“No reason. Just confirming shit, that’s all.”
She lets out a bubble of a laugh. “Um, okay then. You’re not acting weird - at all - girlfriend. Sending you his mugshot.”
I snort. “Later, gator.”
“After ‘while, crocodile,” Premy hangs up with her customary farewell.
My phone vibrates with a picture of the man sitting across from me. I place my phone back in my pocket. “Seems you check out.”
Carlson lifts an eyebrow then sits on the opposite side of the booth. He doesn’t take his eyes off me.
“Do I have something on my face?” I swipe at my cheeks, hoping I don’t have drool on them.
“No, Kitten, you’re fine.”
Motherfucker.
“Don’t.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Don’t, what?”
“Do. Not. Call. Me.Kitten.”
“Merow,” Carlson makes a cat sound, then hisses.
My mouth drops open, about to rip this asshole a new one.
“Hey, darlin. My name’s Persis, and it’ll be my pleasure toserviceyou today,” our waitress interrupts. “I mean,serve. It’ll be my pleasure to serve you today.”
Carlson winks at me. “I’ll have whatever Kitten is having.”
“A sweet tea to go?” Persis writes it down. “Coming right up, gorgeous.”
Carlson smiles at me, then settles back into the booth.
“What the fuck?”
“Kitten’s got claws,” Carlson wiggles his eyebrows. “I bet you’re a wild cat everywhere.”
Chapter 10
“Too much.”
Ryker
Cat is sending eye daggers in my direction, but I can’t stop now. I need her off-balance to keep her from questioning my identity.
Tatiana created a solid alias, but there’s always a risk when someone looks too closely. I’ve been living that for months.
“Are you actively trying tosexually harassme?” Cat’s eyes widen.
I shrug.
“Carlson, if we’re going to work together…”
“Ryker.”
“What?”
