Oakhill Cottage

Sixteen

Stella

I couldn't find Theo anywhere. He was outside a minute ago, but now he's nowhere to be found.

I scurry up the stairs to my bedroom to grab my vape when I see Theo standing in my room. His head is lowered to a journal he's reading.

Wait, that's my sex rank journal!

I freeze, unable to speak.

He notices me with a smirk. "I'm really the best at sex?" He steps toward me. His tone is playful when he gently adds, "And the biggest dick? How generous of you."

I flush before burying my face in my palms. "You weren't supposed to see that." I say after removing my hands.

His smile curls to the side as his eyes are lowered to mine. "Also, I would move Dax for second biggest dick instead of third. Give the man some credit."

"Oh my God!" I snatch my journal from his hand. "Seriously, I miss my privacy."

"You're not allowed to keep those kinda secrets around here." He chuckles.

I glare at him as I fold my arms. "You're one to talk."

He cocks his head to the side.

I continue. "What about you and that 'other business' of yours? How's that for secrets?" I roll my eyes.

He studies me for a moment. "You know?"

I huff as I turn away from him slowly. "Yeah, next time don't speak so loudly outside if you don't want no one to hear."

"I thought you said you own a bar chain?" I ask as I spin on my heel to face him.

"I do." He inches toward me. "I do own White Gold. It's also where we launder money."

My eyebrows raise at him. "Why?"

"It's none of your concern, eighteen." His eyebrows furrow.

I frown at him and snap, "No, it is my concern because if that is true, then you're probably dealing with some shady people that will burst in blazing with guns."

"It's under control. We've been doing this for a decade now. You're safe." He reassures.

I sigh while rubbing my face for a moment, trying process everything at once. I know I've only been here a couple weeks, but man, you think you know a guy.

"So," My hands drop to my sides. "you're not only a murder, but apparently some gang chief too?" I huff.

His eyes lower to mine with intensity. "It doesn't matter who I am." His voice is deep and low between us. "All that matters to you is that I'm your Sir. And you will respect that."

I press my lips into a line as I glare at him. "Fine." I snap bitterly.

Slowly, he passes me towards the door.

"And now Dylan is dragged into all of it too?" I huff without turning to face him.

I hear his footsteps stop behind me. "He didn't get dragged into it. He asked me."

"Why did you say yes?" I turn to face him.

He sighs. "Because he's resourceful."

I narrow my eyes at him, not completely believing him. I don't think that's the full truth.

"Goodnight." He walks down the hall.

. . .

Theo

"Are we sure we can trust this guy?" Max asks while staring at Dylan's background check.

I lean against the table in the study. "Well, you said you couldn't find dirt on him. That's a good sign. But, I would still keep an eye on him."