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He just looked at me with his big brown eyes.

“Fine. I’ll create an account. But I’m not promising anything. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.”

After a few minutes, I’d set everything up. Only on Instagram. One thing at a time. That’s all I could handle.

I sat back, taking a deep breath before shutting the lid on the laptop. “Time for bed, buddy. Maybe I’m too old for this shit.”

Tank lifted his head, offering a solid woof and I could swear the boy was judging me. He should take a number.

Juliette

What was it about being tipsy that always drew me to my social media accounts? Sighing, I couldn’t help but think I was pathetic, although if I had any hopes of making a living, I’d need to put more effort into handling the business as a business instead of a hobby. I logged on, checking Facebook first. There was nothing of real interest. I switched to TikTok next, uploading the short video I’d taken of the night out with the girls. At least I’d highlighted the cool bar we’d gone to.

Next was Instagram. I shifted screens to the notifications, happy to see I had a few additional followers.

Seeing that always put me in a better mood since I’d lost a significant number because of the scandal. Thoughts of my father drifted into my mind. Could I believe him when he’d said he hadn’t been trying to sell me off, but protecting me instead? I wasn’t so sure.

We’d talked. I’d listened. I’d told him exactly what I’d gone through.

And he’d cried.

I’d even told him I’d forgiven him, although allowing him back into my life would take some time. It was time to let the past rest or I’d never be able to plan a future.

I checked the recent pictures I’d uploaded, also thrilled to see I’d had hundreds of likes on a few, and more comments than before. Hmmm… One of the new followers had liked just about every photo I’d uploaded over the past few weeks. Who was this person? Mr. Nobody. An interesting name to choose.

I moved to his profile. There was nothing there. He’d followed a single person. Me. Oh, great. Did that mean I had a stalker? I laughed. Maybe that meant I was on my way back up instead of down. Maybe I wouldn’t block the guy just yet. Why not keep the new follower?

After uploading a couple of photos, including one of a dog that looked almost exactly like Tank, I sat back, hating the sadness that always crept into my mind when I thought about either the pup or Kage. He’d taken my heart and crushed it into a million pieces.

But had what happened been his fault? Maybe technically, but I’d seen the look of surprise on his face. He hadn’t been told anything in detail about my father, even though I’d sensed he’d had his suspicions. Why was I so angry with him?

Just because I was hurt?

Ugh. I sat back, grabbing my phone and navigating to his photographs. As soon as I did, the old ache settled in. I’d tried very hard to forget about Kage, but he wasn’t the kind of man you could easily shove into a neat box with a padlock. After rolling my finger across his face on the screen, I thought about uploading his picture. What would it hurt? I had enjoyed the time I’d spent with him.

When we weren’t being chased or shot at.

A laugh bubbled to the surface. Oh, why not? At least I could prove the man existed. As if I needed a reminder.

Maybe the alcohol had given me some courage, but as soon as I added the caption and hit create post, I grimaced. Was I toying with the devil or hoping the fantasy could come true?

Whatever the case, what was done was done.

Maybe it was time to get some sleep. Tomorrow, I’d develop a new business plan.

What a shame Kage couldn’t be here to watch me fly.

CHAPTER 36

Kage

“Brothers forever,” Maddox stated as he shifted his gaze from my eyes to Stone’s. The three of us had developed a tight bond, often referring to ourselves as the three musketeers.

With his arm out, his hand fisted, he was waiting for a response.

Stone was the first to thump his fist on Maddox’s, giving a harrumphing sound as he did.

There was no reason for me to hesitate. In SEAL Team Six, I’d found my people, a reason to live and friendships that would last a lifetime.