Page 59 of Marked

“We have to assume that anyone you talk to is compromised. That agent isn’t going to just let things lie, she’s going to be looking for us. Which means she’s going to be talking to your bosses, your co-workers, friends, landlord. Anyone that might know where you’d go, or if you’ve called them.”

“Do you think she’ll find Artie?”

“Not unless I want her to. He’s fine where he is.” No one will find him. It’s one of the perks of working with my crew.

“Mom texted me; she wants to go for lunch tomorrow.” She blows out a breath. “I know she tipped off Laurens, but maybe it was an accident? Mom wouldn’t have told her if she thought it meant I was going to be hurt.” Indecision cracks her voice.

“Did you answer her?” I should have taken her phone while she was asleep. Her location services are turned off, but a message or call might be enough for the Special Agent to get information about her whereabouts.

“No. I just left it. I didn’t know what to say.” Hurt still lingers in her expression. I can’t imagine the betrayal she feels at the realization of what her mother did. Years of believing she was chosen to live, and because of that her sister had died, only to find out it wasn’t true.

“When you’re ready to talk with her, we’ll see her.” I wish my suspicions had been wrong. Harley deserves better. Quinn did, too. But the situation doesn’t change because of wishes.

“So, you’ve lived in Chicago this whole time?” A change in topic is fine with me. The last thing I want is to see her pick at the wound her mother’s actions have created.

“Not all the time. I have a few places across the country. Chicago isn’t my favorite.” I pick up a lock of her hair, roll it between my fingers. “At least it wasn’t until now.”

Her blush gets darker, and I wonder if I can make her entire body turn red with just my voice.

If not, I’m sure my toys will work.

Fuck. I want her again.

“I was thinking of coloring my hair.” She takes the strands from my grasp. “Maybe red. I’ve always wanted to be a redhead.”

I grin. “I think red would look good on you.”

“If Agent Laurens is looking for us, it might be harder if I don’t look the same, right?” She folds her hair in half and pulls it up. “Maybe I should cut it, too? Chop it at my chin?”

Turning her head one way then the other, she models the look for me.

“I like it longer.” I pull it from her hands and wrap it around my fist several times then yank her to me. “If it’s short, I can’t do this.” I yank her head backward and overtake her mouth.

Nothing has ever tasted as good as Harley’s submission to my beast. Her hands rest on my shoulders when I deepen the kiss. She hooks one leg over my hip.

When I pull away, her lips are swollen, and her chest is heaving for breath.

“Get your shoes on. There’s a stylist I’ve worked with before who can help with your hair if you really want.”

“And the cut?”

“You’re not cutting this hair.” And that’s that.

She smiles. “All right.”

I slowly untangle my hand from her hair, and gently shove her in the direction of the door.

“Shoes.” I slap her ass hard, propelling her a step.

As she walks through the swinging door, she throws me a smile.

I’ve never considered sharing my life with someone. Not after I chose this path. But Harley has changed all of that.

After I’m done taking out all of her monsters, I’m going to keep my little bird and keep her safe. If anyone tries to take her from me, I’m going to end them, too.

“What do you drink?” Zack asks me as he settles me into a booth.

“Uh, a whiskey sour.” I haven’t gotten a drink at a bar in ages, but I remember the sweet taste of it when I was in college.

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