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Blush: Oh right. So not a polyam thing?

I shake my head as I reply.

Me: Not even kind of. Specter would burn the world down before he’d let anyone touch his man.

Blush: You’ll have to tell me the lore about all these strange names. I’m assuming your mama didn’t name you Whisper.

Me: Did your mama name you Blush?

He sends me more laughing emojis.

Blush: I’ll have you know it’s an old family name and I’m honored to have it.

Me: Brat.

He sends me an emoji with a tongue sticking out.

Blush: What if I told you I took the night off because someone blew my back out? Would you be proud of yourself?

Me: I would, yes.

Blush: Well you did and I LOVED EVERY SECOND. You left a mark on my collarbone which is sexy as fuck and my hole clenches every step I take. Well done.

I find myself grinning at my phone.

Me: I aim to please.

Blush: Mission accomplished. When will I see you again?

Me: Hit me up whenever. My schedule is flexible.

Blush: Good to know. I’ve got babysitting duties tonight but you’ll hear from me soon.

Me: I look forward to it.

“What’s got you smiling so hard at your phone?” Wraith asks me, waggling his eyebrows when I look up.

“A funny meme,” I deadpan, making it clear I have no intention of talking about Blush. At least not yet. As far as I know, this is nothing but a casual hookup.

So what if Blush charms me with each interaction? It’s not like we could have something together. I’m too… well, me. He deserves someone emotionally present. Everyone does. That’s not me. Never again will I open myself up to that kind of hurt. Not even for a pretty brat with pink hair and plush lips.

CHAPTER 9

Blush

“Robbie is fine, Shel. He’s eating a PB&J and watching a cartoon.” I glance at my little cousin, who’s totally tuned into the TV. “I remember. He’ll be in bed by eight. You just focus on you. I got this.”

I end the call with my cousin and get up to get some water. The front door opens and my youngest brother comes in, his clothes rumpled and bottom lip bleeding. I jump to my feet.

“What the hell happened to you?”

Nick waves me off, muttering “Robbed” as he plops down on the couch.

“Shit. What did they get?”

“My phone and a little cash. They jumped me so I didn’t stand a chance.”

“Dammit.” My body heats with rage. “This is such a shit neighborhood.”