Page 75 of XO Karma

“I’m sorry if the service isn’t up to par.”

“Lily, I’m serious. You know what I mean.”

I force away the chill from his warning. “Do I?”

“You’re sitting in a bar, surrounded by some of the most ruthless men in the city,” he says as if I need a reminder.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re worried about me.” My tone is teasing, but the truth in the words makes my chest tighten. Is he?

“You shouldn’t be in there alone.” You shouldn’t have challenged me.

“Well, if you hadn’t gone and pissed him off, you wouldn’t have to hide that pretty face of yours,” I drawl, and I’ll admit, the accent is kind of fun.

“You think my face is pretty?”

I bite my cheek to fight a smile. “Of course that’s the only part you pay attention to.”

“I didn’t particularly care for the rest of the sentence.”

“What are you doing tonight?” I ask, hoping to get the attention off me.

“Reorganizing the sock drawer.”

I gnaw on my lower lip. “Yours or mine?”

“Yours, obviously.” A thrill runs through me at the thought. Him secretly in my bedroom. Waiting for me. Inappropriate fantasies flicker through my mind. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spot a few security guards coming down the hallway, and I’m grateful for the reprieve from daydreams that need to remain just that.

“Well, I’m gonna have to let you go, honey. I got balls to handle.”

“Lily!”

“Bye, darlin’,” I say, ending the call, unable to fight the giggle erupting out of me as I toss the burner back in my tote.

“Now, isn’t that a lovely laugh,” a sultry voice with a British accent says behind me, and I take a calming breath, turning to find the target. He has piercing gray eyes that meet mine, dark black hair perfectly tousled, and a well-groomed salt-and-pepper beard. He’s surprisingly handsome. And terrifying.

“Why, thank you, sir,” I say, committing to the bit.

“Frederick Vetrel.” He extends a hand and captures mine, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “But you can just call me Vetrel.”

“Daisy Mae,” I reply, with a sweet smile, fighting a gag. That was the best name I could think of? Seriously?

“What brings you to Cleosville, Daisy?” Vetrel asks.

“That obvious?”

“Afraid so.” He grins, snakey eyes dropping down my frame.

“Damn.” I kick out a boot, and his gaze falls between my legs. Men are truly so predictable. “I really thought cowboy boots had made their way to the city. I was assured I’d fit right in.”

He huffs a laugh. “I find it hard to believe a woman like you would fit in anywhere.”

“Is that so?” I ask with a cocked brow.

He takes a strand of the brown wig and twirls it around his finger. Please don’t tug on it. “You’re far too beautiful to blend in.”

“I don’t know.” If I weren’t aware he’s one of the most dangerous men on the East Coast, I might find his flirting charming. Then again, I may or may not be having wet dreams about a serial killer, so my judgment is not to be trusted. “I thought I was blending in pretty well tonight.”

He laughs, scratching his kempt beard. “Every bloke in this bar’s had his eyes on you since you walked in.”