Page 31 of Ghost

“Steel needs you on Shack cleaning duty,” Ghost says, still staring at his phone.

“I don’t remember—”

“Didn’t ask if you remembered,” Ghost cuts him off. “If you’ve got free time, might as well put it to use.”

Venom looks between me and Ghost, taking a step back. When he doesn’t say anything, Ghost looks up.

“Is there a problem?”

“No, sir.” Venom disappears to the other end of the bar, and I turn toward Ghost.

“He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Did I say he did?”

“You scared him off.” I narrow my eyes. “You don’t want him hanging out with me or something?”

“Never said that.”

“Of course you didn’t. God forbid you pretend to give a shit.”

“What are you doing, Luna?” Ghost sets his phone on the bar, angling his body toward me.

His knee knocks mine, and I hate that the simple, accidental moment of contact rattles me.

“Drinking.”

“That’s your second drink, and now you’re taking shots.”

“You’re counting my drinks now?”

“Just looking out.”

“Maybe I don’t need you to look out for me, Ghost.” I lean forward, realizing I’m too close, but I refuse to let him think I’m weak by backing down. “I can take care of myself.”

“I know you can.” His glare hardens. “But until we figure out who hired you—who is looking for you—I’m just doing my job.”

“Your job? Is that what I am?”

We’re so close now that I can feel the heat radiating from him. Ghost’s knees are kicked open, and mine are between them. Our fingers nearly brush where they’re resting on the bar top. My skin prickles with static.

I’m breathing harder than I need to be, but I can’t catch my breath. He towers over me in his seat, and his eyes are blue pits I’m lost in.

Swallowing, I shift back and hold my breath.

I can’t look at him.

I can’t smell him.

I can’t have him.

It’s all too much.

Ghost doesn’t answer my question, which is answer enough.

“Never mind.” I shake my head, hopping off the stool.

“Where are you going?”

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