Page 35 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
"I think you know."
Colum's looking between us now, brow furrowed. "Am I missing something?"
"No," I say.
"Yes," Gunther says at the same time.
Orry giggles again, delighted by the attention.
Then, because the universe has a cruel sense of humor, he leans forward and presses his forehead against Gunther's.
Gunther goes very, very still.
Gunther's eyes close.
His free hand comes up, hovering near Orry's back, like he wants to hold him but doesn't dare.
"Sis," he whispers.
The nickname slams into me.
Sis.
Not Cecie. Not the name I gave the brow customer or Colum or anyone in this plaza.
Sis.
The name I gave a stranger in a bar. The name I whispered into the dark while a man with henna tattoos and no glasses kissed his way down my spine.
My vision tunnels.
No.
It's not possible.
Ridge was?—
He wasRidge.Leather jacket. Motorcycle. Gruff voice. Sunglasses at night.
Not—
Not this.
Not a financial analyst in a button-up shirt with a pocket protector and a calculator watch.
Not Gunther.
"I have to go." I barely recognize my own voice.
Gunther's eyes open. "Please. Just, five minutes. I can explain?—"
"Explain what?" The words come out sharp. "How you lied? How you pretended to be someone else?"
"I didn't—" He stops. "I mean, I did, but?—"
"But nothing." I step back, cradle Orry protectively. "You lied."
"So did you."
