Page 12 of Savage Beauty

“Exactly.” He does get it.

“Fully functioning organs?”

“Well, no. Not yet.” The cells can only be viewed and studied with a microscope. “We’re going to get there, though. We’re also experimenting with using adult skin cells to regenerate functional human heart tissue.”

“And what part of that is illegal?” His seat squeaks, and the soles of his shoes tap the floor.

“Are you against using stem cells?” My temples pulse, and I grimace. I don’t wish to debate ethics with this noisy man.

“Nah. I’m only asking ’cause you’re based in the Cayman Islands. That was kind of our assumption.”

Oh. Right. “There are fewer restrictions and oversight. What we’re doing with stem cells and with our organoids is… It doesn’t matter. It’s not illegal, per se.”

“All right. It’s not illegal. Any guesses as to why someone would hire an international assassin to abduct you? I mean, they kept you alive, and this guy’s skillset is in killing, so?—”

“Red Notice. That’s what the Interpol man said. My fantasy of him being a mafia guy wasn’t far off.”

“Your what, now?”

“Forget I said that.” I scowl at his grin. It was a first impression and a prime example of why first impressions should not be trusted. The guy was a monster. But I don’t need to worry myself with that guy. This Max guy is correct. What I need to figure out is who did this to me. Who do I know that would know how to hire an assassin? “How hard is it to hire an assassin?”

“Why?”

“Because I want to figure this out. Who would do this to me?”

“And Sage.”

“Why do you say, ‘and Sage’?” He’s got my full attention. “They were lying about having her.”

“They were lying to you, but someone hired guns to come after her. Twice. Not Anton, but other men with the same skill set. Killed one of my buddies who was defending her. Which is another reason I’m sticking by your side. We want to find these bastards.”

Dizziness sets in. The room spins ever so slightly. “You’re sure about this?” I think back to Mr. Viognier and Knox. “They didn’t tell me any of this.”

“You didn’t ask them any questions, did you?”

“Why wouldn’t they tell me?” I push up off the pillows. “Is Sage safe now?”

“Yes.” He’s at my side, hand on my shoulder. The man’s hand is enormous. It spans from the nape of my neck to my arm. His skin is warm–no, hot. It’s as if he’s radiating heat. “You don’t need to worry. We’ve got you. And Sage. Knox isn’t going to let anything happen to Sage. He loves her.”

“No, he’s a family friend. We’re not that close.”

The mattress sinks with his weight. I shift my legs away from him, giving him more room. He wears an odd expression. Amusement, perhaps? But I didn’t tell a joke.

“You missed a bit. Knox and Sage…they’re an item now.”

I study him for any hint he’s joking. “Seriously?”

“Yep.”

“She had a crush on him when she was younger.” I think back to the way she would act around him. I’d teased her.

“Well, then, I guess she’d say you getting abducted was a good thing.” He’s grinning.

“No. She wouldn’t.”

“I’m joshing with you, Watson.”

I don’t like jokesters. “Mr. Hawkins, can we try to stay focused? If someone might come after Sage, then we need to figure this out.”

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