Cole released a slow, shaky breath. Thank you, Arman. “Kurtz said he’s gone.”
Mistel shifted, her nose grazing his chin, the lemony smell of her hair intoxicating.
“Well, this is cozy,” she said, her voice a husky whisper.
Cole huffed a nervous laugh, very aware of how close her body was to his and how it made his heart race. “Terrifying is a better word.”
“I wouldn’t mind if it happened again.” She laced her fingers with his.
Time to move or Mistel’s suggestion of kissing cousins was going to become a prophecy fulfilled. Cole squeezed her hand, then let go and pulled out the keys. “Good thing I locked it.”
“If it had opened, I was going to kiss you. Best excuse for being in a closet together.”
Cole chuckled, his cheeks warm. “That was my only idea too.”
He unlocked the door, and cool air rushed in. Cole walked into the now-empty office.
Mistel came alongside him and tugged his rope belt. “Why a rope? You used to wear a leather one.”
“Kurtz’s idea. Says it’s always handy to have rope.”
“And the bracelet?” She ran her finger along the beads.
“You gave it to me.”
“You must really like it.”
Fishing for compliments again. He didn’t mind. He wanted to say “I really like you,” but all that came out was “I…do like it.”
She smiled so brightly it lit up her entire face and brought out the charming quirk in her teeth. Before Cole knew it, he grinned back, caught off guard by just how stunning she was. He ached to kiss her, to reprise that dazzling moment in the forest after their encounter with the Poroo. No one would see. No one would know but them.
He slid his thumb along her cheek, cradled her neck, pulled her toward him.
He’s not leaving, Kurtz bloodvoiced. We’ll distract him so you can get out of there.
The interruption brought a wash of shame over Cole. Where was his head? Not on the mission. Not on protecting Mistel but taking advantage.
He’d agreed to be her cousin for a reason.
Cole forced himself to release Mistel, feeling as if he’d stepped outside into the bitter cold. “Kurtz says we need to go. Come on.” He crossed to the door, thinking he should search the desk again, but the invoice in his pocket would have to do.
He found the key he’d used to open the door, then glanced outside and saw Zanna talking with Thusk’s man at the foot of the stairs.
Cole twisted the knob carefully and opened the door. He inserted the key into the lock and motioned Mistel out. She slipped past, and he followed, pulling the door closed behind him. With the key already in place, he quickly twisted it, then tucked the keys into his pocket.
On the ground below, Zanna said, “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“Go,” Cole whispered, gesturing Mistel down the stairs.
She went, and Cole followed, careful not to make a sound.
Halfway down, Mistel called out, “Did you find a way in, Anna?”
The guard turned, frowning. “What are you two doing up there?”
Mistel smiled sweetly. “Looking for the dressing room. You do have one, don’t you?”
The guard blinked. “Why would we need one?”
