Page 106 of High Reward

I’m not used to Tyson ordering me around, but I pick up a sandwich and take a bite, because he’s right. We need actual food in our systems if we’re going to be alert.

Lili shifts, crossing her legs under the table. She drops her phone onto the smooth surface and shifts her gaze to me. “How are you holding up?”

I shrug as I take a drink of water. “I’ve had better weeks.”

Owen’s tone is humorless. “When was the last time we had a normal week around here?”

Luke snorts. “This is Las Vegas. Does normal exist?”

Matteo checks his watch and then claps Luke on the shoulder. “I have to calm Skylar down. She’s pissed about not getting to play shows this week. Owen’s going to give us the rundown on new security protocols in an hour.”

Luke gives a thumbs up, kisses my and Lili’s cheeks and then follows Matteo out of the kitchen.

A woman I’ve only seen across the room pokes her head in. “Is one of you Grace?”

I give her a small wave. “That’s me.”

“I’m Erin Green-Carter. Victor is asking to see you in his office. Said to tell you not to keep him waiting.”

I roll my eyes. “Sorry he’s making you give messages to a stranger.”

Erin laughs and puts a hand on her stomach. “I was coming to talk Tyson into something to settle my stomach, and I overheard him asking where you were. I offered to pass the message along if you were here.”

“Anything specific for your stomach?” Tyson asks as I slide off my stool.

Lili stops me and pulls me in for a kiss. “Want company?” she asks.

I shake my head. “Let me see what he wants. Thanks though.”

She squeezes my hand, and I smile at Erin who is watching Tyson put stuff in a blender with a skeptical eye.

I hate the feeling that I’m putting my friends at risk by being here, but I know they’ll never let me leave, and I’m sure deep down they’re right about keeping things running like normal.

The walk to Victor’s office is short, and I take a deep breath to soothe my frayed nerves before I tap once, then slip inside.

He’s sitting behind his desk, hands folded in front of him, his dark hair hanging loose around his shoulders. His eyes follow my every move as I step further into the office.

“We’re going to open as normal tonight,” Victor says.

“I saw Matteo and Luke arguing about it in the kitchen,” I say quietly.

“Sit, Butterfly. You sound nervous.”

I drop into the chair across from his desk and twist the hem of my blouse in my fingers. “I’m scared that my being here is going to put people I love in danger,” I whisper.

His eyes narrow, and he leans across the desk. “Don’t even think about asking to go somewhere else.”

I shake my head and hold up my palms in surrender. “No. The thought crossed my mind, but I know you would never go for it.”

“Smart girl. What if I could take your mind off it for a while?” he asks, his voice dropping to a lower register that almost sounds seductive.

“What do you mean, Sir?”

He stands and comes around the desk, standing directly in front of me, leaning against the edge. “Do you remember a few weeks ago when you demoed needles with me?”

I smile brightly. “Yes, Sir. That was Lili’s first party.”

He cups my jaw and nods. “I suppose it was. Do you remember the promise I made you that night?”