Knotting Hearts

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Present Day

S hiloh dragged in a hot, wet breath, fanning his face with his sunhat as beads of sweat dripped everywhere. Even under the shade on the cruise ship’s upper deck it was boiling. He lifted a sticky leg off the towel covering his lounge chair and wished he was back home—which was not a statement he said often. “For fuck’s sake… why did I allow you two to convince me to do this? Remind me to never take a cruise near the equator in August again.”

Sage wasn’t paying him any attention, his gaze fixed farther down the deck.

“For some reason, I expected it to be cooler here than in the Caribbean,” Eirin said as he lay on his belly in the next lounger to Shiloh’s left, also dripping with sweat and leisurely flipping through one of his favorite gossip magazines. He lifted his gaze. “Oh, what if we took one to Alaska next summer?”

“That I could get on board with,” Shiloh replied. “Alaska sounds wonderful right now.”

Eirin smiled. “If we plan far enough ahead, Riley can come, too.”

Shiloh’s chest ached at the mention of Riley. His best friend had gotten the chance of a lifetime and been smart enough to grab hold of it—a summer internship in Paris. Shiloh bet it was a lot more comfortable there than on their cruise, that was for sure.

“No way are you taking me somewhere there’s snow in the middle of summer,” Sage snapped, feigning indignation. “We get enough snow in Willowhaven. I like it hot.” He slid his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose, staring toward the pool. “Speaking of hot.”

Shiloh snagged his bottle of water as he cast a glance down the deck and noted several ripped alphas sitting poolside with their legs in the water. It appeared they might have been abusing their unlimited drink passes, as many had been a couple of days into their South Pacific cruise. All four alphas were rowdy and splashing water—earning evil glares from a few older guests in their splash zone. They were Sage-bait for sure. “You have the worst taste in men.”

“Says the omega who hasn’t had a date since February,” Sage purred. “Please tell me you’ve had a few booty calls in between.”

“At the very least,” Eirin added, never looking up from his magazine.

Shiloh didn’t answer… not quick enough, that is.

“You’ve been celibate since February?!” Sage asked, spinning to fully focus on Shiloh with wide-eyed attention.

“Being celibate is a choice,” Shiloh replied, avoiding an answer. “A choice I didn’t make. I’ve simply been too busy.” Truth be told, that date in February hadn’t ended in any intimate playtime, either. It had been well over a year since the last time he’d scratched that itch with a partner and not his right hand while riding a dildo. Dating had never been his thing, and he sucked at it. It was easier to avoid the stress and focus on his future.

“Classes have been over since mid-May,” Eirin said, rolling to his side the gawk at Shiloh. “You’ve been home for months. What, pray tell, has kept you so busy this summer that you couldn’t fit in a booty call here or there?”

“When classes are in session, I have options—but I’m also overloaded. I’ve got a packed schedule plus research to do. Once everyone clears out and goes home at the end of the semester, all I’m left with the same old, same old. I was born in Willowhaven. I know all of the eligible alphas well enough to not be interested.”

“I doubt you know them all well enough,” Sage challenged.

Of course he didn’t. There were clear class lines back home, and Shiloh hadn’t been born into one of the wealthier families like Eirin and Sage. That gap kept him from getting closer to the sons of the privileged, but from the peeks he’d had, he wasn’t missing out on much. Most were elitist snobs and egomaniacs, so his opinion still stood. There was no one in Willowhaven worthy of his time and attention.

Well, maybe there is one.

Shiloh ignored that little whisper and focused on fanning himself harder. He wasn’t worthy of Shiloh’s time and attention, either.

“Interested or not, use one for his big cock and then move on—until the right one finally appears,” Sage said.

Shiloh rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses.

“There’s plenty of strange here… and you’re never, ever going to see them again. You can get your freak on without worry,” Sage said. “Do some wild shit. Be the meat in an Aussie alpha sandwich. Hell, get railed by a female alpha if you want to be really adventurous. There’s plenty of them on this cruise for some reason, so you can have your pick.”

“Why are there so many?” Eirin asked. “Are there more of them Down Under?”

Female alpha births were rare compared to their male counterparts, supposedly outnumbered like twenty to one. Having dozens of them on board had been rather shocking. As soon as they’d come aboard, they’d been swarmed by them.

“I saw a sign downstairs welcoming female alphas when we arrived,” Shiloh answered. “I think it’s some group thing.”

“Ah, well that explains it,” Sage said. He lifted his bare foot and pressed his pointed big toe against Shiloh’s thigh. “I’m making it my mission to ensure you get plowed by the biggest, burliest, sexiest alpha possible before we leave this ship.”

“Lucky me,” Shiloh muttered under his breath. Fortunately for Shiloh, Sage would get distracted—or take them all for himself instead, the greedy little whore.

A self-titled whore he adored.

Most of the time.

Eirin sat up and searched Shiloh’s face. “Do you not want to butter your bread?”

“An alpha sandwich. Buttering my bread. With all this food talk, I’m starting to get hungry,” Shiloh said, ignoring Eirin’s question. With the intense heat he was absolutely not hungry, but he’d eat something to get out of that conversation if he had to. “Maybe we should go inside, cool off, and grab some lunch.”

“Of course he wants to get nailed. It’s just been a while and he’s obviously out of practice,” Sage said, rising. He searched Shiloh’s face. “Not that he’s practiced all that much, hmm?” He placed his sunglasses back on and grinned. “I’m going to go introduce myself to that pack of wild alphas right now. One of them might be a contender.”

“They aren’t,” Shiloh replied.

“I bet they’re Aussies. They look like Aussies,” Eirin said. He eyed Shiloh. “Maybe they’re not as bad as the alphas at home.”

“Either way, I can find my own companionship.” Shiloh turned his focus to Sage. “I don’t need any of your help, Sage.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Sage said before striding off toward the pool and leaving them alone.

“Do not!” Shiloh yelled toward Sage’s departing back.

As he watched Sage easily sidle between two big alphas and plant himself poolside, Shiloh wished it was that easy for him to talk to strangers. He was jealous of that level of confidence, but then, that was Sage. Perhaps that trait came along with being born rich. A side effect of his privilege. He’d grown up thinking the world was his for the taking, so he simply reached out and took.

Shiloh felt Eirin’s stare fall on him. He did his best to ignore it and the questions it implied, but Eirin wouldn’t be denied.

“Why do you always do that?” Eirin finally asked.

“Do what?” Shiloh asked.

“Refuse our help.”

Shiloh frowned. “Help? I wouldn’t call that help. I don’t want Sage to play matchmaker. He should focus on finding someone who isn’t atrocious for himself instead of humiliating me.”

“For years we’ve offered to tweak your look, take you to our salon, get you some new clothes, glam you up a little… but you always refuse us. We’re doing that to help you land a better alpha, you know?”

“One, I’m not a renovation project nor a charity case. You don’t have to spend your money on me. Two, I’m focused on my education right now, not landing an alpha, better or otherwise. Three…” He winced. “I didn’t realize that I was so hideous that I needed a glam squad’s help.”

Eirin sighed, shaking his head. “We know you’re none of those things. We love you and simply want the best for you. That’s all . I know you’re not focused on a relationship but having a financially secure alpha in your life couldn’t hurt, especially when you seem bound and determined to spend the rest of your young life working on that doctorate instead of finding a mate. Research assistants get paid little to nothing, right?”

“There are grants and such. I won’t suffer,” Shiloh muttered. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth like you guys. I’m used to living within my means. I’ll be fine.”

“Fine isn’t living, Shy. It’s existing. Why struggle when you don’t necessarily have to?”

“So, I should go shopping for a rich alpha to foot my bill? That’s not who I am. Never has been.”

Eirin tilted his head, clearly frustrated. “Shopping for one, no, but can’t you simply be open to the prospect of meeting Mr. Right and see what fate might bring your way? You’re so closed off. I worry about you, babe.”

Sage and Eirin had grown up far different than he did. In their world, alphas were the breadwinners and omegas got to lounge around the mansion, eat bonbons, and pop out babies—so that was their expectation for their futures. Shiloh was a realist. He wouldn’t have some fairy tale prince sweep in and save him from the struggle ahead. Both his parents had worked themselves to the brink of exhaustion, even more so after their divorce.

That was his future.

But at the same time, he knew Eirin was coming from a place of love. Sage, too. They’d always been generous, sometimes too generous , when it came to him. Even if they were misguided, the fact they wanted to help needed to be acknowledged in some way. Maybe if he stopped pushing back so hard they’d calm down and let it go.

“Fine. I’ll let you work a little of your magic on me. I repeat, a little .”

Eirin’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and a smile slowly spread across his face. Shiloh could already see the gears turning and almost changed his mind.

He pulled his wide-brimmed straw hat off. “At the very least, I need a haircut. I meant to slip in somewhere before we left, but I was working on my thesis proposal and forgot. I cringed when I saw how bad it looked this morning—which is why the hat hasn’t come off today.”

“You are such an egghead. How are we friends?”

Shiloh chuckled. “Blame Sage.”

Eirin reached out and brushed back the sweaty mess. “Thank heavens you said this was bad. I feared you’d meant it to look like that and was terrified to say anything. I’ve been aching to break out a pair of scissors and cut it myself. If the cruise line allowed them onboard, I might’ve clipped it in your sleep.” Eirin smiled. “Be glad they’re banned because I always fuck up my hair when I get the wild notion I can do it myself.” He sat back, pondering. “There’s a spa on board.” He tapped a finger against his chin. “I wonder how quickly we could get you an appointment?”

A refusal was on the tip of Shiloh’s tongue, but he fought it. He didn’t like them using their money on him. When he’d been a teenager, it had been easier to give in, but he couldn’t live with his head in their clouds. If he grew too accustomed to the finer things, he’d end up lamenting his lot in life and not be grateful for what he did have.

They’d practically had to beg him to come on the cruise on their dime. After they’d claimed there was safety in numbers, and they’d need his level-headedness for a trip to the other side of the world—he’d relented. All he’d been able to see is the two of them landing themselves in hot water due to their usual levels of obliviousness. If he could prevent that somehow, he was being a good friend, right?

“I’ll put myself in your very capable hands—and let you and Sage pick something flattering.” It was only hair. If he hated the style, he could grow it out. Easy enough to give them that. “Since I’m so horrendous.”

“I meant your hair. Not you . I hadn’t had a chance to smack some sense into you after that comment about being hideous yet, but I hadn’t forgotten. You’re absolutely gorgeous—and I think you know that.” Eirin gripped Shiloh’s chin and lifted it. “Inside and out.” Tears shimmered in his eyes, and he let go, struggling with emotion.

Shiloh reached out and clutched Eirin’s hand, squeezing it. He pushed his sunglasses to his forehead and smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He squeezed Shiloh’s hand back. “If it hadn’t been for you guys last year,” Eirin whispered. “I don’t know how I’d have made it through.” Tears welled. “Especially you.”

Eirin’s papa had passed away suddenly. It had rocked the family to its core, and they’d all been so tied up in grief that Eirin hadn’t had anyone but him, Sage, and Riley for support.

“It’s why I fought so hard to get you on this trip,” Eirin said. “I wanted to repay you for all you gave me.”

“There was nothing to repay, Eirin. Friends are there for you, through thick and thin. When it’s my turn and I need help, I know you guys will be there for me.”

Eirin nodded. “Of course we will.” After a squeeze, he pulled his hand from Shiloh’s and dabbed at the corners of his eyes. “So, as I was saying… you don’t seem to know how to highlight your best features. No way you’re going to attract the right attention that way. Sage and I can help.”

Like a dog with a bone. Too bad Eirin wasn’t as easily distracted as Sage. “I agreed to a little polish, but I’m still not starting my search for Mr. Right anytime soon.”

Eirin chuckled. “As if he’ll just drop in your lap. You have to go through a long line of Mr. Wrongs first. Why not have some fun with that? Playing the field will give you confidence and make finding the right one easier.”

His gaze flicked to Eirin’s at the mention of confidence. Perhaps that was another way to gain some—through practical experience. Studying and applying theories was how he mastered any new concept, so it stood to reason that doing the same might help him get more comfortable around alphas. He slid his sunglasses back into place and considered how to start.

Sage ran their way and skidded to a stop near Shiloh’s lounger, looking like he was ready to burst.

Shiloh gazed up at him, bemused. “What?”

“You’ll never guess who’s here.” Sage sat down on the empty lounger beside Shiloh.

“Who?”

“Guess, silly,” Sage said, lifting a brow.

“You’ve already said I wouldn’t guess, so let’s end the torment right no—” Shiloh froze, the words dying on his lips. Over Sage’s shoulder, Shiloh saw exactly who he’d have never guessed. His mouth dropped open a bit, his heart speeding up, slamming against the inside of his ribcage. “Is that… Is that Ronin?”

Sage glanced over his shoulder. “Damn, he had to walk this way before I could tell you and ruin my fun. Couldn’t wait another five minutes, could he?” He turned back to face Shiloh. “Yes, that is most definitely Ronin.”

“But why would he be here?” Shiloh asked, blinking and wondering if it was all a mirage. Heat exhaustion? Sun poisoning? All of those had better odds than Ronin Drake appearing on their cruise. Another guess came to mind. He narrowed his eyes and glared at Sage. “Did you set this up?”

Sage lifted both hands, palms open. “I absolutely did not.”

From Sage’s tone, Shiloh felt confident it was the truth, but why else would Ronin be there? His father owned a massive yacht. If Ronin wanted to sail anywhere in the world, he could go in the blink of an eye and live in the lap of luxury—instead of being cramped on a ship with thousands of drunken strangers.

“Want me to call him over and ask why he’s here?” Sage asked, grinning broadly.

“No,” Shiloh snapped.

“If he sees me, he’ll stop by to say hello, regardless. Can’t be helped.” Sage chuckled as he lifted a hand and waved. He raised his voice to be heard over the music playing on the deck below. “Is that you, Ronin, darling?”

Shiloh cringed and sank lower in the lounger, but not before noticing Ronin’s expression. He wasn’t sure how anyone could roll their eyes without rolling their eyes, but the alpha pulled it off. He murmured something to the man beside him before striding in their direction.

Heads turned as he passed, but of course they did. Ronin was a giant at six foot eight with at least two hundred and fifty pounds of perfectly honed muscle. That commanded attention. His cool confidence and good looks made it almost impossible to look away. Not that he could see them at a distance, but Shiloh could never forget those gun metal blue eyes with a gaze as hard as iron. It was as sharp as his cut jaw. Even a hint of dark scruff couldn’t hide that. The same raven shade of his stubble appeared in the short, faded style atop his head.

He wore a light blue linen suit that barely hid his tight muscles, with a white button down underneath. Shiloh had never seen him dressed in anything but dark, heavy clothing prior, though it’s not as if they’d seen each other often. The few times he’d been in Ronin’s presence, it had been colder, calling for the need for sweaters and thicker garments.

Ronin looked good. Way too good.

It had been almost seven years since he’d last seen Ronin and he wasn’t ready to break the streak, especially with no time to prepare mentally or physically. Shiloh gazed down at his swim briefs, paler than should be skin, and less than toned body before he grabbed Eirin’s magazine, opened it, and lifted it to cover his face. Better to not be noticed at all than be judged by the hottest alpha on Earth.

Sage snatched the magazine out of his hands. Shiloh fought to recover it—and lost.

“Oh, no, darling… you’ve had a crush on my cousin for far too long not to take this opportunity.”

He’d long claimed to be over Ronin Drake, but there he was, feeling like a stupid teenager again, on edge and likely to make a total fool of himself.

“I don’t have a crush on him,” he whispered hotly.

Sage tipped his sunglasses down and looked at Shiloh over the rim. “Sure, babe.”

Ronin stopped at the end of the lounger Sage was sitting on. He grinned, but it appeared forced. “How are you, Sage?”

“Wonderful,” Sage murmured happily. “And you?”

“Hot, but otherwise fine.” Ronin narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask the same,” Sage purred.

Ronin’s nostrils flared, and his gaze landed on Shiloh seconds later. His body tightened, chin rising. He never took his eyes off Shiloh as he answered Sage. “Dad wants to acquire the cruise line. He asked me to come and check out their operations on the sly.”

“Spying, hmm?” Sage asked. “Work’s no fun, even if it’s masked as a vacation.”

Ronin’s gaze still didn’t move away from Shiloh.

Shiloh swallowed, squirming under that attention. He worried his rapidly beating heart might burst out of his chest like one of those cartoon dogs. He dragged his gaze away from Ronin and focused on the pool. Calm down. He’s just a man with flaws like anyone else.

If there were flaws, there were none he could see. A little age had made him even more attractive, which wasn’t good for Shiloh.

“Well, we can’t all be partiers like you, Sage,” Ronin murmured, finally dragging his gaze away and eyeing Sage.

Seconds later, it returned to Shiloh.

“Oh, where are my manners?” Sage said. “Over there is my friend Eirin Foster. I don’t think you two have met before.”

Ronin nodded at Eirin. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same,” Eirin murmured.

“And you remember Shiloh Anderson, don’t you?” Sage asked Ronin. He chuckled. “But of course you do. He was that skinny little teenager who followed you around all moon-eyed during Thanksgiving and Christmas a few years back.”

Shiloh closed his eyes, mortified. Fuck. Thanks a lot, Sage.

When he reopened his eyes, he glared at Sage. Getting up and leaving the scene of the crime was tempting, but it would only make things worse. It would be better to play it off, like it was nothing. Otherwise, Sage would push that button even harder the next time.

Ronin’s gaze searched his face. “It’s been a while, Shiloh. How are you?”

“Wonderful, thanks,” Shiloh forced out.

“Oh, he’s doing more than wonderful,” Sage interrupted. “He just got his master’s and has been accepted into the graduate program at WHU. In a few years, we’re going to have to call him Doctor Anderson.”

A hint of a smile crossed Ronin’s lips. “Doctor Anderson, hmm? And what is it you’re studying?”

Shiloh cleared his throat, terrified his voice wouldn’t work. “Chemical Oceanography and Marine Biology.”

“Chemical Oceanography? What’s that?” Ronin asked, moving a step closer to Shiloh’s lounger.

He also turned his body so Shiloh was his sole focus.

“The study of the chemical composition of the ocean.”

Ronin leaned in slightly and lifted a brow, hinting he expected more of an answer.

“We analyze chemicals present in seawater, investigate how they interact with each other, and how that interaction might affect marine life and the ocean ecosystem as a whole. For centuries, we’ve polluted our earth. Toxic chemicals have been trapped by layers of ice at the poles, century by century. As our oceans heat up, more and more of those chemicals have been released, and we need to determine how much that will impact the life within it. Our studies will help those seeking ways to reverse the damage we’ve done to our oceans and marine life.”

A few seconds of silence fell after he’d stopped speaking.

“Beauty and brains, hmm?” Ronin asked, smiling a bit too sensually for Shiloh’s peace of mind.

His face warmed, which he would’ve thought near impossible as hot as he was. Is he hitting on me? No… there’s no way. Get that out of your head, Shiloh.

“Savior of the planet, too,” Sage added, humor in his voice.

“Hardly,” Shiloh said, doing his damnedest to not look at Ronin.

Sage patted the lounger beside him and Ronin sat down, his long legs struggling to fit in the narrow gap. His knees brushed against Shiloh’s thigh. Shiloh pulled his leg away as if he’d been burned.

“Your father didn’t charter you a yacht?” Ronin asked Sage, the heat of his gaze directly on Shiloh. “It would’ve been less crowded.”

“I like dancing and drinking and having fun. I need people to do that with,” Sage said. “I’d be bored with just these two for company.” Sage turned to them. “No offense.”

“We also aren’t alphas, so there’s no way we could scratch Sage’s itch,” Shiloh added.

Sage pointed at him, winked, and clicked his tongue. “Shiloh knows me well.”

Ronin scanned the three of them. “So that’s what this trip’s for? Scratching all of your collective itches?” His gaze landed on Shiloh again as soon as he finished speaking.

The way Ronin was staring was unnerving—and unexpected. His inner sixteen-year-old was cheering, but the grown man was smart enough not to get his hopes up.

“I’ve made it my mission to get Shiloh laid before we leave the ship,” Sage replied.

“Sage!” Shiloh snapped. His face burned as he felt Ronin’s stare. “I didn’t ask for that help, nor do I want it.”

“But it’s been literal months. You’ve already wasted your time here so far. Do you plan to waste the rest?” Sage asked him.

“Maybe I do,” Shiloh said. He waved at the group of alphas in the pool. “I’m not interested in drunken frat boys like you are.”

“They’re not frat boys,” Sage said. “They’re a New Zealand rugby team on holiday.”

“Well, we all know your history with team sports,” Shiloh said. “I’m afraid there’s no bleachers to suck their dicks under, though.”

Ronin and Eirin both snorted with laughter. Both tried to hide it, too. Shiloh immediately felt bad for saying it, yet Sage’s smile only grew.

“Oh, kitty cat’s got claws. I think I like annoyed Shiloh. I’ll have to embarrass you more often.” He clawed his fingers at Shiloh.

Shiloh’s jaw clenched, and he narrowed his eyes at Sage.

“As fun as this has been, I have some snooping to do.” Ronin rose. He captured Shiloh’s gaze. “I have reservations in the sushi restaurant tonight. You should join me.”

“Is that an open invitation for all of us—or only Shiloh?” Sage asked.

Shiloh glared at Sage. When he lifted his gaze to Ronin, curious of what the answer would be, he sensed it had been meant for him.

“You’re all welcome, of course,” Ronin said flatly. “Eight o’clock. I’ll meet you outside the restaurant.”

“We’ll be there,” Sage said. “With bells on.”

Ronin smiled softly before offering them a departing wave. He marched past the rugby players and was soon out of sight. Shiloh spun on the lounger and placed his feet on the deck, glaring at Sage.

“I can’t believe you did that. You laid me out on a silver platter for him.”

“And he ate every morsel,” Sage said, grinning. “Did you not see how interested he is?”

“Why wouldn’t he be? You came as close to asking him to fuck me as you could.”

Sage chuckled. “If you want me to, I can ask him to fuck you after dinner.”

“I’m not going to dinner. Not after you just humiliated me,” Shiloh said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“We both know you’re going to dinner,” Sage said.

“I’m not,” Shiloh snapped. He wanted to. Desperately. But he also feared he was walking into a mistake. He wasn’t any different. A few years older, sure, but he was still the omega who’d been glared at with disgust.

Sage frowned. “I baited him and got him on the hook for you. All you have to do now is reel him in.”

“It was over the top, Sage,” Eirin said. “Even for you.”

Shiloh clenched his jaw, and Sage’s face fell.

“I was only trying to help,” Sage said, his voice low. He slid his sunglasses down, worry in his eyes. “You’re shy around men, so I nudged. I didn’t mean to step over the line.”

“You’re too much,” Shiloh barked. “As usual.”

Sage winced. Silence hung between them a few seconds.

“I’m sorry,” Sage murmured. “I’m a lot, and I go too far sometimes, usually without even realizing it.”

Shiloh looked down at his feet, absorbing that.

“I care about you, Shiloh. I didn’t do that with ill intent. How do I fix this?” Sage asked.

“I need you reel it in. My sex life is off limits as a topic of discussion unless I bring it up. Period.”

“Okay,” Sage said. “I hear you.” He sighed. “I stepped across the line. I’ll try not to do it again. You can kick me in the shin next time.”

Shiloh winced, realizing Sage wasn’t the only one who’d stepped across the line. “I’m sorry I made that snide comment about teams and bleachers. It was uncalled for.”

“It was meaner than I expected from you,” Sage said with a small grin. “Though, I kind of respect you for it, not gonna lie, babe.” He leaned closer, a pitiful look on his face. “Can we be friends again?”

Shiloh shook his head, trying not to smile. “If you promise to do better.”

“I do.” Sage leaned in and wrapped his arms around Shiloh’s neck, kissing his cheek. When he pulled away, there almost appeared to be tears in his eyes. “I can go find Ronin and tell him I was being an asshole. And not to think less of you for my bad behavior.”

Shiloh sighed. “I appreciate the desire, but let’s just leave that one alone.”

“Will you go to dinner?” Sage asked, watching him closely.

Shiloh searched Sage’s face. “As long as you promise not to embarrass me again.”

“I promise,” Sage murmured.

“Now that we’re all friends again, I think it’s the perfect time to mention that Shiloh agreed to a makeover before you and Ronin showed up,” Eirin told Sage.

“I said haircut. Nothing about a makeover,” Shiloh said, but he knew it was already too late. Wicked delight shone in Sage’s eyes.

Eirin rose from his lounger. “We need to persuade the spa to fit him in for a haircut before dinner. A facial, too.”

“Persuasion is my best skill,” Sage said, grinning.

“Oh, fuck,” Shiloh muttered under his breath. Yet at the same time, he wasn’t sure he had any clothes with him that were Ronin Drake date worthy, and he’d need their help there. Date? Who said anything about a date? “I’ll raid your closets, but you’re not buying me clothes.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Sage snapped before rising. He grinned. “I have Daddy’s Black Card on file. We’re going shopping after you’re done at the spa.”

“Divide and conquer,” Eirin said. “Help me convince them, and I’ll stay to direct the cut. You can leave and shop for him while he’s in the chair.”

“Good plan,” Sage said, tugging Shiloh to his feet.

“Remember what I said about crossing lines?” Shiloh asked before they led him inside.