Page 101 of The Broken Note

His eyes narrow slightly. His stare is edged in violence but, when he speaks, his voice is gentle. “You started this, Cadey. Don’t even think of backing out later.”

I know this is his extension of mercy. His last act of kindness. The tension between us is thick and we’re both still fully clothed.

He’s telling me to step back now if I don’t think I can handle it.

But that only stirs my competitive spirit more.

“Worry about yourself,” I hiss. “If I catch you lying to me, my penalty won’t be a joke.”

His eyes slide down my dress until they return to my face. “Looking forward to it, Brahms.”

Heat spreads from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes, which are curling in Vi’s borrowed wedge sandals.

I whirl around and step into the middle of the room, right in front of the projector screen hanging from a wooden beam.

Dutch shrugs out of his jacket.

I frown. “What are you doing? I haven’t asked a question yet.”

“I’m hot.”

“And?”

“I plan on telling you whatever you want to know.” He lifts one corner of his mouth in a smirk. “It’ll take too long before I get to strip.”

My nostrils flare. Cocky piece of—

“You want to go first or should I?”

“I’ll start.” I face him, arms limp at my sides, eyes tracing every muscle of his face. “Have you ever done drugs?”

His eyebrow jump is telling. He’s surprised by the question. “No.”

My tongue darts out to wet my lips. “Have you ever sold drugs?”

He tilts his head, trying to figure me out. “That was two questions.”

I realize I was overeager. I nod and gesture for him to go.

“But the answer is no.”

I exhale sharply.

Dutch stares right into my eyes. “I don’t do or sell drugs. Who told you that?”

“No one.” That’s a lie, but he doesn’t call me out on it.

My mind is whirring fast. Dutch seemed genuinely puzzled by my question. He could have lied about the drugs, but I don’t think he could fake that perplexed expression.

The knots in my stomach loosen a bit.

But that brings up other issues.

Like why would Jarod Cross tell me that Dutch sold drugs? Was he genuinely mistaken or is there something bigger I’m missing?

Annoyed by the mystery, I motion to him. “I took two turns. You have another question.”

“What was it like that night? Being touched that way for the first time?”

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