Page 19 of Ink & Stardust

“So, you and Owen?” Kai breaks the silence as we pull up in front of my building.

“You know Owen?” I ask, getting the feeling that tonight isn’t the first time the two have crossed paths.

“I do. The question is, how doyouknow Owen?”

“Not that it’s any of your business.” My tone is harsher than he deserves, given that he basically saved me tonight. “But I met him last week while getting coffee.”

“Piece of advice?” He doesn’t let me say whether or not I want said advice before continuing. “Steer clear of that one.”

“Why?”

“Let’s just say, he’s not your type.”

“How do you know what my type is?”

“The same way I know that dress isn’t you. I pay attention.”

I draw back like he’s just poked me with a hot branding iron.

“What’s wrong with my dress?” I hiss, embarrassment heating my cheeks.

“Don’t get me wrong, you look fucking edible in it.” He gives me a once-over and I swear I feel his eyeseverywhere. “It’s just notyou.”

I squirm under his intense stare.

“Because you know me so well,” I bite, feigning irritation to cover up theotherthings I’m feeling at the moment.

“Like I said, I pay attention.” He unclasps his seat belt and climbs from the car just as it comes to a complete stop.

I haven’t even removed my own seat belt before he’s at my door, tugging it open. My breath lodges in my throat as his muscular frame leans across me, his body and scent invading every inch of my space as he unclasps my seat belt for me.

“I’m capable of buckling and unbuckling myself,” I tell him, refusing the hand he offers.

He steps back just enough to give me room to exit the car before leaning down to thank the driver.

“No problem. Have a good night.” The younger man offers back, driving off seconds after Kai shuts the door.

“Where do you live again?” I ask, gesturing around at the group of buildings in front of us.

“That’s private.” He takes off up the sidewalk towardmybuilding, forcing me to jog to catch up to him.

“Seriously? You can know where I live, but I can’t know where you live?”

“You’re catching on.” He stops at the front door. “Give me your badge.”

“I think I can take it from here,” I tell him, cutting him off as I squeeze between his massive frame and the entrance.

Scanning my badge, I swing open the door, giving him no choice but to take a step back.

I’m torn between wanting to put as much distance between us as possible and begging him to come up to my room and make me forget all about tonight, or hell, all about the last few months entirely. And he probably could too. I’d wager a guess that he’s incredible in bed. If Maisie is to be believed, he’s had a lot of practice.

Which is exactly why I choose option A.

“Thank you for tonight.” I turn in the doorway. “And for the ride.”

“You take care, Converse.” He looks at me for another long moment, like he wants to say something else, but instead, he turns abruptly and walks away.

I stand in the doorway and watch him until he disappears around the corner, heading toward the right, either because he lives in that direction, or because he wants me to think he does. Either way, I don’t have the mental capacity to even begin to worry about that right now.

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