the door. Jake, the object of my thoughts, stepped into the room. He flashed a smile and quickly averted his eyes. It was as if he looked at me; I’d see through the walls he expertly put up.

“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Doy,” Jake said.

I hated that he called me Mr. Doy, even though I’d corrected him numerous times. It was as if it was another way for him to create distance.

“It’s Mike. You’ve already been here a few days. It really is okay to call me Mike. And you’re not bothering me at all. The workday is finally done, and it’s Friday,” I replied.

“That’s why I came in. It’s getting late. I, uh, didn't mean to interrupt. Your playing sounds great.” Jake blushed before continuing. “But I was planning on heading out, and I wondered if there was anything else I could do.”

There was plenty he could do. “Thanks, I just dabble in playing. I always wanted to be a rock star,” I replied, ignoring his question.

Jake released a small giggle, and I couldn’t help but smile. It was a beautiful sound. I placed my guitar to the side and rose from my seat.

“Any plans for the weekend? Have you explored the city yet?” I asked, grabbing my guitar case.

“Um, no, not really. I have….” Jake’s voice trailed off, and I turned to look at him.

“You have….” I prodded.

Jake opened his mouth to reply, but quickly shut it and shook his head. “I don’t have any plans,” he said.

I knew he was holding back, and I hated it. The next thing would be his quick exit. I had to stop him.

“I—”

---