“Well, that’s no fun. I’ve already shown I can help identify the major players. I could help you move up in the lovely world of Cano. I’m literally in prime position to do so.”
“So that makes it okay to put yourself in large amounts of danger?” There’s not just annoyance in his eyes; there’s worry there too.
It makes me stop in my very stubborn, very sarcastic tracks. “What if I promise to stay in your car when you pick up the item and when you drop it off? I’ll even keep out of sight if someone walks by.” It’s as much of a concession as I’m willing to make.
“You’re going to be a pain in my ass, aren’t you?” He sighs, but I know I’ve got him.
“Hell yes, I am.” I smirk.
“Fine. You hungry? I didn’t eat dinner because I was too nervous.”
“I could eat.” I shrug, but reality is I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since long before my shift, and it’s currently almost five in the morning.
“Come on. I know a place.” He holds his hand out for me.
I accept it as we both grab out coats and head back to his SUV. In twenty minutes, we’re on the edge of town at the diner we went to nearly a month ago.
“What can I get ya?” a tired-looking older lady asks us as soon as we’re settled in our booth.
“Coffee. A whole damn pot if you have it,” I say. I’ve been up too long, but at least it’s my day off so I can sleep all day once I’m finally home.
“And you?” She turns to Chris.
“Just a cup, please.” He smiles, and her attitude instantly melts away.
Yeah, I know the feeling, lady.
I scan over the menu, trying to decide what sounds good, when Chris clears his throat.
“I meant what I said. This is all extremely dangerous, and I don’t want to worry about you while I’m handling the trade-offs.”
“And you won’t. I’ll stay out of sight in your car. Promise.” I don’t look up at him.
“If you move your ass from that chair, no more joyrides.”
“Why, Mr. Roth, there are so many other ways to have a joyride.” I look up and wink at him before the giant smile takes over my face, which I immediately cover with the menu.
Chapter 13
Adam
The trip up to the penthouse is like it usually is except I’m thinking about Nova too much. I need to be focused, watch out in case things go south, but here I am, thinking about how fucking good she tasted when we kissed. What she looked like up on stage tonight.
“Ah, Chris, finally.” Oscar opens his arms wide like he’s welcoming, but we both know the score.
It has me on edge. That damn scar on my back tingles, making my hackles rise.
“Here you go,” I say instead of addressing his statement. I outstretch the package and hand it to him. The light weight of it is at odds with its size.
He heads to his office but looks back at me to ensure I’m following him. Guess this is one I get to see.
As he unwraps it, he looks up at me. “You’ll understand why I didn’t want this one checked outside of my home shortly.”
Once the wrapping is off, he carefully removes the top of the case holding the object. Then he lifts the sword with his barehands, making me cringe. But once I get the full vision of it, the air shoots out of my lungs.
“The Honjo Masamune,” I whisper.
“Very good, Mr. Roth. You’ve been doing your research,” Oscar muses.
