He slaps my butt, his voice losing his seductive manner, “Good.” I look back at him and his mischievous smirk tells me I just got played. When my eyes lower, I can see I wasn’t the only one affected. I arch a brow at his predicament and fix my coffee, swaying from the room slowly. “Fuck me, I’m never gonna have the upper hand with her,” he says to himself.

Once I’ve dressed for the day, I put on minimal make-up and return to the kitchen. Masen grabs a pair of gym shorts while I was fixing my hair. I’m surprised to find him, Sniffer, and Mac sitting at the table.

I wave a little sheepishly when they all turn and look at me when I enter. “Sorry about this morning, Sniffer.”

He nods his head and smiles. “It’s not your fault my brother almost killed me,” he adds and punches Masen in the arm.

“No, it’s yours,” Masen says with conviction. Mac watches them silently

“Masen, are you hungry?”

Before he can answer, Sniffer does, “Yes, Mase is very hungry. He was telling me he would like four whole omelets hungry.”

Masen reaches over and smacks the back of his head. “Don’t trouble yourself, Little One. We are fine,” he says while looking at his brother, who’s pouting and rubbing his head dejectedly.

“It’s no trouble, really. I love cooking when someone enjoys it,” I say truthfully. “Sniffer, you’re on toast.”

He jumps up quickly. “Got it!”

Looking through the fridge, I grab the last of the lunch meat and a block of cheese to shred. I divide the meat in three piles, making Masen’s a little bit larger, and sprinkle some cheese on them. Sniffer sets a plate of buttered toast in the middle of the table. As I pass Masen his plate, he grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles while looking at me. “Thank you.” Sniffer’s is done a few minutes later, followed by Mac’s. I make myself a bagel with butter and cream cheese and another cup of coffee.

“So, what’s up?” I ask, including myself in their conversation.

“I need to head to the office soon. I thought you could hang out with Cass and Mac today until I get home,” Masen says as I look over to Sniffer.

“What about school? And doesn’t Mac have a job he needs to get to? Can’t I just go with you?”

Mac chuckles. “This is my job, Luna. I’m one of Mase’s security experts.”

Oh well, I guess that makes sense. “School will always be there, Sophie. Don’t worry about us,” Sniffer answers. The front door opens and no one gets up to check it so whoever it is must be expected.

Masen hasn’t answered. When I look over, he looks guilty. “I ah…I have to let Roxanne go today. I think it’ll go easier if you’re not there,” he grimaces.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me!” I hiss through my teeth.

“Don’t be upset. I told you I didn’t get a chance to transfer her last week. I know she’ll be there today so I want to handle it,” he pleads.