Page 114 of Pack of Crooks

Giggling, she swats my arm. “No, I was going to say domineering. Like more alpha than a typical alpha. Plus she looks good in leather.”

“Oh you kinky little bitch. Is she a domme?”

Vivian nods.

“Is she nice to you?” For some reason, I feel like Ellen would be mean, but maybe that’s to people she doesn’t like.

She clutches her chest. “Honestly? She’s so sweet. Here she has to put on a front, but outside of here?” Vivian exhales. “She’s controlling but gentle. The after care is amazing, and I think. . . I think I’m falling in love.”

“Just be careful, okay? She’s still your boss.” And I’d hate to see Vivian hurt. For her sake, I hope Ellen is sincere about her interest and that hooking up with her subordinates isn’t another kink.

“I know,” Vivian says, nodding as she opens her lunch box. “Trust me, I never do this, but there’s something about her.” She chews on her lip and looks at me. “Do you think I’m a slut?”

“Of course not, besides, when people use slut in a mean way, it’s just a word that people use when they’re uncomfortable with their own sexuality. We were literally made to fuck, Vivian. I can’t fault you for enjoying yourself.”

She grins. “Thanks, Hazel. How’s everything with you? Any love interests?”

More than you know, but I can’t blow my cover, so I sigh and shake my head and change the subject. Vivian is great, and I hope she’ll find a good job once Kain Industries is destroyed.

On Wednesday, I finally have an opportunity. Tristan has been unnervingly present, but today he went out for lunch. His computer is still awake when I get to it, shout out to my homie in heaven looking out for me, and I tug the USB out of my bra.

Someone knocks.

My pulse spikes. I rush out of the chair, shove the drive back into my bra, and take a steadying breath.

Ellen’s face greets me. “Oh. It’s you.”

Jerk. “It’s me. Can I help you?”

“I thought I saw Tristan online.”

I glance at his computer. “Oh. He must’ve forgotten to lock it.”

Brushing past me, she secures his computer and looks at me. “This is part of your job.”

“Sorry,” I murmur. “I was working on the meeting notes.”

“Don’t make the same mistake again.” With that, she storms out of the office, leaving the door ajar.

It would look too suspicious if I shut it now. Groaning, I head to my desk and plop down, scowling at Tristan’s desk. I’ll plant that virus a different day.

thirty-three

HAZEL

The pressure of having to sneak around at work keeps me awake. So many failed attempts. I’ll figure it out though. I refuse to let the guys down. After a few hours of tossing and turning, I crawl out of bed and head to grab a glass of water. Light spilling from Kill’s door has me pausing.What’s he doing awake?

Quietly as I can, I head to his door, stopping when I spot him and Ezra lying together. Kill is reading from a book, fingers playing in Ezra’s hair. I bite my cheek and turn to leave. I don’t want to intrude on their alone time.

“Where are you going, pretty thief?” Kill’s voice calls me back.

I step just inside the room. “I was going to grab some water.” My gaze strays longingly over their bodies which are tangled together. They’re both in boxers and nothing else. My mouth waters.

Kill holds his spot in the book with one finger and lifts an eyebrow. “Thirsty for something else, baby?”

I bite my lip. “I don’t want to interrupt.”

Ezra gives me a look. “Get your ass in this bed before I drag you into it.”