That I didn’t want to know.

“Court of Mayhem does private security…” Inhaling, his hand absentmindedly rubbed my stomach. “But it’s not all we do.”

Again, a million and ten scenarios raced through my head. All ones that would result in swollen knuckles and the splattered blood on his white tee before.

I sighed, my voice terser than intended. “Baby, if you draw this out any more dramatically, you’re going to have to hire actors to make it a whole theater production.”

He didn’t speak, but his hold on me tightened.

“At the very least, a puppet show.”

When he finally spoke, it wasn’t to answer my questions. “You called me baby.”

“No, I didn’t,” I claimed.

And lied. Stupidly. We both knew I had.

“Wish it’d been while I was balls deep inside you, filling you to bursting. Instead, I got it while you threw attitude.” I was about to apologize when he smirked. “Never mind, like this better. More fitting for us.”

God, he’s insane.

“I’ll still make you say it next time you come, but that’ll have to wait.” He shook his head. “Only you do this to me.”

“What?”

“Make me hard after you’ve just emptied me. And make me so fuckin’ happy, no matter what we’re talking about. Even if it’s heavy.”

That was not a good sign.

“Mayhem does security, but we also do extractions.”

My brows furrowed. “Like teeth?”

“Like people.”

* * *

Hollywood

What Court of Mayhem did, the difference we made, required discretion.

Prospects didn’t know. Bunnies didn’t. Nomads who came and went without getting officially patched in didn’t. The only exception was Nox, who helped us on occasion.

And old ladies.

Judge didn’t like liars, and he didn’t want to be the reason any of his brothers lied to their partner. He trusted us to use our discretion on what we shared.

My voice held that importance when I said, “I’m telling you this, Mac, ’cause I trust you. Trust you with my life. I hear how you talk about your students. How you call them your kids. You share bits with me but only about how you’re feeling. You keep their confidence. I need that here ’cause it’s not just my secrets I’m givin’ you. Got it?”

“I’d never share private information.” Mac twisted in my hold to give me her eyes. “Ever.”

I gave her a nod, knowing it was the truth. “In addition to our MayCo security work, we help get people out of bad situations. The day I met you, I’d just gotten back from a coastal tour after we picked up a chick in Maine and returned her to her family in North Carolina. She’d gotten roped into some weird-ass bear and moose cult led by her dickhead boyfriend.”

Mac’s nostrils flared, and her lip curled. “A bear and moose cult?”