Page 131 of Kai
I blushed like a virgin in a whorehouse, or, more accurately, a kitchen virgin in the galley. Apparently, I was a compliment hog today. Who knew praise could go so far to lift a gal’s mood? They felt like mini orgasms to my ego. Hiding my pleasure, I hunched over my food and hid my blush behind mylong bangs. But Kai’s smile?
It was for me, and since his aura made an appearance, I knew it was as sincere as the man.
His life energy sang sweetly in my ears. After studying Levine’s congealed and soul-sucking energy, it was a relief to bask in Kai’s aura’s brilliance, even if it was only for a few seconds.
High on his compliments, I plopped down on one of the galley stools. Sitting sideways, I kept a clear view of the merc and his revolting aura. To think I had to eat while watching the repulsive beast. But I was hungry, and we faced a long night ahead, so I dug in.
I tasted my eggs. Warm goodness slid down my gullet, over-peppered and under-salted, but what the hell. Surprise! Apparently, I could make coffee, fry some eggs, and scare the shit out of a murderous mercenary. Three wins in one day? Hell, I’d take them.
***
Kai
“What about me?” Levine’s stomach growled from a distance. “Don’t I get to eat something?”
“I vote no,” Cece offered instantly through a mouthful. She couldn’t contain her loathing for the man.
“We’ll see.” I tore into my English muffin, grateful to Cece for giving my empty stomach something to work on. “Perhaps if you give us something…”
“I’m not cooking for the fucker,” Cece warned, spearing her eggs with her fork.
“Oh, but you will, my goddess of pain.” He flashed his awful grin. “If you’re as fierce in the bedroom as you are in life, I’m gonna make you my queen.”
“I’d rather fuck a rat,” Cece shot back.
“See what I mean?” He smiled down at his lap.
Hell, Cece’s defiance had an instant effect on the merc. His erection was back, sick bastard that he was.
“You’re gross.” Cece scowled.
I squeezed the bridge of my nose and swallowed my fury. Time to shake things up.
“Focus, Jack,” I said. “What other types of jobs did you do for Li?”
“We took out people.”
“Politicians?”
“Politicians are cheap and easy to buy. Spies are fun to hunt, and magnates run the world. We took those out. Like her father.”
An irate Cece pointed her fork at the merc. “Did you kill my father?”
“Nah, my stormy princess.” The merc shook his head. “I would’ve gladly done you the favor, but I can’t take credit.”
“Who did it?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” he said. “But there were rumors among the unit leaders.”
“Rumors?” That was interesting. “What did they say?”
“One guy mentioned he’d ran surveillance for Li on the Astor asshole. Oh, shit,” he grimaced. “No offense, mistress of cruelty.”
“No offense taken,” Cece spat, and she probably meant it.
“What else did your guy say?” I asked.
“He told me it was an inside job.”
