Page 17 of Anton

Another chuckle escapes him, more natural this time. “Hmm…we’ll see about that.”

What the hell does that mean? And why am I desperate to find out?

ANTON

All right, Thora. I can play this game. In fact, I’m enjoying it. More than I thought I would.

But if pretending I want you helps me get close to you and find out things you don’t tell anyone else, I’ll play all day. All night too.

Wanna get on my lap while you tell me all your deep, dark secrets? I might let you.

This job might be the easiest one I’ve ever had. Not that I’ve gotten close to any of my marks before. But they do say there’s a first time for everything.

“So, what is it that you do for your family?” I ask, pretending I don’t know shit.

“I’m a vet, so I tend to the animals and keep the petting zoo afloat.”

“Why here?”

I never understood what made her come work out here a year ago instead of staying in Texas, where she’s from. For the longest time, it was only her sister, Greer, handling things.

She glances down, and when she looks back at me, there’s something in her expression I can’t quite understand. Sadness, maybe?

“I just needed to get out of Texas.”

“Got sick of the cowboys?” My mouth curls.

“Something like that.” Those brown eyes bounce between me and her coffee.

“Do you like it here, in the great state of New Jersey?”

“It’s not so bad. It’s got you,” she teases with an easy, infectious grin. “And Volchok, of course. My new BFF.”

“Ah, yes. What am I going to do with you two?”

“Maybe he can come visit me at the farm, since his owner doesn’t wanna be my friend.”

She tugs on her bottom lip, and I grind my jaw to stop myself from wanting to be the one to do it.

“Maybe you can come over for a play date?”

“Really?” Her face beams.

“No.”

“Maybe you are a bit of an asshole.” She quirks a brow.

“Why, thank you, Ms. Whitlock.”

She rolls her eyes and takes another sip, then studies me like she’s searching for a shred of humanity. And some part of me wants her to find it. The thought is idiotic because I like being alone. It suits me. But I still find myself wondering…

Is there more to life than that? Has my father stripped me of the ability to see anything beyond this?

Or maybe I’m just under her spell. Wouldn’t be the first time. Volchok isn’t the only one, it seems.

“One day, I’ll get you to like me, Anton Marinov.” She pushes to her feet, lifting her cup with a small wave. “Until then, I have to get back to work. Thanks for my caffeine fix.”

As she turns, I’m already rising from my seat. She glances back over her shoulder, a teasing smile pulling at her mouth.