Page 29 of Inferno

I grunt, wanting to ignore my feelings. Or the fact I’ve been thinking all day about how I could get her to go on a date with me.

Something I never, ever do. But I want to learn more.

Like how she learned to fight.

And why there’s so much pain behind her eyes.

“It’s nothing, Finn. Don’t worry,” I tell him and walk ahead.

“Denying it only makes it worse,” he calls out.

Denying what?

I just met her. It’s not anything.

Chapter 10

CHARLOTTE

“Just go to the bar or something. I’ve got plans tonight.”

Misha brushes me off and opens the bathroom door.

“Plans? You had me scoping out the potential meet areas on my own today. You are meant to bemyhandler, not the other way around.”

I stomp towards him and he spins to face me, his nostrils flaring.

“What’re you gonna do about it, little princess?” he mocks, running his hand through his hair.

When he chuckles and shakes his head, I glare at him.

“Nothing. Just as I thought. Now run along. Go have a cocktail. Might loosen you up. This whole uptight, stick-up-your-ass thing you’ve got going on is not hot.”

My fingers twitch by my side.

“And this whole manwhore thing you’ve got going on is doing you real good, isn’t it?” I laugh.

He’s a fucking useless mess.

“Shit at your job. No woman stays more than one night. Well, not even that if you pay them.” I count on my fingers for dramatic effect.

“Shit haircut,” I say, staring at him.

“Bitch,” he hisses, and his hand flies towards me. I grab his forearm, digging my nails into his flesh as he cripples over.

Plunging my knee with full force into his gut, he cries out in pain.

I don’t let go but tighten the grip. If I’m not careful, I’ll dislocate his shoulder. Then he will be completely useless to me.

So I hold it where it is, enough not to do full damage.

“What was it you called me? ‘Little princess’? How’s that looking now? Huh?” I whisper in his ear.

“Get off.”

“No,” I snap back.

God, this feels good.

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