Page 40 of Savage Temptation

Watching him fumble through the kitchen to salvage breakfast makes me giggle. He could just order in, but instead, he’s going through the trouble of putting together a meal, and something about the intimacy of the gesture tugs at my heart.

Yeah, I’m in over my head. Drowning.

Hoping he’ll give me CPR.

He breathes out a sigh of relief. “Thankfully, it’s just crispy.”

“Just the way I like it!”

He sets two plates full of food down and slides onto the stool next to mine. “What’s on the agenda for today?”

“I’ll probably go over some files, see if there’s any more I want to take on.”

“Bank or medical?”

“I used to enjoy doing bank fraud, but after seeing way too many seniors swindled out of their life’s savings, I started taking on more and more insurance cases. Now, it’s getting to the point where I can hardly stomach those as well.”

He arcs a brow. “Is that so?”

“If there is a way to exploit something, humans will do it. Even doctors. I’ve seen purposefully misdiagnosed patients to get bigger payouts. I used to get off on those kinds of cases, making them pay, but now…it’s exhausting.”

“I can imagine. It seems like you see the worst humanity has to offer.”

“I complain, but it’s my fault. I loved reading about the various cases in college, and working in the field made me feel a bit like a detective. And on top of it all, I’m good at it. I’ve made my scope so narrow, I don’t have many other options.”

“Why don’t you come work for me?”

Again, we stare at each other, both of us unsure of what to say. A year ago, this wouldn’t be nearly as awkward. That was before we gained precise knowledge of what the other looked like without clothes on.

After a long silence, I say, “I think it’s, um, important that we, um…shit…”

“We probably shouldn’t cross that line, is what you’re saying?”

“Something like that.”

“Savage Incorporated is large, and I can make sure you never report to me directly, if that’s what you’re worried about. Lance has worked for me for years without issue.”

“That’s different. You are friends.”

Atticus folds a hand over mine. “We’re friends too.”

“Yeah, of course, it’s just…fuck!”

“Hey, there’s no need to stress. You are more than welcome to continue with the soul-draining fraud cases you so deeply covet.”

“I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”

“Just know that if you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask.”

“So, what are you doing today?”

“I cleared my calendar for you.”

My brow furrows. “You cleared your day.”

“Is that so hard to believe? I am my own boss.”

“It’s just…we have a sex arrangement, and you do so many important things.”