Page 150 of Kingmakers, Graduation

“We don’t have any muscle or money … no agreements, no alliances …”

“It doesn’t matter. We’ve got the recipe for the goodies everyone wants.”

Ilsa stuffs the rest of her toast in her mouth, not convinced.

“I can’t fall into your black hole again,” she says.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re insane and unreasonable. Nothing’s ever enough for you, you want more more more more more.”

“Okay. But don’t we deserve more? Isn’tmorethe most fun?”

Ilsa lets the tension stretch out, really sticking it to me.

At last she says, “I’ll help you. But I’m not gonna fuck you.”

“Gross! I would never.”

She laughs. “I’m serious.”

“Me too. I learned my lesson mixing business and sex.”

Ilsa shakes her head, like she can’t quite believe she’s agreeing to this.

“What do you need from Adrik?”

“He kept all the money,” I say. “I want my equipment.”

An hourlater we meet at the front door, both of us showered and dressed, my headache fading to a dull throbbing at the temples.

Ilsa is wearing a black suit and boots, her shirt unbuttoned at the throat, hair loose behind her. I’m in my favorite orange sweatpants.

“No fucking way,” she says.

“What?”

“I’m not going out with you like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because if someone shoots us, I’m not gonna be identified laying next you on a slab wearing that fucking outfit. No, it’s too embarrassing. My father will be like,I really think she should have seen this coming …”

I roll my eyes. “So sorry, let me go find something business-casual in my backpack.”

“You can borrow something of mine.”

“I could if you had better clothes …”

“You own sequin pants and two jackets with fringe on them. TWO. I’ve seen them.”

“That information was privileged.”

“We were never married—I’ve told your secrets to everyone.”

“That explains some looks I’ve gotten.”

We grin at each other, flushed with the adrenaline of what we’re about to do.

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