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“I need your help doing some recon on this dude. I don’t know shit about him except his license plate number.”

“Ooh, I get to hack motor vehicle records. I love that.”

“Name and address would be great, but anything else you can find out is good too. Places he hangs out at, his job, routine. Shit like that.”

“What’s his deal?”

“He tried to roofie Blush.”

Boone’s eyes go wide. “Surprised you didn’t kill him on the spot.”

“Couldn’t. It was during business hours at Segreto. They banned him from the club but that’s not good enough.”

“Nope. He can rot in hell.”

“And he will by the time we’re done with him.” I clap his shoulder. “’Preciate it. I’ve got my hands full with other things right now.”

Boone laughs. “Other things. Okay.”

Grinning, I wink and go back to what I was doing. I’ve got two jobs I’ve been working off and on. Both targets have been elusive, going underground, which is why I’ve got them. Unlucky for them, I’ll find them, and when I do, it won’t be pretty.

I’ll work for a few hours then get ready to go see Blush perform tonight. Hopefully I can convince him to come back here after. I liked waking up with him. I wonder if I’d like it permanently.

Carnage and Rue enter the rec room, heads together and giggling. I never thought in my life I’d see this soft side of Carnage, and it’s really cool. Is that what love does to a person? Even a hardened, soulless guy like me?

Could I love Blush someday? I shake my head as the thought bounces around my mind. I can’t even imagine being in love, but I know I like him and I want him around more.

Maybe I thought it would be impossible to find someone who knew what I was and accepted it. I definitely didn’t think I’d find someone just like me in a lot of ways. There may be an age difference, but it doesn’t feel like it. Sadly, Blush had to grow up fast, and it shows. The flirty brat I met at the club is just the surface layer of the complex man beneath it.

I gotta admit, I kind of dig the idea of working beside him. Having a true partner in crime is oddly appealing.

I fire off a text to him. I was gonna wait to tell him in person, but I’m too curious to know his reaction.

Me: Spoke to Shadow. He’d like a sit-down with you if you’re interested.

Blush: Seriously? Wow. Is this real life?

Me: Yes. Have you thought about it?

Blush: Constantly since you brought it up. I only have one hang-up. How do I make sure my family stays safe if I’m not around all the time?

Me: You have a village now, Blush. Not just me. Nothing bad will happen to them on our watch.

Blush: A village. That’s

The text comes through before it’s finished. Then a second one quickly follows.

Blush: Cool. It’s cool. Thank you.

Me: Or, last time I’ll say this, you can keep your life how it is, let me take your burdens and carry them while you focus on building the life you want. It isn’t weak to let someone who cares about you take care of things for a while. You’re the furthest thing from weak I can think of.

He doesn’t answer for several minutes, but I see the dots pop up and disappear several times.

Blush: I don’t think it’s weak. It’s just not me. I wasn’t made for a soft life and I don’t want one. I’m excited to talk to Shadow. I crave having a purpose, something tangible. I want to be your equal, not wait in bed for you to come home. I know what I’m doing.

Me: I know you do.

Blush: But thank you. You’re way sweeter than I expected.