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“I thought he was, but after being with River...he pales in comparison,” I reply quietly, and the two of us are giggling together when River himself walks in with Romeo.
“What are you two up to?” he asks, amused.
“Nothing much, Mark texted me so we were talking about that.”
“What did he ask?” Romeo asks before River can, going into president mode.
I show them both my phone. “Seems desperate for this information. I wonder what’s on the line for him.”
“I don’t know. Maybe his job? Maybe he has to come up with something for all his time undercover?” I suggest, wincing when I realize I was his undercover job.
He was under some covers all right.
Not a bad job to have, even finish the night off with an orgasm on top of his salary.
“We need to find something on him quickly,” River growls, good mood disappearing. “I don’t like that he’s messaging you.”
“I don’t like it either, but I need to buy us the time to figure this out,” I say.
I don’t want to go to prison, and I don’t want anyone to get into trouble for me either.
Basically I need Mark to leave me and the club the hell alone.
Chapter Sixteen
River
While Bella and Julianna go out for brunch the next day, with Jag and Jeremiah keeping an eye on them, I decide to do a quick bedroom makeover, turning the empty room next to it into an office. I buy a new desk, chair and daybed, along with a mini fridge stocked with drinks, water and snacks. I clean it all up and make it look perfect. I might not know much about interior decorating, but the room looks peaceful and inviting and I hope Bella likes it.
“That looks amazing, River,” Corey comments as she walks past. She leans against me and studies the room in awe. “You even added plants. I love it.”
“Thanks,” I reply, smiling down at her. “I want Bella to feel at home here and have her own space.”
“Who knew you could be so sweet?” Corey teases, nudging me with her elbow. “She’s lucky to have you.”
“Now you’re being sweet,” I mutter.
“Are you going to take her to meet Mom? Bella was asking about her yesterday,” she says, still gazing out at the new office. “I think you should take her. You two have been together long enough to meet the parents, don’t you think?”
I nod. “Yeah, I know. It’s just complicated, isn’t it? I don’t like talking about... Dad. And I know all of that is going to come up when she sees Mom and asks about what happened to her eye. I don’t know. I don’t like to think about him at all.”
Even though he’s not biologically my father, he’s still the one who raised me. The asshole is still a part of me, whether I like it or not.
“He is not who you are,” she says quietly. “But it is your past, and I think sharing that might bring you even closer. I mean, what do I know, I haven’t even had a proper boyfriend before, but I do know that Bella would never judge you. She loves you.”
I wrap my arm around Corey and she rests her head on my shoulder. “Yeah, you’re right. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. I’m doing so well just ignoring it, you know?”
She laughs. “You’re such a typical male. Now while you’re in a good mood and we’re having a deep and meaningful chat, I should probably let you know that I’m taking some time off from college.”
“Corey—” My first thought is to tell her no. But she didn’t ask permission. That she’s making a mistake and needs to stay in school. But I know she’s still grieving, and if that’s what she needs to do, I should support her.
“Not forever, but my head’s not in it right now, and I need a break. I knew you wouldn’t like it, but it’s my life and I need some time to just... I don’t know. Find myself.”
She’s right, I don’t like it. Her getting an education was very important for me, but yeah, it is her life.
“Okay, if that’s what you want to do,” I say with a sigh.
“Really?” she asks, eyes going wide. “That’s it? Wow, Bella has made you soft.”
