Concern flashes in her hazel eyes, but she presses her lips together as if she has to physically keep herself from asking questions.
It’s kind of adorable.
She turns to face me once her front door is closed behind us and folds her arms across her chest. “Why are you here?”
That’s a loaded question.
I want her so badly I can barely breathe.
I keep my hands at my sides. It would be easy to reach out. Pull her against me and ravage her plush mouth but…
I don’t. I can’t rush this.
My mind drifts back over the last couple of hours and Alex’s fucked up boys club and the dubious advice I’ve been given. I’m an idiot to listen to Alex and Declan, but they’re both happy, so…
“Is everything okay?” Sera is staring at me with a nervous expression.
“Yes,” I say automatically, not wanting her to worry as I catch her finger where it’s rubbing her thumb.
Then I remember my new plan. “No, I mean—nothing is an immediate problem. I just… needed to tell you something. The story is out now. Officially.”
Her brows knit. “What story?”
“My father’s death.” I hold her gaze “He was found behind his nightclub early this morning.” Her eyes widen. “I found him and another man, Petyr Petrov. They killed each other in a fight. The scene was cleaned, and no authorities were notified.”
Sera’s mouth opens and closes before she finally says in a weak voice, “I’m sorry?”
“I’m not,” I answer honestly.
She tilts her head to study me. “Mutual combat?”
I nod.
She frowns. “I thought I wasn’t supposed to know all the details.”
Fuck.
I drag a hand down the back of my neck. “You’re not, but I could tell it was bothering you.” Not totally a lie.
“For a gangster, you’re a terrible liar.”
That earns a ghost of a smile from me. “I don’t have much practice. I don’t generally have to lie… I just do what I want.”
A tiny laugh escapes her lips. “What are you doing here… really?”
That’s the billion-dollar question.
“I’m out of a job for a while, and I need your help.”
Her spine straightens immediately.
“Out of a job… how?” she asks. “I mean—how does that work when you…” She gestures vaguely at me. “Do what you do.” Her brow furrows deeper. “They kicked you out… because of… everything?”
“Yes,” I say simply. “Temporarily anyway. While the dust settles so to speak.”
Sera blinks at me, brows knit tight. “What can I do to help?”
“I thought maybe your brother could use an extra man.” I feel like an ass.
