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“I could fuck you senseless and give you new memories of this room.”

I smirked. I knew he was more than serious. And more than capable. I took a cleansing breath.

“Does it make me a terrible person if I want someone else to do it?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Okay, let’s do that.”

“So, we’re not fucking?”

“Oh, no, I totally want you to fuck me. But in my nest. My real nest. Where it feels like home.”

He pushed my head to the side so he could nip at my bite mark before tugging me out of the room. I shut the door firmly without looking back.

“We’ll have to be quick, though,” Ren said, locking up my front door.

“Wait. What?”

Ren showed me his watch and then flung his arm over my shoulder, tucking me next to him.

“Justice will be home around six. And the state you left him in with that bento? I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been picturing how to fuck you all day.”

My cheeks burned, but I felt a purely omega sense of pride burn even brighter. Knowing that I could completely undo my alpha with a simple gesture was the best feeling in the world.

JUSTICE

Exhaustion and anticipation were frying my nerves. It had been a long week, but it was Friday. Two blissful days doing nothing. Glenn was under strict orders to reroute all my calls to other people. If Daisy was going to steal my CTO title, I could embrace the dreaded “delegation.”

My shoulders loosened the second I pushed the door open. I could pick out everyone’s individual scent, but together it smelled like home.

I dropped my bag by the door and put the lunch bag on the side table. Today had been a protein heavy pasta salad with grilled shrimp. I let the dumbass smile take over my face. Theo knew I didn’t need to bring lunch. But the little ritual we were developing with a kiss at the door as he handed me the lunch bag was addictive.

The dining table was covered with boxes, bottles, packaging, and what looked like laboratory equipment. It was like a mad scientist’s workshop had exploded across our apartment. I picked up one of the mockups of the packaging. The Twist logospiraled around the tall skinny empty box, really driving the twist imagery home. There was a stack of pre-folded proofs next to it with different finishes, glossy and matte. One even had the logo embossed in gold. That was my least favorite.

“Oh, hey, you’re early.” Theo stepped out of the kitchen, hands full with plates and silverware. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks,” I muttered. Ren’s running joke that “CEO Justice” looked like shit compared to “Pack Lead Justice” was unfortunately sticking. It didn’t stop my smile from widening. “What is all this?”

“Mackenzie’s new formulations and packaging samples.” He gestured at the chaos with the stack of plates. “She’s testing different combinations for the winter line. She made something special for you.”

There was a little pot on top of a green sticky note with my name on it.

“Uh…” Theo stammered. “I know there’s a method to Mackenzie’s madness. I don’t want to disturb anything. They’ll be back soon with dinner.”

I looked from the plates he was holding to the table. We had to get her an office. I was in talks to buy the apartment beneath us, and turn the penthouse into a duplex, but that would take time.

“Executive decision. We can eat in the living room and watch the next episode of Pack Next Door. Why don’t you set the plates on the coffee table?”

“Yes, Sir.”

My heart literally jumped every time he said that. I picked up the little jar meant for me, twisted off the cap and sniffed. It had a faint nutty smell. “What is it?”

“Cuticle cream.”

I cringed inwardly and set it down.

“She wants you to test it before she finalizes the formula.” Theo said. “You promised to test the last batch too, but…”