Page 120

“Vi, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. I’m fine with the way things are as long as you are. Last thing I want to do is scare you away. I’d rather have you in my life as a boss with benefits, than not in it at all.”

Holy fuck.

Why the fuck was he being so sweet? She didn’t know how to deal with a man like that. She was used to dickheads who love to bluster and bitch and bury their feelings.

Hell, she was raised by one.

She didn’t know what to do with any of this.

She needed to go to an expert. “I need a minute.”

Not waiting for his response, she rolled from the bed, grabbed her cell phone, threw on his discarded T-shirt, and almost sprinted to the bathroom.

Once there, she locked the door, put down the toilet seat, and parked her ass on it. She chose a contact listed in her favorites, and pressed Send.

“Vi? Are you okay?” came the thick voice.

Vi glanced at the time. Her mother probably had been sleeping. Unfortunately, that would be next to her father.

“Mom,” she whispered.

Suddenly her mother’s voice was much clearer. “What’s wrong?”

“I need…”

Now her mother was starting to panic. “Need what?”

“Advice.”

Silence hit her ears.

“About Reaper.”

“Hang on, let me go somewhere…else.” Her next words were muffled. “No, she’s fine. Go back to sleep.”

Vi waited until her mother found a better location to speak. One where her demanding father wouldn’t interrupt.

“Okay, what advice do you need?”

“He’s nothing like I’m used to.”

More silence, then a soft chuckle. “That’s good, right?”

“It’s confusing. The man who raised me was—hell, still is—the reigning King of Assholes. My best friend is the reigning Prince of Assholes. I don’t know how to deal with a man who isn’t a fucking asshole at all.”

“Honey…”

“This isn’t funny, Mom! He asked if I want him to claim me at the table.”

“Oh wow. That’s great. At least he asked first. What’s the issue? You don’t want him to?”

“I…don’t know. I think I’m having a panic attack.” Vi pressed her hand to her chest to keep her pounding heart from escaping and she was now sweating.

“Violet Dougherty, the man is nothing like your father.”

“I know!” That was probably why she fell for him. She groaned.

“My advice is to grab him and hold on tight. Because the truth is, you can also be an asshole and hopefully he’ll balance you out.”