An Act of Obsession (Acts of Honor Book 3) by K.C. Lynn Page A

beach?” Benny asks in awe as I hit the garage door opener.
    “I like my privacy.” It was a good chunk of change but worth every penny. It’s private property, which means it keeps the fucking reporters away. It’s also a great stretch for my morning runs.
    After pulling into the garage, I cut the engine and look over to see Benny staring at me. “You got a butler who’s going to come get my suitcase, maybe even greet me with something to drink?”
    Jesus, the kid’s a smart-ass.
    “No. But even if I did, you’re old enough to carry your own damn suitcase.”
    His chuckle fills the space as we both climb out of the vehicle. He follows me inside the house, dragging his Spiderman suitcase behind him.
    “Holy shit!” he says, walking around with his mouth open as he takes in the place. “So where’s the bat cave?”
    “Downstairs, where I lock away all the mouthy little kids.”
    “Cool.” He flashes me a grin that probably gets him out of shit on a daily basis then continues exploring. He bypasses the living room and moves into the kitchen to look out the patio door. “Found the pool! How about a late night swim, Champ?”
    “Tomorrow,” I say, hating to be a downer, especially after the night he’s had. “You want something to eat before bed?” I’m praying he says no since I’m not sure what I have that’s appropriate for a kid.
    “Nah, I’m good.”
    “All right, come on then. I’ll show you where you’re sleeping.” I lead him into the spare bedroom that’s cluttered with boxes.
    Shit, I forgot about these.
    “Not planning on staying long?” he asks.
    “I just moved in a few months ago,” I explain, but know it’s a weak excuse. No one is ever here except my sister and she doesn’t need to stay the night so I haven’t made it a priority. I point to the bathroom at the other end of the room. “Go brush your teeth and wash up while I move them out of the way.”
    He grabs his toothbrush from his suitcase and heads into the bathroom. “Holy crap! This bathroom is bigger than my whole apartment. Maybe I’ll just sleep in this here tub.”
    Shaking my head at his commentary, I begin stacking the boxes in the corner of the room.
    Benny walks out a few minutes later in nothing but his boxer briefs. “I sleep better without clothes on,” he explains before flexing his skinny little arms. “Don’t be jel of all this, Champ.”
    I chuckle, unable to help myself. Okay, maybe the kid is funny sometimes. “Get your ass in bed.”
    He hops up on the mattress, doing a few jumps before falling to his back. “Dang, even this bed is amazing. I figured you were rich but not Bruce Wayne rich.”
    “I’m not that rich, and I’ve worked my ass off for all of it. You could have this one day too if you work hard enough.”
    “Yeah right, not where I come from,” he grumbles, crawling under the covers.
    “Don’t be so sure. I came from nothing. I didn’t even have a cool mom like you. If you want it bad enough, you can have it. Doesn’t matter where you start from.”
    “Maybe,” he says, but there’s no conviction in his tone. “So, what’s the deal with Lia?”
    “What about her?”
    His mouth splits into a grin. “She’s hot.”
    I grunt. “Yeah well, don’t get your hopes up. She’s not into mouthy little ten year olds.”
    “Does that mean you guys aren’t dating?”
    “No, we’re friends.” Just saying it puts me in a bad mood.
    “But you like her?”
    My eyes narrow with annoyance. “You always this nosey?”
    “Pretty much. I’m a rare gem,” he says, flashing me his dimples.
    Seriously, where does he come up with this shit?
    “Yeah, I like her, okay?”
    “I knew it! I’m surprised you didn’t kick that doctor’s ass tonight.”
    “I didn’t need to use my fists. Remember, pick and choose your battles,” I remind him. “Now, lights out or you’re going to be dragging your ass tomorrow for school.”
    “Yeah, yeah,” he grumbles, disappointed.
    “Do