Page 128 of Hard Bargain

“Came to talk about Mercer,” Cassian said, chewing. “But now?” His grin widened. “Now I’m more interested in whatever the hell this is.”

Dominic didn’t respond.

Cassian’s gaze drifted toward the bedroom door. “She still here?” A beat. “Or should I say he? Either way—didn’t think you were the sleepover type.”

Dominic’s jaw ticked. “Watch it.”

Cassian snorted. “Right. So you’re just making breakfast out of the goodness of your heart?”

“I don’t have a heart,” Dominic said, pulling the toast free.

“Yeah, I’ve noticed.” Cassian gestured vaguely. “Which is why this is… new.”

A soft sound came from across the loft. Both of them looked. Knox stepped into the open space like he didn’t fully realize where he was yet. Sleep still clung to him: hair messy, eyes heavy, movements slower than usual. He was wearing one of Dominic’s shirts, the fabric hanging loose on his frame. Bare legs. Bare feet.

Dominic’s mind went blank.

Mine.

That thought had started appearing far too often. When had that become a thing? More importantly, why the fuck hadn’t it stopped?

Knox stopped when he noticed Cassian, his body going a fraction more alert. “Uh.” He ran a hand through his hair, glancing between them. “Morning.”

Cassian pushed off the counter. “Well, good morning to you too.”

Dominic reached for the plates and transferred everything onto them—eggs, vegetables, toast on the side, bacon across the top. He set one plate on the kitchen island in front of the empty stool. “Eat.”

Knox blinked. His attention snapped back to Dominic, and for a beat neither of them looked away. Knox glanced at the plate, then back at him, as if he still couldn’t quite believe Dominic had made it for him. Then he nodded and moved closer.

He sat down, picked up the fork, and started eating. Dominic could see the uncertainty in the set of his shoulders, clearly not sure what to do with the situation but not questioning it either.

Cassian watched the whole thing like it was better than television. “This is insane,” he said, reaching for the second plate. “I leave you alone for five minutes and suddenly we’re doing breakfast and domestic bliss?”

“You’re not invited to eat.”

Cassian grabbed a fork anyway. “And yet, here I am.”

Dominic turned back to the stove, cracking another egg into the pan and letting it settle. Behind him he could hear Knox eating and Cassian chewing a piece of bacon.

None of this was normal.

“What did you want to tell me about Mercer?” Dominic said.

Cassian turned on his stool. “Keegan came through. Put us in contact with Mercer’s main suppliers.”

Dominic zeroed in immediately.

“A few have already switched sides,” Cassian continued. “They see the advantages your operation offers. Better structure. Better money.”

Dominic flipped the egg. “And the rest?”

“Willing to consider.” A shrug. “If we lock them in too, Mercer’s cut off. No product, no money. A guy like that doesn’t stay quiet when he’s desperate. He’ll start making moves.”

“Sloppy ones,” Dominic added.

“Exactly. He won’t stay hidden much longer. And when he shows himself—”

“We end it,” Dominic finished as he plated the second round for himself.