Page 23 of Control Freak

I’d have to remind Shiloh to be careful with those sensual powers. I didn’t want anyone else in this house falling in love with him.

Not that I wasin lovewith him. That was so far beyond the realm of possibility I didn’t even let my mind go there. But Bailey was young and idealistic. When he fell for someone, he’d fallhard.He’d love with his whole heart.

Like someone who wasn’t broken.

CHAPTER 6

Shiloh

The house was quiet,other than the background noise of the home improvement show I’d put on the television. Holden’s dog, Banshee, curled up against me on the sofa, her soft fur a comfort as I tried to recalibrate my brain to my new reality.

The guys had gone to the auto shop, and Emory had shown me around the house before he headed out for his apprenticeship at a tattoo parlor. He didn’t really look the part of tattoo artist, a little too refined—and his skin like a blank canvas—but he’d explained he was an artist just getting into the field. “Maybe one day, I’ll have as much ink as Gray, but really, I just love seeing it on him. As soon as I get the all clear, he’s giving me carte blanche to tat the fuck out of him.”

I barely knew them, and I already envied their loving relationship.

Now that I was alone, I set my computer up in front of me, sorting through the messages on my cam site. There were reviews to approve, inquiries about my cancellations last night,and requests for private sessions in my inbox. Not to mention plenty of DMs from fans.

I needed to do damage control, but it was overwhelming. Was I really going to do cam shows here? I couldn’t do them at night—my usual timeframe—with the whole family here. I’d have to reschedule for daytime slots, which might disappoint some of my regular viewers.

I would just take a hiatus, but I couldn’t afford to give up my only source of income. Hiding out here wasn’t a permanent solution. My smartest move was to save up as much money as I could while still paying rent on my apartment. If Brick and Curtis caught up with me, I needed to have enough to pay off Jimmie’s debt in full.

BigManD:

What happened to the show last night?

Shoot. DeShaun was a monthly subscriber with VIP access. I couldn’t afford to ignore him.

ShyGuy:

Family emergency. So sorry!

BigManD:

Is everyone okay?

ShyGuy:

They are now. But I’m away from home for a while. My schedule may have to get a bit creative to avoid awkward situations, if you take my meaning ;)

BigManD:

Ahhh, well, I’m just glad everyone is okay. I look forward to the next show. I want to try that new sex toy feature. Can’t wait to control your orgasm.

ShyGuy:

Like you didn’t before?

BigManD:

hahaha, yeah, but this is closer to actually touching you myself. You don’t know how much I’d like to get my hands on that hot little body for real.

My stomach tightened uncomfortably. When my fans tried to cross boundaries, I found a tactful way to make a fast exit. Holden was the only viewer I’d ever let get personal with me. Partially, because he didn’t get creepy when we talked. He didn’t behave as if I were a commodity, just something to own. He wanted to get to know me as a person, not a sex object.

That made all the difference.

I wrapped up the chat with DeShaun, explaining that someone was interrupting me.

Banshee nosed at my hand, and I stroked her. “Yes, that’s right. You kept me from being a liar, didn’t you? You need my attention.”