Page 7 of Zero
“No.” I shook my head. “Not this one. Maybe the next.”
“What did you say about Marcia’s brother when he was flirting with you?”
“Not this one maybe—I get your point!” I frowned. “And I was right about him. The man was in a gang and it got him killed. Gunned down on the side of the road like a dog.”
Nitro rolled her eyes. “That’s not my point, and you know it.”
I sighed. “Listen, fine. He’s sexy. But he’s from a whole, entirely, different country. I don’t want to move to Germany and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want to move here.”
“Isn’t that putting the buggy before the horse?” Nitro wanted to know. “You are too serious, Bailey. I’m not saying you’re supposed to offer it up to every man who looks at you, but have you noticed they stopped trying?”
I had noticed.
The men in the neighbourhood had stopped hitting on me. At first, I thought it was because my brother was in the military and they were afraid of him. But that was only a part of the reason.
The truth was, they didn’t want me because I was an ice-queen—their words, not mine. “I know what I want in a man.” I explained to Nitro. “And I deserve to get it because I don’t ask for much. The man who is really into me beyond the obvious will get my smiles and my bad jokes and all of me. If they can’t see past the ice, then they can get the hell on.”
Nitro nodded and drained her wine glass. “I see your point. But seriously, take some time to get to know the Samurai. He may surprise you.”
“Samurai?”
“Girl, Samurai are sexy.”
We looked at each other then burst into fits of giggles. “Just don’t call him that to his face. It may go to his head.”
Nitro promised and our night continued.
At some point we passed out more than we fell asleep. The next morning, we woke on the floor of my bedroom and laughed until we almost peed ourselves. After showering, though I wasn’t going in to work, Nitro and I went to the restaurant for something to eat before they opened for the day. Sarge was already there and prepared us some food. Justice and Rei arrived and before I could stop her, Nitro invited them to join us.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Nitro and Justice hugged. She shook Rei’s hand, but I didn’t even acknowledge him.
“Good morning, Hoshi.” Rei’s voice was soft, teasing.
“What did I say about calling me that?” I couldn’t help myself.
He smirked handsomely at me and before I could throat-punch him, Sarge arrived with enough food to feed us all. I had a sneaky suspicion that Justice had called ahead.
“So, when is your first day?” Nitro asked Rei.
“Today, actually.” Rei replied. “I figured I should jump in the deep end right away.”
Nitro laughed. “Well, maybe try halfway to the deep end? I’m sure the environment here isn’t what you’re used to.”
Rei nodded as he tore a dumpling apart and shoved a part of it into his mouth. He chewed for a bit then replied. “A little. But I should be able to adapt easily.”
“I did some reading on your team.” Nitro continued. “You guys are bad-ass.”
Rei laughed. “Thank you. I’m sure the others would love to hear you say that.”
“And that Barbie!” Nitro gushed. “That woman is amazing.”
“We like her.” Rei grinned proudly.
“I was kinda hoping to meet your Daniel Hunt, though.” Nitro paused to sigh dramatically and fan herself with her fingers. “Woof.”
“I think his lady would have plenty to say about that.” Rei chuckled. “But he’s a good cat.”
