Page 27
“No, no, absolutely not. Do not go fangirling over them again,” I hiss, pointing a finger at him. “I need you on my fucking team, Leo. Not theirs.”
“But, Cil, they are legends! And not just because of the Elijah West situation, but they’ve canceled more cartels, corrupt politicians, and armed bad guys than any other agency in America. Probably even the world. Plus, let’s be real, they are hot as fuck.”
“Meehh…” I drawl, looking away.
“Don’t ‘meehh’ me. I know you know they’re gorgeous,” Leo pushes, completely starstruck. “Omg, Alistair with his red hair and freckles? Or Logan with those strong muscles, and the twins? Literal Viking bodies, completely tattooed and ready to pounce.”
“The fuck, Leo… Stop talking like they’re some sort of limited edition collection. They’re not Pokémon.”
“They are sex Pokémon, and I want them all.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s not how the phrase goes…”
“Yeah, but ‘want’ sounds infinitely better than ‘catch.’” Leo shrugs. “Like, why would I want to just catch them?”
I burst out laughing. “You are so deeply twisted, my friend.”
“Said the masochist.”
Leo leans his chin in his hand, batting his eyelashes. “And how exactly did Knox show you that you were a masochist, pray tell? Uh! Did he spank you?”
“I hate him so fucking much, Leo. I can’t stand him. I can’t stand his job, his fucking smug face, his stupid rules, his infuriating presence…”
“But you are dying for him to fuck you,” Leo fills in perfectly.
“So bad,” I confess. “Which makes me hate him even more.”
“The circle of life.” He nods. “And besides existing, did he actually do something specific to earn this grand level of hatred?”
“He became my personal bodyguard… As in, he is going to follow me around 24/7. No matter where I go, no matter what I do.”
“Oh…” Leo’s playful smile vanishes, and his eyes lower to his mug.
I mean, he knows me better than anyone. He knows exactly how much I value my autonomy and how hard it’s been for me to lose pieces of my freedom bit by bit.
Before my grandfather died, at least I managed to stay sane. But now I am completely alone, locked in a box, and Knox is making it smaller every single day.
“I am so sorry, Cil,” Leo says, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. “But it will be temporary. Harknett is so ridiculously good at what they do; I bet they’ll find and pop this stalker in less than a month.”
“I can’t wait a month,” I groan, leaning my head back against the booth. “Knox even bugged my bedroom. The asshole put audio sensors in there so he can listen to my every move.”
“Pretty sure he’s not spying on you, Cil. He’s spying on whoever might try to enter your room.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Pick a team, Leo.”
“Oh, right. That fucking monster, Knox,” Leo instantly corrects himself, slamming a fist on the table. “Putting audio feeds in your private space? He should pay with bloooooood.”
“Much better.” I laugh, feeling way better and a bit lighter. “And the funny thing is, I told him the exact same thing.”
“You told Knox Adler he would pay with blood?” Leo asks, a mix of horror and awe on his face.
“More like I told him I would drive him crazy. That I’ll bend him until he snaps.”
“Cil… you’re tiny.”
“I’m five-seven. How the fuck is that tiny?”
“Next to Knox, you are.”
