41. Snitch

Chapter 41

Snitch

Hunter

I was never the kind of kid who attended school dances or football games. To me, that was for the students who had normal families and simple lives. Unfortunately, that was never my life.

After the death of my mother and the disappearance of my little sister, I spent my teenage years trying to prove to men who didn’t give a shit about me that I could be a valuable member of an illegal organization designed to use us up and spit us out. My complicated and ultimately fatal relationship with Jonathan is proof of that.

The organization taught me many things, but it wasn’t until I got here out on my own that I was truly able to elevate myself and expand my reach in Los Angeles. There was no time or room for emotions and definitely no safe space for a real relationship. Relationships were the kiss of death to a man like me, so I avoided them like the plague.

But look at me now.

“Everything’s been prepared to your specifications, Mr. Middleton. Everything’s set up. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

It’s funny how some women have the balls to be flirtatious when they’ve just finished helping plan a romantic night for another woman.

“Nothing else, thank you.”

The woman shamelessly pouts and sticks out her breasts, thinking that will be some sort of enticement to me. Obvious displays of sexuality were never a turn-on for me like they are for most men. It always feels like the women are trying too hard which must be why I’m so attracted to Megan.

God knows I’m doing all the work.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Just keep your phone handy in case I run into any issues. I’ll have an envelope for you tomorrow if everything goes smoothly.”

“Of course, Mr. Middleton.”

Megan’s been avoiding me for the last few days and I’ve allowed her to have her space so she could spend some time having the tough conversations I know she needs to have with her friend. But now that time has come to an end.

I miss her.

Not to mention that she’s pregnant with my child.

I knock at her door, already aware that she’s home, but of course, Naomi answers. The very last thing I need.

“Well, look who it is,” Naomi answers the door in some sort of satin kimono with a smug look on her face.

“I’m here for Megan.”

“Megan is resting. She’s been through so much lately.”

“I bet. She just found out her roommate is not who she thought she was.”

“Thanks for confirming that you were the snitch.”

“You’re welcome. It was never a secret.”

“Then why did you wait so long to tell her?”

“You have no idea when I discovered your lies.”

“Oh, it’s clear you’ve known since I moved into this building. You’ve been an asshole from the start.”

“Naomi–” Megan interrupts our exchange. “Excuse us.”

“Remember what I told you,” she says to Megan as some sort of warning as she saunters back into her bedroom.

“And remember who’s paying the bills around here,” I say in response to that clear dig.

“Hunter.”

“What?” I throw my hands up.

“You promised me you wouldn’t throw the fact that this is your apartment up in our faces.”

“I’m not throwing it up in your face. Frankly, I’m surprised you still have her in here after what I told you.”

“You act like she’s some sort of mafia hitman. She just happened to be born into a complicated family. So was I.”

“Those are completely different circumstances, and you know it, but I didn’t come by here to talk about your friend or her family. First of all, I want to know how you’re feeling.”

Megan’s face starts to relax. I don’t think she even realized how stressed our conversation was making her.

“I’m doing better. My stomach feels less sore.”

“And the pregnancy?”

“If the doctor hadn’t told me I was pregnant, I wouldn’t have known. No real symptoms yet. I feel normal.”

“Okay,” I say not really knowing if that’s good or bad.

I’m still standing awkwardly in the middle of her kitchen.

“Where’s Lena?” she asks.

“At the club, working on a recipe with Billy. After all that’s happened, she says she feels most normal if she keeps busy with work.”

“Is she okay there by herself?”

I’ve chosen not to get into the fact that I believe there was someone else out there pulling Jonathan’s strings because what good would that do? The reality is that Lena and Megan’s connection to me will always pose as a threat, but it’s my number one priority to keep them safe or die trying.

“She’s safe. I made sure of it.”

“Okay.”

I step closer to her, unable to avoid the strong pull I feel whenever I’m near her. I love that I tower over her minute body. And I love that a little human we made together is growing inside of her.

“So I know you’re a little irritated with me, but I was hoping you’d go somewhere with me today.”

“Today?” She sounds a little breathy.

“Yeah.”

“Later or like right now?”

She starts fidgeting with her hair.

“I was hoping right now.”

I try to sound as humble as I can.

“How long do I have to get ready?”

“Thirty.”

“What do I need to wear?”

“Whatever you want. You’d look good in a trash bag.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere with me.”

I step closer.

“Then what will get me somewhere?”

It’s almost as if I can hear her heart pattering just a foot away from me or maybe that’s my own heart I hear.

“And what if I say no?” She asks softly.

“Then you say no.”

But please don’t say it.

“You’re not moving me in right now, are you?”

“Megan–” I lift her chin so I can stare straight into her eyes. “I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to.”

She takes a moment to consider what I’ve said, then answers, “I’ll get ready.”

“Great.”

She studies me for a moment.

“You’re acting weird.”

“That’s because I’m trying to be humble, which is probably odd to see.”

Megan emits a real laugh for the first time in days. It warms my insides and makes me smile inwardly.

“That’s exactly what it is…odd.”

“Go get dressed.” I shoo her away.

“Anything in particular I should wear for wherever you’re taking me?”

“You look perfect in anything you wear, baby. Surprise me.”

With that, she walks over in her bare feet, rises to her toes, and pecks my lips with the sweetest kiss I didn’t know I needed.

“See you in thirty, Mr. Middleton.”