Page 28 of Wicked Truths

I pull back, biting my lip as her eyes meet mine. She’s so fucking sincere sometimes that it’s hard to keep my walls up.

Then again, I havereallybad taste in women.

It figures that I’d be into another chick who wants someone else. It happened with my high school girlfriend, then Reba, and now Oakley.

“You’ve got more to lose than I do if this shit comes out. How will your precious Sullivan handle the news?” I shrug, watching her carefully.

Her eyes squeeze shut. She blows out a puff of warm breath that fans over my neck and shoulder. Shit, she’s probably going to find out that I told him about us. Oh well, he already knew.

“I hate it when you’re an antagonistic asshole, but I don’t think you meant that to be as hurtful as it was,” she says as her eyes pop open. “I’m willing to give this a shot if you are. I’m tired of looking like a fool, but more than that…” Her gaze falls to the floor as the elevator comes to a stop.

My hand leaves her hip to tilt her face to mine. “Go on.”

“I like the way I feel when we’re together. We’re really different, but I think you push me to be stronger, and…” Now it’s her turn to shrug. “I think maybe I help soften some of your sharp edges.”

“Yeah,” I agree, stepping back as the elevator opens.

Oakley wraps her soft hand in mine, pulling me out into the hallway.

I don’t know what the fuck to do with myself, but I know from experience that women never really want me. I still can’t make myself release her hand, though.

ChapterNine

Oakley

“Let me guess,” Jamen says, stretching back in his chair and flashing us a wicked grin. “You can’t go on tour because I’m going to be a grandpa?”

“Is your kid around here somewhere?” Marcus scoffs, swiveling his head from side to side.

“Smart ass,” Jamen snorts.

“There’s probably something we should warn you about.” I finally get myself together. The fact Marcus and Jamen always have this bizarre tension sends my impulses into overdrive. Two alphas arguing or bickering makes me feel like I have to defuse the tensionright now.Otherwise, I might climb out of my skin.

“Are you finally getting around to asking for heat leave in your contract?” Jamen’s eyebrows rise as he studies me.

“You knew?” Marcus sputters.

“I’m an alpha. I have a nose and a fully functional sense of smell. It doesn’t help that the two of you are indiscreet asfuckwith your fucking.” Jamen chuckles. “I’m ready and willing to pad your schedule with breaks every three months.”

My mind races. Lyric knows that I’m an omega, but she promised not to say a word. So did Love and her guys. I wonder if they ratted me out or if I really am that bad at keeping my secret.

“I’m on suppressants,” I finally manage to choke out.

“Those things are awful for your health,” Jamen says, frowning. “That’s just one human being talking to another. Not me speaking as your boss. Your boss advises you to do whatever your eclectic little heart desires.”

“Right.” Marcus stretches out a hand, squeezing my thigh. “Should we get to the actual point of our visit?”

I give him a nod and he explains what happened downstairs.

Jamen sighs. “I’m sorry.” He stares straight at Marcus. “I swore I’d do my best to keep her off your back, but I can’t control the media.”

“Yeah,” Marcus agrees, shrugging.

Jamen goes on to essentially repeat the same options I did. We can ignore it, comment on it, or leave them guessing.

“It’s up to you,” Marcus says, releasing my leg to stretch back in his chair. He says the words, but I’m not sure they’re true. I’m pretty sure every woman in his life has used him to get what they want and then abandoned him. That or just flat out ditched him.

My heart twinges painfully at the thought.

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