Trixsters Anonymous

“Why?”

“Because of his interest. He brought his curiosity to you, and now that you know, I don’t want you to lie to him.”

“It’s giving up another layer of your anonymity. I can handle Marcus by evading his interest.”

“You trust him?”

“With my life.” I don’t waver.

“Then we do, too.”

My chest squeezes with a pleasant ache. “Okay.”

She nods happily, her face relaxing.

Marcus is waiting for us, watching Emi closely as she makes her way to the door. “Are you limping?”

“I’m not sure it’s limping as much as waddling. I haven’t been on a horse in about fifteen years. That, mixed with hours of sex and a new set of nipple piercings, has left me a little sore,” she responds openly, not missing a beat.

“Jesus.” I drop my chin to my chest. “Emi, thought we discussed this.”

“Sorry.” She starts to giggle. “It was too good to pass up. Look at his face.”

I glance at Marcus, who’s frozen in place looking shell-shocked at her bluntness. Even if inappropriate, it’s funny as hell.

He recovers quickly, pinning his eyes to mine. “Is it way too late to use the bro-code, I knew her first, therefore—”

“Don’t even think of finishing that statement if you want to live to see tomorrow,” I growl, narrowing my eyes in warning.

Emi giggles louder, leading us inside.

“I’m going to change, then I have a story for you, Marcus. It’s a surefire way to make you change your mind on the bro-code.” She goes to the bedroom, leaving me standing with a gawking Marcus.

I smack the back of his head. “Stop staring at her ass.”

“I’m not,” he lies, still gawking.

“Take a seat. I’ll grab us a drink. You’re gonna need one.”

A few minutes later, Emi joins us, coming to sit by my side. She looks at me for approval to start, and I drape my arm around her shoulder and squeeze gently. This is her show.

She launches into her story, telling Marcus all about Trixsters Anonymous. I’m surprised at the level of detail she goes into, yet still keeping her clients’ identities a secret. The only one she names specifically is Jean and her friend.

He sits quietly, his face expressionless, listening intently. His eyes are locked on her, soaking in every word.

“Well, that’s about it,” she finishes, blowing out a deep breath and looking at me for support.

“Come here.” I nudge her.

She crawls into my lap, laying her head on my shoulder and her hand on my chest. I kiss the top of her head then focus back on him.

Emi starts to squirm, growing uncomfortable with the silence. “Why isn’t he saying anything?” she whispers.

“Because he’s soaking it all in. He’s a natural thinker.”

Finally, she loses her patience and points to him. “Say something!”

“I think you may have accomplished what no one ever has. You’ve stunned me speechless.”