Page 167 of Bossy Romance

“Don’t make jokes to cover it up. Talk to someone. Nova isn’t the only one who needs support right now. If you spend all your time looking out for her and neglecting your own hurt—”

“I’ll handle myself. Don’t worry.”

Besides, I don’t have time to break down. Rowan needs me to be strong, to be there for him. He’s looking at me to have the answers about death and life and everything in between. I don’t have the luxury of falling apart, even if I just lost the only woman I ever loved.

“Thanks for doing this, Dejonae. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. I try to surround myself with women who are smarter than me. Nova definitely falls under that category. I’m glad for an excuse to get closer to her.”

“Dejonae, where are you?” That sounds suspiciously like Vanya calling.

“Take care of yourself, Adam.”

I set the phone down and catch my reflection in a shiny sheet of metal on the table. The bags under my eyes are big enough to hold an entire tool box. I haven’t found the energy to shave and the beard that’s growing in is much thicker than I usually keep it.

Without Nova, I look like a caveman.

I try to smile. Really. I give it my best shot. But my lips end up drooping into a frown.

The kinetic batteries are in front of me. I haven’t touched them. I haven’t been able to concentrate since Nova left.

My phone lights up, shredding the silence.

It’s a call from Sazuki.

His gruff, heavily accented voice charges over the line. “Dejonae told me you were being an idiot and I should talk some sense into you.”

This guy never starts a conversation with a greeting. “You realize how rude you are whenever you open your mouth, don’t you?”

He doesn’t sound sorry. “I know a place that sells authenticsake. I’ll treat you. As long as you promise not to cry.”

“Sazuki, do me a favor, close your eyes and imagine me flipping you off.”

“I’ll meet you there in ten minutes.”

“Screw off.” I pause. “Better make it twenty.”

* * *

Sazuki liftsa hand from his perch around a long counter. He’s sipping from a miniature bowl that looks like something Belle, Alistair’s daughter, would use in her pretend kitchen.

Oriental music is playing from hidden speakers. Low lighting makes the room seem dim and full of shadows.

The front of the restaurant was crowded with customers, but this back room is empty except for a handful of people.

The VIP section.

Sazuki nods at me when I take the seat beside him. He flicks his fingers at someone and a miniature bowl appears in front of me.

He gestures to the drink with his long, musician fingers.

I lift the sake and sniff. “Is it strong?”

“Drink it and you’ll see.”

I take a sip and nearly cough through my nose. “Whoa, that’s hard alcohol.”

“It’s sake mixed with wine. Drink responsibly.”

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