“Wait. Wait. Wait.” He stomped up to me, and I folded my arms across my chest, standing my ground. Naked or not, I was still a boss. “Are you saying you’re done with me?”
His eyes bounced between mine, silently begging me not to say yes, so I didn’t answer. I didn’t want it to be true either, but this was how it had to go. He didn’t need to be tangled in something he wasn’t part of. This was Syndicate business.
Deliberately not looking back, I stepped around him, walking down the path we’d used. “I’ll take you home. You don’t have to worry. And if you suffered any losses from missing the fight tonight, I’ll compensate you.”
Did I just fuck him and tell him I’d pay him? Yikes, Nova. Probably not the right phrasing.
I had made it about halfway when a blur of motion stopped me. Conrad was positioned right in front of me, eyes ablaze.
“No.” His green eyes locked on mine, his mouth tight, arms crossed like a steel barrier. “Donnie and Jeremy are my friends.” Even he winced at his wording, but he quickly doubled down. “I want to help.”
I cocked an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say they were just acquaintances?”
“No. Friends. Fellow turned supes I’ve helped. You don’t go helping every random acquaintance, do you?”
I shrugged. True, I didn’t, but I also didn’t have time for dead weight. I brushed past him, only to have him yank my arm back. I growled, surprised by his resolve.
“I know someone Donnie might’ve told,” he blurted, running a hand through his hair before standing his ground. “A promoter he keeps in touch with. If anyone knows what Donnie was up to, it’s him.”
Was this just a ploy to stay involved or if he was really trying to find a way to be around me? Maybe he was being honest. Maybe not. If he lied, I could kill him.
That voice deep inside cooed, “But could you really?”
I bit out, “Where’s this promoter?”
His lips twitched, but he stayed firm. “He’ll be in town for a major fight in a couple days. The Grosky versus Banner fight that you’re putting on.”
It wasn't just a fight; it wasthefight. The one that was going to be televised across the nation. The one for which I had celebrities and rich people, both supes and humans, begging me for seats. Money, fame, the works. I’d even built a new dome facility, making the in-person fights exclusive to the elite and the few celebrities who could afford a seat.
The only exception was I had a lot of media coming for this first fight, both big and small, wanting everyone to have this playing in everyone's faces.
Looking him in the eyes, I knew I couldn’t ignore the lead. The syringe. The sample. What if it was inconclusive? What if it lednowhere? I had to follow all the leads, wherever they went. It was my job.
“Fine,” I relented.
I stepped up, chest-to-chest. “And if this guy turns out to be a dead lead or hasn’t talked to Donnie in a while, I’ll make it my personal goal to ruin every business venture of yours. You waste my time, and I’ll make sure your time doesn't even matter. Understand?”
A sinful smile stretched across his face, sending shivers down my spine. “You got it, Boss Rossey.”
I took a breath, leaning forward just slightly, still drawn to him. His eyes turned molten as they looked down, and I was suddenly very aware of how naked I was.
Snapping out of it and spinning toward the car, I said, “Let’s go. I need to get you home so I can shower.”
His voice whispered near my ear, “You could always shower at my place?”
I closed my eyes, realizing that getting him home would be a battle of wills all its own. What the fuck had I gotten myself into?
11
NICK
Thud. Thud. Whack.
What is she looking for in that dingy trailer?
Thud. Thud. Whack.
Who is that man with her?
