Page 132 of Chasing Sparks

Maybe it’s the wild look in my eyes, but Mina doesn’t press me for information. Instead, she reaches into a drawer and pulls out an envelope. “He brought Ori tickets for the symphony—really great seats, too.”

“Give them to me, and don’t mention it to Ori.”

Mina’s eyes narrow at my demand. “No way. Ori could use a pick-me-up right now.”

I really don’t want to dive over the counter to wrest them from Mina’s hands, but I’m not above it. Not at this point.

“Mina, I’m not asking. Give me the damn things.” My voice raises, drawing the attention of a few customers.

Wonderful. If I don’t rein in my temper, the cops will probably show up, and that’s the last thing I need.

I jerk a hand through my hair, trying to figure out a way to let Mina in on the situation without telling her the entire story.

Turns out I don’t have to.

“You don’t like Kevin Duncan, do you?” she asks, her voice low, as if she’s unsure who might be listening.

Dragging a hand across my face, I shake my head. “I hate him. He’s not a good man, and his intentions with Ori aren’t honorable.”

Mina arches an eyebrow. “Is this one of those have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too situations? You want both Lucille and Ori?”

“Not even close.” I grasp Mina’s hand, my eyes searching hers and imploring her to understand. “I know you love your friend and want to protect her. So do I—more than anything in the world. Please help me do that.”

Mina stares at the tickets, her teeth worrying her lower lip. Finally, she slides them across the counter. “I won’t tell her about the tickets, but don’t make me regret this.”

I race into the parking lot ofThe Camelot Inn, my tires screeching against the pavement, drawing a few curious looks from the resident derelicts.

Trust me, you do not want to mess with me right now.

Jumping out of my truck, I storm toward room #7, which is quickly becoming my least favorite number. I bang on the door, barging inside the moment Trace cracks it open.

“When the fuck are you taking him down?” I demand, pacing the floor in angry, unrelenting strides.

Trace raises his hands, signaling me to cool it. Fat chance. “You want a drink?”

I stop pacing long enough to glare at him. “No. I want my life back. Did you know that son of a bitch stopped byBlack Lotustoday? He knows all about Ori—the house she’s restoring, her love of the symphony. Hell, he knows she’s going to the city next week. I didn’t even know that!”

Trace pulls a flask from his jacket pocket and holds it out to me. I snatch it and take a swig, but the whiskey burn only fuels the fire raging inside me.

“I told you Kevin would make your life hell.”

“This isn’t about my life. He’s following Ori.”

“He’s letting you think he is. Trust me, Ash, my guys have been tailing Ori, and Kevin hasn’t been near either of her homes. He’s just trying to get under your skin.”

“Well, fuck, it’s working.”

“You’re right. It is.” Trace perches on the edge of the bed, rubbing his grizzled jaw. “Your little rendezvous with Lucille has thrown chaos into Kevin’s perfectly coiffed world. He’s so focused on pissing you off that he’s not paying attention to me or my guy in the club. This is a good thing.”

“Forgive me if I don’t see it that way.” I sink into a chair, pressing my head into my hands. “How much longer?”

“A couple of weeks. I know it’s hard, but trust me, this is going exactly how I hoped it would. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Losing my mind?”

Trace chuckles. “That’s women for you. I’ve got a guy looking out for your girl, okay?”

I shake my head and push myself upright. “Not good enough. I need to ensure Ori is safe. It’smyjob.”

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