Page 44 of Root

“Rush?”

I sigh. “Got it.”

He taps on the computer. “Tony said the bar had some guy working, didn’t seem bothered about Jess, then someone named…Steve handed him her jacket. Tony took her keys, and there’s a phone. We haven’t touched it, but make sure she gets it.”

“And let you know what she does.”

“Go show Miss Carabella around. Tony’s taking care of her place.”

I’m dismissed.

I head back to the kitchen where the scent of baking goodness hits the air. Nikolai might use his deadly brand of sophistication and violence to get things done, but that’s not me. Rather, I can’t pull off a Nikolai.

I’m going to use my good looks, my appeal she’s not immune to, and get things from her. If there’s anything to get.

She’s bent over the counter where there’s flour and a jar of premium chopped chocolate—Mia and Nikolai don’t mess with anything less than the best—by her elbow.

Jess looks up, flour streaked on her cheek, and it does something to my insides, leaving them like the aftermath of a wild storm—a total mess.

“Ready for the tour?” I ask.

“Sure,” she says. “Make sure to point out all the escape routes.”

“I will.”

Mia waves us off and I decide there’s more to Jess than I thought. And maybe Nikolai’s right, maybe I don’t need to trust her, and to do that I’ll have to keep an eye on her.

A close eye.

Like one where I touch her.

A lot.

Just in case…

CHAPTER TEN

Jess

I need to get out of here.

The thought nips at me for the entire tour, and it pervades through the close proximity to the delicious Rush.

He’s a distraction. Hot and fresh and mouthwatering, and his easy grin and humor really don’t help me keep on track with finding a way out. The thought lingers but its sting fades when he steps too close.

Which is dangerous.

So I keep my distance, as much as possible without making it obvious. Just so we don’t accidently brush each other.

I’m really not sure it’s far enough.

The tour’s endless.

Rush wears down edges, smooths balm onto nipping thoughts. Makes a girl, if she were stupid, want to sink into him.

Luckily, I’m strong. Immune—mostly.

But Rush’s something else.

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