Pure Temptation (Priceless)

“Just wanted to help with the bills. Addilyn does everything and won’t let me get a job.”

“Because she wants you to finish school. Don’t make everything she’s done be in vain because your ass ends up in jail. That would kill her.” He closes his eyes, dropping his head back.

“You’re right. Here I thought I was going to sell a little weed to make some cash, and now I’m tied up in—”

“Human trafficking.”

“Fuck my life.” He runs a hand down his face.

“They don’t know you were on to them, and Barns never should have had you digging for more.”

“Don’t be so sure about that. They put a tracker on my car,” Carter drawls.

“You found that?”

He whips his head my way at my question. “You put that there?” I shrug. “You’re tracking my sister? That’s fucked up. You’re a cop.”

“And your sister is my woman now. I’m taking care of her. If you want to help, keep your ass out of trouble.”

“You going to tell her about this?”

“Hell no.” He lets out a breath of relief at my answer. “You’re done with this. I’ll be talking to Barns. You’re a damn high school kid. Not an informant.”

“I didn’t want to be one, but what choice did I have?”

“You did the right thing, but next time come to me.”

“Kinda hoping there’s not going to be a next time.”

“Good answer.” I shake my head. “Go to your friend’s for the night. I’m taking your sister home with me tonight.”

“Feel like we should have some talk about you sleeping with my sister or something.”

“Get the fuck out of my truck,” I order him. He smirks, but it falters.

“Don’t hurt her. She tries to be tough but she cries at baby commercials.”

“I love your sister,” I tell him because it’s the truth. Addilyn should probably be the first person to know that, but he’s her brother so I give him this. It might be too soon for her. I keep thinking at any moment I’m going to spook her, and she’s going to take off on me. That L word might do the trick.

“Good. She’s spent her whole life taking care of other people. I see how you are with her. You’ll take care of her now.”

“Always.” He gives me a half smile.

“Thanks, man.”

“Anytime.” He starts to shut the door, but I call after him, “She means everything to me, and you mean everything to her. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep her safe and happy. That means keeping you safe.”

“I’m hearing you. When it comes to Pink, we’re on the same page.” With that, he closes the door while I head to clean up the rest of this mess, praying Addilyn never finds out about any of it.

12

Addilyn

Ollie shows me around the office and how to do a handful of things. It’s actually all pretty user friendly. It's more pushing paperwork than anything. Though the program they have to look people up is pretty cool.

I might have taken the luxury of checking on some jerkholes from high school to see where they are these days. It was nice to see karma was out and about for a few of them.

Now I’m back at the warehouse hanging with both Ollie and Vee. I made sure the bar was all squared away and let the new girl take over so I could have some girl time. She’s not so new now, and I really wanted to hang out with Vee and Ollie tonight. At least until my Captain gets back. It’s only been a few hours since he left, and I already miss him. I’m turning into a clinger.

I’m really not that shocked, honestly. It’s partly why I’ve tried to tell myself Kane wasn’t into me. I knew I’d fall hard for him. I’m not used to the sweet affection he gives me. It’s addictive. I’m starved for it.

“I still can’t wrap my mind around you and Kane,” Vee says, shaking her head. “You know some of the girls around here think he’s gay.” I fight a smile.

“Yeah. I might have let the rumor float around,” I admit, making them both burst into laughter. “Is it really that hard to believe he’s into me?” I ask, trying not to let self-doubt sink in.

“I didn’t mean it that way!” Vee rushes to say, panicked.

“I know.” I reach out and grab her hand to calm her down. Vee is as sweet as a person can be. That’s why Arch is a good fit for her. He’ll fuck up anyone that will try to take advantage of that. “I’m just kinda curious what you meant by it.”

“I’ve never seen him with anyone before.” She looks to Ollie for confirmation.

“Not that girls didn’t try. I had a few even try to befriend me to get an invite to my house.” Ollie rolls her eyes. I could so see that. I was guilty of sneaking into Kane’s childhood bedroom when Ollie had invited me over months ago.