Jonas

by Riley Edwards

“Ollie said I was the next best thing?” “Really? I’m running for my life and you want to measure penises? He said when I called to remind you he saved your bacon.” Zane’s lips twitched. “He also said to tell you, Cherry Vanderbeak, and you’d know what that means.” Zane’s shoulders snapped back. “You said your name’s Penny?” “Yes. Penny Cox.” “In for a Penny, in for a Pound,” Cash quipped.

“Cantankerous,” Zane huffed. “Difficult. Unreasonable. Cranky.” “Difficult, cranky, unreasonable, and sarcastic is his love language,” Kira explained, ticking off the words on her fingers as she said them. “Maybe it’s time he tries a new one that’s less irritating.” “Nope. This one works. Besides, I’m averse to change.” Derrika leaned close and quietly asked, “What’s your love language?” That was easy. I maneuvered my mouth to her ear and whispered, “Having my beard smell like you all day.” Derrika jolted then she busted out in a fit of laughter, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. “Has she cracked?” Lore’s question killed Derrika’s laughter. “Doubtful,” Smith mused. “They’re probably talking about what Jonas ate for breakfast.”

Cash looked at Lore. “Let’s go, Queen of Denial.” “What the hell am I denying?” “How hot I am, obviously. Hell, I stopped that woman in her tracks.” And there it was, the smirk. Fucking Cash. Kira smirked. “How cute. The Queen of Denial and the King of Cash.” “It’s Cash is King, KK,” he corrected.

“You’re forbidden from showing her anything. Including but not limited to: your ass, Little Cash, or anything else that can cause mayhem.” “See? Even Big Daddy Boss knows my ass is so fine one look can cause mayhem and possible riots.”

“You can’t fire me before I even apply for a job,” Derrika returned, matching Zane’s sarcasm. “Rule number one, I can do whatever I want.” “Incorrect,” Cash rejoined, coming back into the room. “Rule number one is wrap it before you tap it.” He paused to look at me. “You remember rule number one, don’t you, buddy?” “Actually,” Kira broke in. “Rule number one is, no falling for a woman involved in drama. Rule two is, no falling for a woman who will cost me money. Which is mostly redundant, but whatever. Rule three is, Zane’s in charge of said woman until the mating ritual is complete and she’s claimed. And rule number four is, no glove, no love.” “Kiss ass,” Cash muttered.