Page 117 of Vicious Little Snakes

She gives me a look of approval before leaving me to finish gathering the rest of my things. I walk inside my closet, grabbing the black trench coat. Folding it over my arm, I glance back over my shoulder to ensure I’m alone before pulling out Caroline’s note.

Brooks,

I read somewhere in an old 1950s guide to dating that when boys buy girls flowers, it means they expect them to put out. I thought I’d take the opportunity to set our boundaries now. Here are your flowers, I expect dick.

xx Caroline

This fucking girl.

Swiping my phone, I pull up Caroline’s number, shooting off a text.

Me:I’m just a piece of ass to you.

Carebear:Never discount the power of a good ass. An entire Kardashian fortune was built atop one.

Me:You know what I want to be on top of tonight?

Carebear:Interesting…I always pinned you as a bottom. Good to know. Nowhurry up. I miss you.

A whoosh of breath leaves my body as I read the last words—I miss you. When Caroline’s vulnerable like this, so delicate, so much of the “real” her, it almost crushes me.

The feelings I have for her are so fucking intense that when she says stuff like that, I want to love her, protect her, be a monster on her behalf. I would literally do anything for her.

I’m trotting down the stairs with a smile on my face as my phone buzzes in my pocket. I reach inside my suit jacket, pulling it out, bringing it to my ear.

“What’s up, man.”

Matias’s voice fills me ear, “Richie Rich. We got a problem.”

I frown.

“What problem?”

“Someone marked over your shit. Not too bad. I mean, it’s fixable, but Mac said I should call you first before I did it.”

Fuck. I look at the time on my phone. It’s only nine, and I’m not meeting Caroline until ten. And the warehouse is on my way.

“Hello? Liam?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming. And also, way to keep that fucking wall our secret.”

I hear Mac say, “I told you to shut up,” in the background, and Matias responds, “I only told like one guy in my hood, but I guess he told a few more.”

“Like I said, I’m on my way—but you owe me a new wall.”

“Done,” Matias laughs.

Smiling, I hang up, sliding into my limo, and go back to my text with Caroline. The door closes, and I redirect the driver as I type.

Me:I have a stop to make. Go with Kai? And I’ll meet you there.

Carebear:I better like this gift you’re getting me.

I smile down at the phone. Oh, Carebear, you’re gonna fucking love it.

Me:oo

Carebear:I want my hugs in person, Liam.