Once again, fuck this guy.
“You mean I stopped you from having to explain an attack on two humans on your turf, then saved your ass from Angelo’s mess. You’re welcome. Now, you’re going to answer some of my questions, and we’ll call it even.”
Stark studies me for a long moment.
Then he smiles.
The kind of smile a shark might wear before biting something.
“Ask.”
Ice floods my veins.
Predators don’t expose their throats.
They bait traps.
This is it.
This is it. The end of all the dead-end trails and chased rumors. The answer to what happened to my brother is standing right in front of me, and for a second, all I can hear is the blood roaring in my ears.
Stark waits, patient and amused, like he already knows exactly what I’m going to ask.
I don’t hesitate.
“How do you know the brunette?”
Wait. What the fuck?
Of all the things to ask…that’swhat comes out?
Stark goes completely still.
The air in the alley changes.
The amusement disappears from his face.
The kitten squirms in his arms, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
And for the first time since this conversation started...
Stark truly looks dangerous.
Chapter Twenty
I PEPPERONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU
There she is.
Perfection.
The word is hopelessly inadequate. I’ve seen wonders in my immortal life, but nothing compares to the sight of her walking toward the bus stop, oblivious.
It’s for the best she doesn’t know I’m here; around her, I’m reduced to a blubbering fool. Still, I have my purpose. From the shadows between two buildings, I wait for her to make her way to the bus station so I can follow her to work and ensure she stays safe.
The Boss’ orders were simple: keep watch, protect her, and above all, don’t make yourself known.
So much for that last part. I’ve been leaving flowers at her feet for weeks. The order was doomed from the start.
