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He’d have gladly burned the gravy and started over, if I’d kissed him, but I was starving after my workout, so the kiss could wait.

“Smells wonderful. Thanks for thinking of it.”

“I didn’t know how much longer ya’ll were going to go at it, but everyone needs to eat.”

“You seen anyone else?”

He shook his head. “Security says the band’s here but no one else.”

Meaning Ghost wasn’t here, which was normal. He tries to be with his club as much as possible when we’re in town.

“I’m making enough gravy so some can go in the fridge for the others when they get up.”

“Animal crashed before me so I’m surprised he isn’t up. I don’t know when the others went down.”

Hailey often crashes when the sun comes up, which would’ve been a little before eight, this time of year. Didn’t mean they did, but it was probably close.

“Someone made some hamburgers, I think, Sir,” Davy said. “I’m betting Animal woke up, ate, and went back to sleep.”

Sounded about right, and I kissed the top of my boy’s head from behind. “You want a beer?”

“Please, Master.”

I got bottles out for both of us and set them on the table, and then dealt with silverware, and set the plates beside the slow cooker. He was pretty close, so I went ahead and pulled out as much beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots as I knew Davy would want before I made my own plate, and I carried both to the table.

Davy poured the gravy into a big glass bowl he could later put a lid on, removed his apron and hung it where it goes, put his wrist cuffs back on, and brought the gravy to the table. He’ssupposed to take them off while he cooks because it’s a pain in the ass to clean grease spatter from them. There’s the fantasy of a twenty-four/seven slave, and then there’s the reality.

“Panda arrived at my work today and hung out with me,” Davy said. “He told me Aaron wants someone on me at all times for the foreseeable future.”

Before I could say anything, he said, “We have more people on us here, too.”

“Who?”

“Panda and Mira, the Trio guys, and our regular people. Panda says we’ll have people we haven’t met on us for the night shift, but he’ll bring them in and introduce us.”

I reached for my phone and called Panda. “Sounds like you need to come inside and explain what’s up?”

“Call Nathan, please. He’ll be handling explanations.”

I hung up and called Nathan, who said, “Aaron and I will be there before midnight tonight with Micca, and we’ll explain what’s happening then. Meanwhile, I’d like to request you all sit tight and remain on the premises.”

“Is Micca okay?”

“She’s fine, but that’s all I’ll say over an unencrypted call. If we can make it earlier, we will, possibly as early as nine or ten, but no later than midnight. You’ll meet Etta, Venom, and Josef as part of your night crew this evening. They contract with me when needed but aren’t regular employees, but they are completely trustworthy and are committed to keeping the five of you safe.”

“Six if Ghost is here, and as soon as he knows we’re at high alert, you have to know he’ll show up.”

“Right. I’ll give him a heads-up because we aren’t going to want anyone coming or going after dark, so he’ll need to arrive before then if he’s coming. Carry on as normal, but please follow instructions quickly if any need to be given.”

It was probably just another crazed stalker, but if that was the case, why not tell us now? Why did we have to wait to find out? I didn’t like it, but so long as we were all safe, I could wait five or so hours to find out the details.

I eyed Davy a few minutes, considering what Nathan had and hadn’t said. “You know what, if we’re at high alert, I’m thinking the safest place in the house is the playroom, and it’s been entirely too long since I’ve reminded you who’s boss.”

He smiled, “I love you, Master.”

He wasn’t due for maintenance for another two weeks since we were doing it the first Saturday of the month these days, or sometimes the Friday night before if it worked out better for our schedules, but we were absolutely due for a long-assed scene.

“What are you in the mood for? Cops and robbers? Professor and student?”