Chapter Thirty-Two #2
Simon laughs. I love the sound, even if I hate the idea of him working for Brennan.
“You know that was a one-time thing with him, right? And I’m done with the escorting. So I’m going to need someone who can keep me satisfied.”
“Good. Because as soon as we’re alone again I want to fuck you until you can’t walk,” I whisper in his ear. Once again, we’re interrupted by a knock. “Jesus. I make it a point never to be this popular.”
Everett is standing in the kitchen doorway, equipment in hand.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he says. “Just wanted to let you know I’m done.
You had a keylogger on your laptop, which I took care of.
You’re going to want to reset all your passwords.
One camera in the office as well. I’m taking it with me, and we’ll contact you when we can get the footage. ”
“I appreciate it, thank you.” Now, please leave so I can have sex.
“Where were we?” I turn back to Simon, still hard and ready.
“Don’t forget my brother’s down the hall,” he says. “And we still have some things to work out.”
I can see the nerves in his body language. He’s feeling vulnerable, and I need to help him understand that he’s safe. I’ll make sure of it.
“Here’s a secret,” I tell him. “You own me, Simon. Whatever will make you happy, I’ll do it, find it, catch it, and bring it home.
Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you. If you want to move to Canada, I’ll find us a nice place and start working remotely.
If you want me to stand in the rain playing love songs, I’ll do that too. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
As he stands with lips parted, I lean down and whisper into his ear. “And I will kill anyone who ever tries to hurt you again.”
Simon’s face flushes red. “Well, lucky for you, my brother wants to stay here, and Penelope’s made herself comfortable, so I guess I’m on board.” He looks around. “I’ll be honest, it does feel a little weird. This is where you and Tony lived. And where Tony and I…”
“We’ll start looking for a new place tomorrow. You’ll have to come with me so it’s exactly what you want.”
He’s trying not to smile, but I can tell I’ve got him. And it’s everything I need.
Shouting and thumping out in the hall draws our attention. It doesn’t escape my notice that Simon keeps his fingers threaded with mine when we go into the hall to see what’s happening.
I’m surprised to find Brennan gripping Jacob’s stepfather with clenched fists. He’s got the man pressed against the wall. Jacob is behind Brennan, still wide-eyed, but silent.
“What the hell is going on?”
“Apparently this piece of shit thinks it’s cool to put his hands on his kid, so I figured I’d see how he liked it when I did the same to him.”
Larry is angry and red-faced, struggling and gasping when Brennan puts a forearm against his throat.
Unfortunately, this could wind up making things worse for Jacob.
The way Brennan stands, I can see there’s a gun holster under his jacket.
I don’t want this to escalate or for Larry to take his anger out on his step kid.
Before I can open my mouth, Simon is already doing what needs to be done.
“Hey, Jacob. I could use your help getting past the dragon level in Fantasy Fauna. You want to come give me a hand with that now?”
The teen nods his head and slides closer.
“Brennan, I think you need to let him go,” Simon adds.
Although, does he? Larry’s a prick. He doesn’t treat Jacob well.
I have to say I’m proud of him, though. Standing up to Brennan this way when he used to feel the need to please him.
“Please.” Larry’s face is turning even redder. “I can’t—I can’t breathe.”
Brennan only presses harder. “You’ve made the mistake of getting on my radar, you piece of shit. If I hear one single word about you harming your kid from now until eternity, I’ll cut your dick off, feed it to you, and then toss you in the fucking ocean tied to a boat anchor. You understand?”
I glance at Simon, silently asking, Is he serious?
Simon shrugs. Maybe.
“I’m gonna ask one more time. You got it?” Brennan jostles Larry again.
“I got it. I got it. I promise. Please let me go.”
Finally, Brennan gives the man one last shove and lets go. He leans down and says something I can’t hear to Jacob before pulling away.
Simon pulls Jacob back inside my place and shuts the door behind them.
I turn to Simon's former pimp. “Leave him alone, Brennan. Jacob’s just a kid.”
He laughs. The dick. “Oh for fuck’s sake. All I did was suggest he crash at your place for a while. And this piece of shit isn’t going to complain, because if he does, you or I will make sure he gets what’s coming to him, right?”
Without waiting for my agreement, Brennan exits through the stairwell door, footsteps fading fast.
I give Larry a long, hard look, letting him know I’ll closely monitor him. And I hate to say it, but I agree with Brennan. Jacob might be better off crashing at my place for a while. I’d even be willing to make Larry sorry if he hurts Jacob again.
My dick’s a little bummed out that the condo is still so full of people, but the rest of me is not. Because Simon is smiling, he’s staying.
He’s mine.