When Hayes woke in Manta's bed, his mistress was already looking through the latest intelligence on the Inner Bay. As one of the Inner Bay's intelligence chiefs in Bette Territory, Manta had exceptionally high clearance, so few secrets could escape her notice.
Seeing Hayes awake, Manta tucked the hair hanging beside her ear behind it, blocking his view of her long, pale neck.
Manta knew exactly what Hayes liked about her.
That was why she loved teasing this man who made her heart race.
Just as she did now-
"Do you know what happened in South Los?"
Manta turned her head as she spoke, revealing a playful smile.
The sight of those two shallow dimples made Hayes reach out to touch them, but Manta darted aside and took his finger into her mouth, gently licking the tip.
"Ah!
Don't do that, Manta.
Two troublesome fellows are coming today.
I need enough energy to deal with them."
Hayes sucked in a sharp breath, the words tumbling from his mouth.
"Mm, I know.
That's why you're awake now.
Otherwise...
You wouldn't wake until around four in the afternoon, and when you left, you'd be rubbing your back, leaning on the wall, and muttering, 'These pills aren't working anymore. I need a different kind.'"
Manta teased her man.
Hayes could only smile wryly, not daring to offer the slightest objection.
He didn't want Jimte and Carral laughing at him.
He wanted to appear perfectly normal in front of them.
And so Count Bette's nephew begged for mercy.
"I swear, I was wrong to catch you off guard last time.
But I couldn't help myself.
And...
I love you."
Hayes gazed affectionately at Manta.
Unfortunately, she wasn't falling for it.
Still, she let Hayes keep a little dignity.
She knew men needed their pride.