Page 130 of Chasing Sparks

Lucille’s wrong about Ori. She’s not just a good woman. She’s the greatest woman I’ve ever known.

The worst part? Oriwasall in from the moment we met—100% present, no hesitation. If she was ever afraid of love, she sure as hell never showed it.

Until now.

After Lucille leaves, I slam back another bottle of water and rest my head on the desk, willing the pain away.

Although nothing in the world will make the ache in my heart stop.

Not that I’m giving up on Ori—not by a long shot.

As soon as this god-awful situation is wrapped up and that piece of shit Kevin Duncan is behind bars, I’m going to pursue Ori until I wear her down and she says yes—to all of it.

I just have to survive until then.

My office door opens, and I grumble, “What now?”

“He’s here.”

Lucille doesn’t have to elaborate—I know whoheis.

I tug a hand through my hair and push to my feet, gesturing toward the chair. “Sit down. Drink some water.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Did he see you?”

Lucille nods, tears slipping down her cheeks. “What if he hurts me again?”

“Not fucking happening. Not on my watch.” I glance toward the front ofBlack Lotusand sigh. “Close this door and call Trace. Let him know—if he doesn’t already.”

“Be careful. He’s dangerous, Ash.”

“So am I, Lucille.”

I pass by Braden’s office and lean in. “Do me a favor?”

“What?” Braden asks, not bothering to look up from his computer.

“Take care of Lucille for a minute. She’s really upset.”

Braden tosses his pencil down, glaring at me. “Seriously? Now I’m on ex-babysitting duty? Isn’t thatyourjob?”

I smack the office wall, my patience fraying fast. “Just do it, man. Stop giving me grief.”

Braden crosses his arms, his jaw tight. “You know what? Keep screwing up your life, Ash. Just don’t expect everyone else to clean up the mess.”

Normally, I’d get into it with Braden, but not today.

Today, I have a meet-and-greet with my new nemesis.

And his name is Kevin Duncan.

Kevin stands in the reception area, his high-dollar suit clashing with the bright, offbeat designs of Black Lotus.

His cold gray eyes sweep the shop, pausing on a sketch of an intricate floral tattoo, before locking on me. A smirk tugs at his lips as he extends a gloved hand. “We haven’t been formally introduced.”

I straighten to my full height, letting him feel every inch of the fifty pounds of muscle I have over him. “I know who you are, and you know who I am. That’s good enough.”

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