Page 5 of Tasting Sin

“Fine,” she huffed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. The mixed anger and fear that burned bright in her blue eyes was replaced with relief. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Thank you.”

I stood up off the desk. “I can’t stay long. I need to get going.” I took the envelope of money from her, folding it in half and tucking it in the inside pocket of my jacket. I stepped back from the desk and toward the door leading me out of her office, stopping in the middle of the room. “And Nikki, be careful. The Cassidy family is bad news. You don’t want them hanging around here. Watch your back and keep the drugs out.”

She nodded. “I’ll do everything I can. Thank you, Ro.”

I ignored the stare of the bartender and the judgmental look from the only patron on my way out, stepping back onto the quiet street. Before I even smelled the vanilla, I knew I was going back to the bakery I had no business being in.

The lights from Sugar & Spice lit the sidewalk in front of it with a soft glow, and my stomach sank when I put my hand on the door handle. Nellie jumped when I pulled it open and the bell rang, and when she saw that it was me, she stiffened. I knew she had recognized me.

“You’re back,” she said, her voice lacking the warm welcome her partner had used earlier. “You can’t lease the building.”

“That’s not why I’m here.” I stepped closer to the counter, observing the colorful desserts that decorated the glass cases. The pink walls were a distinct contrast from the dark gray walls at The Full Spread, and I was fonder of the smell of cake than I was cigarettes.

“Then what can I do for you?” She tapped her fingers against the counter quietly, but there was a forced smile on her face—one that said she’d be happy to sell me something but would much rather I left.

I pointed to the display cases. “I need half a dozen cupcakes.” What did I need cupcakes for?

“I thought you don’t really eat sweets.” She smirked, reaching behind her and grabbing a pink cardboard box.

I shrugged. “I don’t.”

“Then why are you here?” Nellie looked nervously over my shoulder toward the sign on the window, like she was silently letting me know she wouldn’t go down without a fight.

“My sister loves cupcakes.” When I grinned, she returned the smile, but her posture didn’t relax.

She cleared her throat and bit back a smile when she opened the case I had pointed at. “What flavor do you want?”

“Supposedly, you make the best Italian cream cake in Boston,” I said, leaning with my elbow against the glass. She nodded. “I’ll take six.”

Nellie nodded, reaching for the first cupcake. “Good choice.” When she swallowed, I followed the lump in her throat before I watched her clench her jaw.

When she had filled the box with cupcakes, she closed it, setting it on top of the case to tie it shut with a ribbon. I lifted a single brow. Was that really necessary? I rolled my eyes.

“Okay, so for six of the Italian cream, you’re total is—”

“Don’t act like you don’t recognize me, Chanelle,” I interrupted her. I reached into my pocket for my wallet, grabbing my credit card and handing it to her. I didn’t care how much they cost.

She took the card, and her hands shook. “I don’t want to recognize you.” Nellie took a deep breath, swiping the card through the reader and tapping at the screen.

“Why not?”

Nellie thrust my card back at me. “Because I don’t know you. I don’t trust you.”

“You should.” I took the card, tucking it back in my wallet and into my pocket. I adjusted the front of my jacket, making sure everything was in place, even though I knew it hadn’t moved at all.

“Why?” She slid the box of cupcakes to me, half-rolling her eyes. “Why should I trust you?”

“Because I can help you.” I shrugged, pointing over my shoulder and not missing her quick glance to the window.

She shook her head, swallowing a quiet sigh. “I don’t need help, especially not from a stranger.” Nellie tapped the screen a couple more times, handing me a receipt I didn’t ask for. “Thanks for coming to Sugar & Spice. Have a nice night.”

“Chanelle…”

“No.” Her eyes didn’t give me the chance to argue with her. “That’s not my name. You don’t know me. Enjoy your cupcakes.”

When she spun around, her ponytail whipped over her shoulder. I watched her take a few steps and disappear into the back of the kitchen before I reached for my wallet again. I pulled out a wad of cash, stuffing it into the tip jar on the edge of the counter. The bell rang louder when I opened the door, and when it did, I was sure I could feel her stare on me. I’d be back.

Chapter 5

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