Page 110 of Breaking Away

“That’s the guy who hired me.” Kavi smiles faintly. “As a social media manager for your one game.”

Hughes passes her another piece of cheese. “I bet he would offer you a full-time job. You should email him.”

“Full-time,” Kavi softly repeats.

My focus is on the food. I am not thinking about having her live here permanently. For her to have a reason to stay in this city… in my apartment… forever.

“You need proper credentials for that kind of job,” argues Kavi.

I glance over.

The fidgeting has started.

“You are an incredible photographer.” I grab the cheese from Hughes, putting it on the last few burger patties. “We would be so lucky, Basra, for you to photograph for the team.” I close the hood of the grill. “Her art has always been incredible,” I tell Hughes, “since high school. She’s insanely talented.”

Whatever flush circled her cheeks expands down her neck. Her mouth is slightly open, eyes round. Still, I don’t stop.

It’s an unvarnished truth.

If only she saw herself the way I see her.

“She was born to do art.”

“I believe that,” says Hughes, his blue eyes twinkling. “Gorgeous woman. Gorgeous talent.”

She’s looking between us, blinking. “I?—”

Quinn pops in to interrupt. “Can we play board games after we eat?”

“No,” I snap.

He deflates. “Right. Next time.”

Fuck.Now what’s this other feeling? My chest tightens. I’m suddenly thinkingonegame could be bearable.

I’m about to cave in when Kavi tugs on my sleeve, leaning close. “Theylikeyou,” she whispers, as if it’s an accusation.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Be good.”

I stiffen. “You be good.”

“Do this for me.”

My eyes shut briefly. I’m already feeding the team, cooking with Hughes, and now Quinn finally gets to play his games. What more does she want from me?

“One game,” I bark out.

Quinn rushes to tell everyone.

Hughes laughs. But that’s not the reaction I notice. Kavi is smiling at me as if she’s proud and isn’t that the most addicting consequence?

Be good? Princess, you don’t know how good I can be. I’ll keep my control in check even if it destroys me.

Once dinner finishes, the team works to clean everything up. And before I know it, we’re in the living room with everyone sitting around in a circle, playing charades.

“It’s Lokhov’s turn,” Emmad yells.

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