“I dated a guy in college and let him borrow my car while his was in the shop. What I didn’t know was he sold drugs as a hobby and was using my car to do said drug dealing in. We got pulled over, he said the drugs in the car weren’t his, and I had to take the fall for it.” She holds up her hand. “They weren’t, FYI. I experimented with some uppers in my sorority house, yes, but they were never my thing. I like to be in control too much. Anyway, he walked free. I was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.”

I grind my teeth, hoping she doesn’t feel my body tensing. “The guy, where is he now? That fucking bastard shouldn’t get away with what he did.”

She bites into her lip. “I’m not sure. I just want to move on from him. It happened, I did my time, and now, I’m only looking forward.”

“If you ever want to speak out, to turn him in, I’ll be by your side, you hear me?”

“Thank you.” She shivers in my arms. “And please don’t say anything to your brother, Cohen, anyone. You’re the first person I’ve shared the full story with. My brother is a cop, and he, along with others, have been up my ass to give them more information.”

“You can always trust me to keep your secrets.”

As much as I hate that she won’t turn the asshole in, I have to respect her decision. She knows what’s best for her, more than anyone.

“I know. That’s why I’m opening up to you.” She shuts her eyes, inhaling a ragged breath before loosening her muscles. Her tone turns playful as she asks, “How about those pancakes, huh? I know I said I’d make your favorite breakfast and all, but don’t judge if they’re burned. I’m not the best in the kitchen.”

“I’ll be your right-hand man. We’ll make them together.”

Sliding out of bed, I hold my hand out. Taking it, I drape her over my shoulder, hearing her laughter as I walk us to the kitchen. Somehow, before the pancake mix even leaves the box, she ends up spread out on the pub table with my mouth between her legs.

Playing with Cassidy will be fun.

The heartbreak that might come after? Not so much.

Chapter Fourteen

Cassidy

“What are you up to after this?” Lincoln asks, coming up behind me and wrapping his strong arms around my waist as I clock out in the employee room. “We can head to your place and have some fun.”

I squirm in his hold as he rains kisses along my neck. “We are in our place of employment, young man.” Laughing, I pull away from him.

He groans, “I know; I know.”