Page 25 of Bitter Arrangement

“I don’t understand.”

“This isn’t an ordinary watch, and Jeremy Fong isn’t just some average consultant.”

“Who is he then?”

I shake my head and lace my fingers into her hair. She lets out a little, confused whimper as I pull her close, brushing my lips over hers, unable to help myself.

“He’s the man who will kill us both if I don’t figure out a way to stop him,” I whisper.

Then I bury my mouth in hers.

Chapter10

Riley

His mouth feels like heaven. His lips are soft as they dominate mine, and his tongue slips into my mouth with a hungry growl. He tastes like whiskey and fire, and I push myself against him, heart racing, every inch of skin glowing with pure, stupid need.

I have no freaking idea what’s going on, but I like kissing him.

We stay locked like that in the dim hallway. His hands roam my body, touching me, exploring my legs and ass. I gasp, wanting more, impulsive enough to let him drag me into a bathroom and fuck me right there on the sink. But as quickly as he started, he breaks the kiss off.

I gasp, staring as he raises the watch.

“How did you—?” I start, looking down at my hands.

“You’re not the only thief in the world.” He steps back, his expression dark.

“Did you kiss me as a distraction so you could steal that back?”

“This is for your own safety.”

“Fuck that.” I snatch at it, but he holds it up above my reach. Bastard, he’s a great kisser and he’s really tall, which is such a pain. “Give that back.”

“Don’t you get it? You stole this from a Black Mantis member.”

I frown a little. “That name sounds familiar.”

“It should.” He uses his fingernail to pop open the case and pushes down on a hidden latch. The whole watch opens, and instead of intricate gears, I’m staring in at what looks like electronics. “They’re one of the most vicious criminal organizations in the world.” He fiddles with a part of the circuit board until something small and silver pops off.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking out the battery.”

“And why are you doing that?”

“So it can’t keep transmitting your location.”

I feel my feet go numb. “It’s been doing that?”

“It’s been trying, at least.” He puts the watch back together, minus the battery, and shoves it into his pocket. He’s about to say something when a couple of guests come toward us, heading to use the bathroom.

Alexan steps close, one hand on my hip, his mouth down against my cheek. Almost like we’re stealing a little private time.

The woman smiles at us, and I feel my cheeks turn bright red.It’s not what you think, lady. But I actually don’t know what it is myself.

“We’ll talk about this more later,” he says once she’s gone. “You have no idea how much trouble we’re in.”

“What’s thiswething? I thought you were supposed to find it. Now just… give it back?”

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