Page 159 of Secrets and Lies
I shake my head.
“You should give a copy to Anthony,” he says. “I can’t really say more than that because I promised Xave I wouldn’t, but Anthony and the rest of the royalty need to know about it too.”
“Yeah, okay,” I say, a bit taken aback by how serious he is. “I’ll give it to him if you think I should.”
“You should.”
A few beats of silence pass between us.
“So, the mask thing…” he starts.
I try not to let my brain run wild with what-ifs as Damon asks me about our mask play.
I was hoping the files would be a giant nothingburger, but based on Damon’s reaction, they’re very much a thing, and I make a mental note to tell Anthony about the drive the next time I see him.
My stomach clenches, but I brush it off and answer Damon’s mask question.
I have no idea how much longer this thing between Anthony and me is going to last now that we don’t have our project to work on together. I just hope I get to enjoy him for a little bit longer before he inevitably ends things.
27
ANTHONY
“I’m stealing this,”West says, tugging on one of my hoodies. “And I have something I meant to give you,” he adds as he watches me pull my pants up. “But I got distracted when you shoved me against the wall and had your way with me the second I walked into your room.”
I grin and quickly tie the drawstrings on my sweats so they don’t slide back down my hips. “Your fault for being seven minutes late. I had to punish you so you’d learn your lesson about being on time.”
“You and I have very different definitions of punishments.” He grins and steps closer.
“There’s no rule that says a punishment for you can’t be a reward for me.” I tug him against me and drop a quick kiss against his lips. “And I’d say we both enjoyed that.”
He chuckles and gives me a sweet kiss, but his expression is serious when he steps back.
“What’s going on?” I ask. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He pulls a flash drive out of his pocket. “But I might not be after I give you this.”
“What do you mean?” I ask sharply. “Are you in danger?”
His eyes widen. “What? No, nothing like that. Sorry, I was just being dramatic.”
“Strike one,” I say distractedly, still focused on the flash drive in his hand.
“I just meant you might be pissed after I give this to you.” He holds it out to me.
I take it and run my thumb over the smooth cover. “I’m going to need some context here, babe.”
He scrubs his hand through his hair. “I found it the night McKenna cheated on me. I went for a walk, and I ended up at The Crypt. While I was there, two guys showed up and exchanged the flash drive for an envelope.”
“Did they see you?”
He shakes his head. “I hid when I heard them coming. I don’t even know why, but I saw them do the exchange. Then the guy who handed over the envelope dropped the drive while putting it in his pocket and didn’t notice. I waited until they left, then I grabbed it and hauled ass out of there.”
“And you’re sure no one saw you?” I ask again.
He shakes his head. “I made sure they were gone, and there aren’t any cameras around there.”
I slide the drive into my pocket. “Did you look at it?”
