Page 56 of Heat & Deceit

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I glance at the report, and my mind drifts to Todd, causing my thoughts to turn a little more violent. He insulted Carmine. Called her names. He came into my business and disrespected her.

Javi

Deal with Todd. Tonight.

Rome

Took you long enough.

Ly

I’d offer to help break his kneecaps, but I have to go on a fucking date.

Javi

Did you bring up clause 3?

Ly

Didn’t get a chance. This is the last date. It’s not a big deal.

Bullshit. I know how much he hates these dates, and I regret ever signing on with the agency. We want an omega. We want that perfect match for our pack, but not if it means one of us changing who we are.

Rome

I’ll deal with Todd tonight.

Javi

Nothing violent.

Ly

Fun sucker.

Rome

He’ll be hurting by the time I’m done with him.

And I don’t doubt it. Rome has a knack for destroying people who have wronged us. It’s probably a good thing Ly is preoccupied tonight. I don’t trust him to keep his head on straight when it comes to Carmine. I’ve seen the way he watches her and know the thoughts running through his head.

They’re all too similar to my own.

Fifteen

NOVA

By the time my shift ends, my brain is a mess of theories and questions I shouldn’t ask. Things like: When were you going to tell me you’re from a royal pack? When were you going to tell me you could pick up a baby giant and hurl him out of an open door?

Why would he bother telling me any of that when he’s my boss?

Randal is long gone when I clock out. Amara is leaning against the counter, arms crossed over her chest as she watches me peel off my apron.

“I’m sorry, okay?” Her tone is sharp and defensive, so much so that I reel back a little.

“Whoa. What?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t do a good job this morning.”

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