Page 45 of Root

I’ve been out of commission for too long and Jack—I worry about Brutus. Always have, always will, I guess. But this is different. The Ten64 have him and they don’t know where I am or if I changed sides. And if they’re trying to reach me…

I bring that thought in. Hard and sharp. I need to be careful.

Because Rush…a flirt with a chronic case of hotness, a guy who should be so full of himself it’s a wonder he doesn’t fall over or walk into walls, looks at me like he sees a little too much. There’s a light of curiosity in his eyes and I should find a smile and pretend it’s good, but I can’t.

Not even for this property, which is something else.

“What do you think of the house?” he asks as he leans against a brick wall out the back.

I shrug. “It’s okay.”

The house is gorgeous, and I can see the Rose touches. I don’t need to know her to know it’s her who adds the softness.

I’ve never in my life wanted to be a beauty queen. I make fun of them, I think they’re plastic and empty-headed, but she’s stunning with a brain. I saw that both in the room when I woke and when she saved me in the kitchen.

In fact, she’s so beautiful, I’m shocked Rush hasn’t tried to hit that. They’d be spectacular with their blond and dark beauty complementing the other.

Of course, Nikolai is drop dead gorgeous, too. Maybe they all—I stop. His cousin, who’s a lot older than Rose, doesn’t seem the type to share.

If I was the dark-haired beauty, I’d go for both men. Hotter than hot.

Shit. I’m not sure that’s true. Maybe for a moment. It’s impossible not to lust from afar over Nikolai because what woman can resist that untouchable smolder? But Rush… There’s something deliciously wicked about him that whispers to some inner part of me.

Probably the fuck boy in him.

Regardless, I’d choose Rush.

Which is why I’m better off single and free.

“Are you listening?” he asks, all warm silk.

Heat flares. “To you?”

“Yes, to me,” he says. “I’m not only hot, I’m full of witty, sexy banter with your name on it.”

“I’ll direct you and your banter to the nearest garbage can.”

He frowns, yet somehow manages a slow burn and very deadly to lady parts smile. It’s low key, lingering and speaks of all the good things that bang in the dark.

The man’s pure wicked sex.

Not good.

Not good at all.

“I was telling you about the house. In great and amusing detail and you went off in your head.” He sticks his face close to mine and I go lightheaded. “You need to pay attention to me.”

“Whore.”

He points at me. “A trap, I call you one back and then—”

“I get to stab you?”

There’s a crackle and spark of electric energy in the air as his smile grows. Those eyes drop to my lips, and I sway in.

He holds that look a beat then lifts up to meet my eyes.

“No, your job’s to save me from being stabbed.” He sighs dramatically. Then he says, quietly, “I know you don’t want to be here, but until we work out what’s going on, this is safest.”

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