Page 21 of Crown of Smoke

"It means you don't go anywhere near the Keans or their business without me." I step closer, letting her see how serious I am. "No more solo missions. No more following people into warehouses or alleys. You want to investigate? I'm your shadow."

"That's not?—”

"Non-negotiable." My tone leaves no room for argument. "Either you let me protect you, or I'll make sure every lead you chase turns into a dead end."

She studies me for a long moment, probably weighing how much trouble I could actually cause her investigation.

Finally, she nods. "Alright. Partners, then?"

The word sends an unexpected jolt through me. Partners. It's both more and less than what I want, but it's the best compromise I'm likely to get.

"Partners," I agree, trying to ignore how right it feels to say it. "You follow my lead on security. No arguments."

"Deal." She holds out her hand, and I take it. Her skin is soft, and I have to force myself to let go.

I focus on the relief I feel that I can keep an eye on her properly. But irritation follows close behind. I want her as far from this mess as possible, and instead, I've just signed up to escort her right into the thick of it.

"You look like you're getting a tooth pulled," Lucy says, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Just wondering what I've gotten myself into."

She grins, and damn if it doesn't make my insides light up. "Don't worry. I'm actually a pretty good partner when I'm not being kidnapped or stalked."

I don’t want to hang around the area too long, so I suggest we go to her place. She hesitates, perhaps worried about my intentions, but I guess she decides I’m okay.

Once in her place, I act like I’m seeing it for the first time, but I’m rethinking coming because my brain fills with the image of her in the tub touching herself. I’ve got to get my head in the game.

"There's a fight coming up. Underground boxing match," I tell her as I sit on her couch, which is infinitely more comfortable than mine. "Kean's men run it. I've been working my way up the ranks, building a reputation."

Lucy pulls out her phone and begins tapping away.

“What are you doing?” Am I too boring and she’s answering her email?

She looks up at me. “Taking notes.”

I place my hand over the phone, pushing it down. "No notes."

She frowns but tucks it away. "What's my role in this?"

"While I'm in the ring, I need you to listen. I’m looking for someone who is loyal to the Keans but worked for or was close to a family named Ifrinn.”

Her brows shoot up. “Ifrinn. The family killed in the house fire probably set by the Keans?”

I nod, though I’m not surprised she made the connection. I’m sure most people, including the police, believe the fire was set by Hampton Kean’s men, but without proof, there’s nothing that can be done. Of course, legal justice and Ifrinn justice are two different things. My brothers and I can exact justice outside a court of law.

“This person was part of launching the Kean’s rise in power. But Lucy, you're there to listen only. No questions, no digging. These people don't take kindly to curiosity."

She purses her lips, clearly not liking me telling her how to do her job. "And if I hear something?"

“For God’s sake, don’t pull out your phone and take notes. Just remember it and we’ll connect later.”

This time, her jaw tightens. "When's the fight?"

"Saturday. Ten PM. I’ll pick you up around nine thirty.” I make eye contact to have her full attention. "You are clear, aren’t you, that when you’re there, you're not Lucy the journalist? You can come as a rich kid looking for a thrill or as my girl, but you cannot start asking questions about the Keans. No playing detective."

Her lips part to protest, but I cut her off. "I mean it, Lucy. One wrong question to the wrong person and…" I don’t want to mention the alley or the warehouse. I’m not sure my heart can take the continued stress from worrying about her.

"Fine." She crosses her arms. "Just listening. I got it."

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