Page 47 of Love & Heart Braking

He chuckled, then quietened. “I’m not sure about this. Really not sure. That gut of yours… how good is it?”

“The best in the industry,” I replied. Maybe I wouldn’t usually be so forthcoming about how good I was, but the chief wasn’t just anyone. If Devereaux and I lived long enough to have a future, then he’d be in it.

The chief swore under his breath. “Okay, do it.”

“Great—”

“But, wait. Uh, don’t make it sound too pushy, okay? Maybe you could keep my name out of it? Or maybe tell her I don’t know her name. Then I could be surprised when we met up?”

These two were going to be adorable. “Rion, I’m going to tell her your name. I’m going to tell her that you’re interested, but value your friendship with her. That you wanted me to reassure her that if she says no, there’s no danger to your friendship. And then, she’s going to say yes.”

He took a breath. “You think so?”

I grinned. “I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

“Please do,” the chief said seriously. “I can’t promise I won’t call and change my mind though.”

“Unfortunately, it’s nearly closing time, and we don’t open again until Monday,” I said brightly.

“Dev doesn’t stand a chance.”

Snorting, I ended the phone call.

“He said yes?” Soleil was packing her handbag. She’d been glowing all day because she and Bain had the “hottest kiss of her life.” I was pretty sure my definition of a kiss and her definition of a kiss were different things. I was adamant that I’d heard slapping skin.

“Reluctantly, but yes. If the phone rings again, and it’s him, then I’m not here, ’kay?” My jaw cracked as I let rip another massive yawn. I’d lost count of how many I’d done today. “I may need another triple scooper.”

She crossed to the kitchen and switched on the kettle. “What do you think the sphinx meant about Clause 102?”

“No idea.” Had to be a riddle, but I’d turned the words every which way to find the answer without success. “Maybe the others will be able to figure it out tonight.”

She delivered my coffee. “About that. I’ll meet you there.”

“Got a hot date?”

Her green eyes darkened a shade. “Sure do. I’m going to his place.”

I tried not to bounce on my seat in pure glee. “Sounds like you’re super into him.”

“I am. And that’s what worries me.” She perched on my desk. “Him being close to me isn’t good for his lifespan. My family will look into Bain if they know we’re dating. It would ruin everything he’s trying to achieve.”

“That’s what worries me about Devereaux too. What are you going to do?”

Soleil blinked as though dazed by bright lights. “I don’t know that I can do anything.”

I smiled. “Best just hang on for the ride then.”

She glanced at me. “You think?”

“What does your gut tell you?”

“To weaken Bain with strategic blows, then confine him in an underground facility.”

I should’ve known better than to ask. Predators. Seriously. “Right. I think that means you feel protective.”

“Protective.” She tried it on for size. “Yes.”

“Then that’s a conversation you could have with him, right? Maybe he feels the same way about you.”

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