Tish POV
The rest of the weekend went by quietly. Kai refused to leave the cabin, and Kaden refused to come back. I am not going to lie, the absence of Kaden hurt, but I didn't want to let it show. After all, this is just a casual fling between the three of us.
Kai followed me like a lost puppy all weekend, and by the time Monday rolled around I was eager to get some space.
Somehow, I manage to shut Kai out of the bedroom so I can get ready for work. Digging through the clothes, I try to find something acceptable. Nothing they purchased is bartender-appropriate. The price tags alone make me want to vomit. If anything got spilled on them, I might have a panic attack.
After standing in my bra and panties for too long, I finally decide on a pair of jeans and a black tank. I am disappointed that I don't have a skirt to wear, but the tank shows enough cleavage to make up for it.
I take one last look in the mirror before I open the door. Kai is waiting for me on the other side. He is bouncing nervously on his toes.
"You don't have to work," he blurts out. "I can support you."
"You are cute," I reply. "But what happens when you find your mate thingy? It is best if we keep this casual, and I leave as soon as I can."
Kai is still blocking the door. "This doesn't feel casual," he says. "Just don't make any rash decisions."
"Whatever," I roll my eyes. "I need to get to my first shift. I don't want to be late. Are you going to take me or not?"
Kai moves out of the way, and I head straight for the door. I open it to find Kaden standing on the other side. I roll my bead back and groan.
"What do you want?" I snap at him.
"To talk," he says.
"I don't have time for this," I hiss. "I am going to be late for work."
"Oh," Kaden wrinkles his brow. "Are you still going to work at the bar?"
"What is it with you two?" I ask. "This is the plan. It has always been the plan. I go to work, I make money, I leave."
"It doesn't have to be the plan?" Kaden whispers. "You can stay here. We will take care of you."
"I am not going to keep having the same conversation twice," I say, pulling my phone out of my back pocket. I dial Cedric's number and wait patiently for him to answer.
"Who are you calling?" Kai demands to know.
"Cedric," I hiss. "I have to get to work somehow."
'Well, well, well," Cedric laughs into the phone. "Are you calling to quit?"
"I am calling because I need a ride. These assholes won't bring me," I say, glaring at the twins.
"Say less," Cedric chuckles. "I am already outside of the pack house."
"Why are you outside of the pack house?" I ask but Kai and Kaden are closing in on me. "You know what? It doesn't matter. I am on my way."
I hang up the phone and stomp out of the cabin. The twins follow me silently. I can feel tension in the air between them.
Cedric is leaning up against an old Corvette in his best suit. The Corvette has seen better days, but I would be lying if I didn't think it was a sexy car. There is a smug look on his face as I approach him.
"Thanks for the ride," I say.
Cedric dangles a set of keys in front of my face, and I just stare at him. "Are you going to take them or not?"
"You are going to let me drive?" I squeal.
"It is your car," Cedric grins.
"What!" I scream as I yank the keys away from him. "You have got to be kidding me."
"You are going to work off the price in the bar," he tells me. "But I thought you might be tired of being a prisoner."
I groan with pleasure. "You have no idea."
"You can't just give her a car," Kaden shouts.
"Why not?" Cedric cocks his head to the side. "Are you afraid she will run?"
"Among other things," Kai chimes in. "We should all sit down and talk about this."
"No," Cedric growls. "There is no pack rule stating I can't give her a job or a car. Hell, I could even make her my mate."
I chuckle with laughter, knowing that Cedric is not serious. I am more than half his age; we would have nothing in common, and I am pretty sure he bats for the other team. He is just trying to get a rise out of the twins, and it is working.
A growl erupts from Kai, and Kaden holds him back. "If you lay a single finger on her, I will kill you," Kai is screaming.
"Bye boys," I say, wiggling my fingers in the air. "I will see you when I get home."
I get behind the wheel and start the engine. Cedric climbs in the passenger side and grins at me. Looking past him, I can see Kaden and Kai are in a heated argument.
"They will get over it," Cedric assures me.
I shrug my shoulders and pretend like I don't care. "It's just casual," I mumble.
"Doesn't look casual," Cedric laughs as I pull out of the driveway.
"There are two of them and one of me," I laugh sarcastically. "It can't get any more casual than that. They will get tired of sharing after a while, and then they will toss me to the curb like all the rest."
Cedric is staring at me. I can see the concern in his eyes. "Why do you let them use you like that?"
"Look," I sigh. "I have never had a father figure, and I am not looking for one now if you want to be friends, that is cool. If you want to boss and employee, that's cool too. But I don't need advice on how I run my love life or lack thereof."
Cedric looks away from me and points to the exit for the bar. "You are a smart girl. I know you don't need advice, but as an old man with lots of it, you can't blame me for trying."
I snort with laughter. "You look pretty good for an old man."
"I know," Cedric smiles.
"What is your secret to the fountain of youth?" I laugh.
"Tons of money and no mate to boss me around," he replies slyly.
"So, you are gay?" I ask with my eyebrows raised.
"Is it that obvious?" He asks.
"I had a hunch," I shrug. "I am usually spot on, but my guess is no one knows."
"I am living happily in my closet, thank you very much. Can I count on your discretion?" He asks.
"Your life is your business," I say, pulling into the parking lot. "I will keep my mouth shut."
"Good," Cedric sighs. "Now I have another present for you."
"Did you get me a bat?" I smirk.
"No," Cedric says as he reaches into the back seat. "I got you two."