Page 22 of His Little Secret in Discretion

I tilted my head, already grinning. “Between your thighs?”

She rolled her eyes, smacking my shoulder. “The shower, you idiot.”

Her laugh was all I needed. I practically sprinted us toward the bathroom.

Could my arms barely hold her because I wanted to show off? Yes. Was I ignoring Killian’s orders by being here with mySunshine? Yes. Did I care about getting too attached or moving too fast? Fuck no.

Was she about to give me another ride of a lifetime?Fuck yes.

Chapter nine

Maia

Walking into the dance studio, I greeted the girls and slipped into the locker room. Changing into my dance attire, I smiled when Brielle and Delilah came in.

“MAIA!” Delilah squealed, running straight for me. I caught her in my arms, laughing.

“Hey, love bug. What’s up?”

“I’M GOOD!” she shouted happily.

“Inside voice, Dede,” Brielle reminded gently from behind her.

I kissed the little bug’s head before setting her down so she could dart over to the other girls.

I glanced back. Brielle had sunk onto the bench, shoulders sagging, a tired smile on her face.

“Bri?” I muttered, sitting beside her.

“Hey, Maia,” she said softly.

“Everything okay?”

“Somewhat…” She sighed, watching Delilah chatter in the corner. “I’m thinking about applying for some full-time jobs.”

My brows furrowed. “Really?”

She nodded. “I’m low on cash. As much as I don’t want to leave Delilah, the bills just keep coming.”

I rubbed her shoulder, heart tugging. I knew exactly how she felt. The job market was brutal—part-time work was easy enough to find, but full-time that paid decently? Almost impossible. Stress was etched all over her face.

My thoughts drifted to my own mess. For half a second I wanted to ask if I could help her, but Brielle was like me—help felt like pity. And pity was poison.

At least Blaine hadn’t made me sign an NDA yet, though I half-expected it. However, he seemed more interested in his next meal than worrying about the press or Killian’s wrath.

“So,” Brielle said, tilting her head, “what’s new with you? You look… vibrant.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “W-what do you mean?”

“You just look a little happier, that’s all.”

Before I could protest, my phone rang. Normally, I wouldn’t care. But right now? My blood turned cold.

Brielle’s gaze dropped to the screen, curious. And I couldn’t even stop her. Because the ringtone wasn’t normal.

To my absolute horror, it was Usher.

Singing the words toDaddy’s Home.