Page 45 of Emeric

Arms wrapped around my stomach from behind as Sylvan’s cologne reached me. It took everything in my power not to get turned on.

“I’m ready to go home,” he mumbled against my back.

Turning in his arms, I dropped a kiss on his lips. “Then let’s get you packed up.”

Before we could, the owners came over to thank Sylvan for coming. They talked about what worked and what Sylvan thought could be improved. I didn’t think he’d speak up since he was on the shier side, but here, he was in his element. He didn’t have many negative comments. It was about making it more conducive to larger crowds so that both the authors and the readers could have the best experience.

While they were talking, I began packing Sylvan’s items away. There was a bin where he’d put letters and other items readers had brought him. I set that on the table and placed the few leftover items in the bin as well.

A crumpled-up piece of paper on the table caught my eye. At first, I thought it was garbage. There was a little push in me to open it and see what it was before throwing it out.

I finally got to meet you! Thank you for signing my books! You really should stop ignoring my messages though. I’m only trying to help.

“The fuck?” I whispered.

Sylvan walked over and took the paper from me to throw out. “Don’t.”

“You know who that is?”

“Yes, he doesn’t try to hide.”

“Are they stalking you?” I didn’t like the sound of the note.

“Em, seriously, he’s harmless. I know his name, where he lives, and even his partner’s name. Hell, he told me his dog’s name. He’s harmless.”

“Then what is he trying to help you with?” I wouldn’t be happy until I had a reason behind the note. I’d heard what Sheldon and Forest went through with their stalker, granted that one was much more threatening. I didn’t want the same thing for Sylvan.

“He’s trying to fix me up with his cousin. I’ve seen the cousin and hell no.”

“I would hope so; you’re with Ollie and me.”

“This started before you two. Also, I don’t want to be set up on dates, especially by people I don’t even know in real life. This was the first time I’d met the man in person. I’m not going anywhere near his cousin.” Well, that was better than thinking he had a stalker. Having someone trying to set him up wasn’t ideal, but it was far easier to deal with than an unhinged person.

Putting my arm around Sylvan’s waist, I pulled him toward me until his eyes met mine and his palms went to my chest. “So you’re not planning on leaving us for the mystery cousin one of your readers is trying to set you up with?”

“I mean, it’s good to keep my options open.”

I kissed him. Hard. Until he was breathless. Until his words left him, and all he could do was pant when I pulled back. “Still want those options?”

“No. Nuh uh. Never.”

“That’s what I thought.” Then I kissed him again because he was mine and Ollie’s. Fuck anyone who tried to get between us.

20

OLEANDER

“You’ve got a little something…” Sheldon said, pointing to my neck.

“Ya fucking think?” I snarled at him.

There was blood everywhere. It looked like I bathed in it. How one person could bleed so fast… Well, I knew how. We gutted him, tore into him. That was what he got for pulling a knife on Vail.

It happened quickly. Vail and I were walking down the street to pick up coffee before returning to Jordan’s building when some random motherfucker thought to mug Vail. Apparently, the size of Vail didn’t matter, or the fact I was standing just behind him. The guy ran up and grabbed Vail faster than I could react.

Luckily, we were near an alcove, and it was dark out, so I was able to disarm him and break his arm for touching Vail. By the time I got the asshole to the warehouse, once Vail had been safely taken home, the guy had pissed himself as he begged for his life. He had no idea who he fucked with until I had him on the ground.

One, Jordan hated crime in his city unless he was committing it. Two, no one ever touched who belonged to my boss. Not a fucking hair on them. Three, if they did, they died. There were no second chances.