Page 63 of Vicious Temptation

I wave her off, pretending to be annoyed, though deep down, I couldn’t be happier she’s here. Having her beside me feels like old times, and I’ve missed her more than I realized, which makes knowing I only have one more week with my Val feel nowhere near long enough.

The next hour drags on painfully slowly, especially now that I’m alone with my thoughts and avoiding room camera B like the plague.

Aunt Leni picked up Valentina thirty minutes ago, and I would’ve gone with them if I hadn’t already committed to Venom. Now I’m starting to regret that decision.

Most of the patrons have cleared out, along with Thiago and the rest of his team. At least, I assume he’s gone. He didn’t say goodbye, stop by the counter, or even look for me as he left. I pretend not to notice the stupid little sting of disappointment that comes with that realization.

“Stop it, Remi. It’s for the best, and you know that.”

Once the last straggler makes his way out the door, I head upstairs to grab my bag from my office, then come back down to close up.

“Remi.”

I nearly jump out of my fucking skin, my hand instantly going to the blade at my waist as I spin toward the sound. Thiago stands near the entrance to the reserved rooms, bag slung over one shoulder. His eyes drop to my hand, and I wonder if he knows exactly how close he came to being stabbed.

“What is actually wrong with you?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He raises his hands in surrender, though I don’t miss the hint of amusement on his face.

Fucking asshole.

“Scare me? You almost got eviscerated.” I glance around the empty range, then look back at him. “What the fuck are you still doing here? The lights off and everyone else leaving didn’t ring any damn bells?”

“I was packing up.”

“For thirty minutes?”

His mouth twitches.

My eyes narrow. “Thiago.”

“I might’ve taken my time.”

The way he just stands there, looking entirely too good for my liking and not saying a word, is seriously starting to piss me off.

“I just needed to talk to you,” he says at last, stepping close enough that I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze.

I swallow harder than I’d like to, and against my better judgment, I stay exactly where I am.

“What now?”

“Nothing.” His voice drops as he leans in slightly. “I just like talking to you.”

I’ll be damned. My traitorous stomach flutters.

This is the moment I should shut this down and send him straight to hell, because I know better than to entertain whatever this is becoming. But Val’s voice chooses this moment to creep into my head.

Take him for a test drive.

Fuck it.

“I haven’t exactly been friendly.” I step into him until my chest brushes his. “You really are a masochist, Officer Braga. Is this some kind of kink of yours?”

“Kink?” he repeats, a low growl rumbling in his chest, sending heat straight through me.

Well, shit.

“Maybe.” His gaze drops to my mouth. “So I’ll take that as my sign to stick around because I have a feeling you can be meaner.”