Page 12 of Devil’s Candy

So yeah. Daddy issues for the win.

I step into the shower, using the hotel shampoo, soap, and conditioner. Then I give my hair a quick blowout. I can make my hair look good with any tools, it’s my thing.

I don’t have makeup, but the dress looks good on me. I brush my teeth, and then step out, putting my strappy sandals back on as I sit on the bed.

“You look good, Candy,” Knox says as his gaze slides down me. He runs a hand through his spiky hair, his amber eyes coming back to mine.

“Thanks.” I finish buckling the strap. “Good job on the dress. It’s a nice fit.”

“I’ve never picked out clothes for a woman before. Guess I’ve got skill.”

“I guess so.” I stand, not really interested in feeding Knox’s ego. Maybe agreeing to breakfast was a mistake. What I’d like to do is replay every detail of last night over and over in my head. “Ready?”

But as I look around, I don’t see my key card anywhere. That’s weird…

And then I remember. I gave it to Sver.

Shit.

“We have to check out soon. Want to pack your clothes from yesterday in the bag I brought?”

“Good idea.”

I guess the key card doesn’t matter.

Picking up the clothes, we head down to breakfast.

But it turns out Knox is a decent breakfast date, picking a cute café, pulling out my chair, and picking up the check.

As I finish sipping my latte, I ask the question that I’ve been wondering about since last night. “How come you texted me last night?”

Knox grimaces. “The Smiths have this guy that’s been giving them a really hard time. He was in the casino last night.”

“Oh.” My eyes go wide. “Anyone hurt?”

“Nope. He was just spotted first on the casino floor and then in one of the hallways, I think. But they haven’t seen him since late last night, so he must have left again.”

My nose twitches as something tickles down my spine. Something isn’t right. “The Smiths have enemies that scare them?” They seem like they own the whole world.

“You don’t get that rich without making a lot of enemies.” Knox shrugs. “Then again, we don’t have a twentieth of their money and we’ve got loads of people who hate us.”

I sigh. Too true. I’ve got no money and somebody wants me dead.

“What time are we leaving Vegas?”

“Not until later,” he answers. “Want to do some shopping?”

I shake my head. “No. I don’t have money for that and⁠—”

“My treat.”

I shake my head again. “Knox. I don’t take gifts from men. It’s just asking for trouble and⁠—”

“It’s a good fucking policy. But I’m not a man, I’m one of your bosses. And you can wear the clothes to work if you it makes you feel better. I don’t feel like spending the day alone. My brother getting fucking married has me twitching.”

I cock my head as I consider his words. “Why’s that?”

“We’re a unit. A team. Have been since the adoption. Letting a woman into the inner circle…” He blows out a breath. “Never mind. You want to shop or not?”