Page 40 of Cold Hard Truth

My tarot cards.

I wasn’t sure where I lost them. But like everything else from that part of my life, they disappeared.

Picking up the tarot deck, I run my hand over the black box, tracing the purple velvet letters swirled across the surface. They feel like the past in my hands. An old friend I never thought I’d see again.

A sign.

And for the first time since I saw my fate at eighteen, it might not be a bad one.

“Sorry about that.” Mason’s voice comes back down the hallway, and I quickly tuck the tarot deck into my purse, spinning before he can catch me.

“No problem.”

His gaze lands on where I’m standing behind the front counter, so I step back out into the open lobby. “Just fixing my hair. Not that it helped.”

That comment has his posture relaxing, and he shrugs. “Looks pretty to me.”

I can’t tell if he’s flirting or just friendly. Either way, I’m not looking for a friend and the last thing I’ll ever do is entertain a relationship.

“So, you new in town too?” Mason asks, holding the broom again but not sweeping.

“I grew up here. It’s just been a while.” I cross my arms over my chest. “How do you like working at the shop?”

“It’s fine.” Mason shrugs. “Better than Vegas.”

Something about his comment—about the dark storm that coats his expression—has me wondering whathe left behind.

“Did you tattoo back home?”

He nods. “Yeah, but I’m still learning. I’ve only been doing it a few years.”

“I’m sure you’re good.” I’m not, but it sounds nice, and his smile says he appreciates it.

“Good enough.” Mason grabs the broom, and once more starts sweeping. “According to Sage and the rest of the guys at least.”

“Sage.” My mouth turns to sandpaper as that name scrapes across my tongue.

A name I’ve tried not to hear with every beat of my heart over the past eight years. A name that has me instantly torn down the middle.

“Yeah, he’s been mentoring me. Showing me the ropes.” Mason’s eyebrows pinch as he catches my reaction. “You know him?”

I nod, trying to steady my breath. “You could say that.”

A buzzer goes off in the back, and Mason glances down the hallway. “Sorry, I’ve got to get that.”

I’m nodding as he walks away. At least, I think I am. I can’t feel my legs—my skin. My heart races and a lump forms in my throat.

I should have never come back here.

I don’t realize I’m walking in reverse until my back hits the front door, shaking it and jingling the bell that rattles when it opens.

It doesn’t matter if it’s still pouring rain or if the person I’m supposed to meet isn’t here yet. If Sage works at the shop, I can’t stay.

Not after what happened.

Spinning to the door, I pull it open, but a large man stands in my path. It only takes me a moment to put together that face.

“Kane.”

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