One Insatiable

“It’s one of the islands.”

He finishes the last set and stands, putting a towel over his shoulder. “How long you planning to be in town?”

“Not sure, sir.” It’s noon, and I figure I’ll follow him out, see if I get a lunch break.

“Well, I’ll keep my eye out for ya. Take it easy.”

“Thanks,” I say, stopping off at the juice bar. He continues down the hall stopping at Andy’s office. Nobody’s behind the counter, and I look around for a schedule.

I’m about to ask, when Andy steps out of his office and asks to see me. Heading down the hall, I enter the closet-sized space.

“Close the door a minute.” He’s behind his desk.

I comply, and before I can even ask him what this is about, he launches into a speech.

“Look, I get it. Mercy’s hot. It’s how I know a member’s gay — if he don’t notice Mercy.” He sits and makes a note on the large calendar in front of him.

“I don’t understand.” He’s coming straight out of left field.

“Hell, she’s sexy as all get out, but she’s Off. Limits. You get me?” He finishes writing and cuts his eyes up to me. “Keep your mitts off Mercy.”

What the fuck? For starters, I won’t mention how my mitts were all over Mercy night before last — and how much she loved it. I’m more curious what the hell is going on with this chick and why.

“Off limits.” I repeat, doing my best to stay neutral. Still, my curiosity is overwhelming. “Like a princess.”

“Exactly.” His brows lower over his dark eyes. “Mercy is one of the blue bloods in this town. I don’t know why she’s slumming with us, but she’s a good worker and clients like her. Piss her off, and you’re fired.”

“I see.” Humans don’t order me around. Ever. Still, I keep my voice level. “I’m not looking to piss off anybody, and I’m not interested in Mercy.”

It’s possible that’s a lie. I haven’t decided.

Andy relaxes and even cracks a small smile as he stands. “Right. I’m sorry if I seem stern. Just had to give you the warning.”

The warning? What the fuck does that mean?

He reaches across the desk to shake. “We good?”

Try as I might, I can’t keep the irritation out of my voice this time. “That girl is safe as the crown jewels.”

I’m ready to go out there and find out what the hell crawled up her ass. Only, I guess I was just told to stay away from her. Shit.

“Hey, I’m not pissed or anything,” Andy continues. He’s around the desk on my side now, patting my shoulder. “Seth stopped in to tell me you’re a good spotter, and he never compliments anybody.”

“I guess that makes things even,” I say, heading for the door.

“Chalk it up to on the job training.”

He can chalk it up to whatever he wants. I’m calling it a day. “See you tomorrow,” I say.

“Monday,” he calls from behind me. “Gym’s closed on Sundays. You know. God.”

“Right.” I wave and head out the door, wondering what I’ll do with an entire day on my own. Seems like a good time to get to the bottom of this place, so I can get back on the road.

vk.com/newreleasebooks

Boundaries

Mercy