Page 14 of Gang of Roses: Rebel

A grin spread across his face. “Knew it would.”

I smirked. “I’m straight, Cairo.”

One of his brows lifted. “Cairo?”

I shrugged. “Since you wanna use my government name, I figured I could use yours.”

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. “So that’s what we doing now?”

“You started it.”

“Fair enough.” He leaned back against the headboard, still smiling. “I kinda like hearing my name come out your mouth.”

“Pssh... whatever.” I rolled my eyes, fighting back a smile. “What you tryna eat?”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

“Don’t get excited,” I laughed. “I’m only feeding you because you’ve been sittin’ here playing alibi all day.”

He clutched his chest dramatically. “Damn, Rain. Here I was thinking you missed me.”

I shrugged. “I did... but that don’t mean you ain’t gotta eat.”

His grin widened. “I’ll take both.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Boy, you so damn greedy.”

“Only when it comes to you.”

I rolled my eyes again, but the smile never left my face. We quickly freshened up, changed clothes, and headed downstairs to grab something to eat. The elevator ride was quiet, with Cairo standing beside me, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie while I scrolled through my phone.

The moment the elevator doors slid open, I knew something was different. The lobby buzzed with nervous chatter as hotel guests gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves. Uniformed officers moved in and out of the entrance while employees stood off to the side answering questions.

My gaze drifted toward the front windows. Red and blue lights bounced across the glass. Outside, patrol cars lined the street while yellow crime scene tape stretched around part of the block. News vans had already pulled up, their cameras aimed toward the intersection.

I didn’t have to ask what was going on. SPJ Bank was less than a block from the hotel.

Cairo followed my gaze before leaning closer.

“Looks like somebody having one hell of a day.”

“Ain’t us,” I replied calmly.

The corner of his mouth curled into a grin. “And let’s keep it that way.”

I slipped my arm through his as we headed toward the exit.

“You worried?” I asked quietly.

He didn’t even hesitate.

“About you getting caught?” He glanced down at me and smirked. “Not even a little. We planned every move. The only thing I’m worried about is what you’re buying me for dinner.”

I laughed under my breath. “Your priorities are all the way messed up.”

“Nah.” He opened the door for me. “My priority is making sure my girl eats after a long day at work.”

I bumped his shoulder as we stepped outside. “Work, huh?”