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“Do you know Roman?”

That gets a reaction. His shoulders shift.

Interesting.

“You do.”

“Shut up.”

“You've been watching him.”

His eyes meet mine in the mirror.

I smile. “You know, he really doesn't like that.”

Mercer looks back at the road. “You think he's coming for you?”

I don't even have to think about my answer. “I know he is.”

Mercer laughs. It's quiet. Ugly. “You're pretty confident.”

“You don't know Roman very well.”

“I know exactly what he is.”

My fingers still for a second.

Then I start working again. “No,” I say. “I don't think you do.”

Mercer's eyes find mine.

I smile because I want him looking at my face. Because every second he spends watching me is another second he isn't watching my hands.

The rope slips. It’s not off, but it’s loose. Very loose.

My heart pounds harder. I could probably pull one hand through. Maybe.

But then what?

We're still moving. I don't know where we are. If I attack him now and fail, he'll tie me tighter. Maybe tie my feet too. Then I'm fucked.

So I wait.

Roman would be proud.

Or shocked. Probably shocked.

“Why Smoke?” I ask.

Mercer's expression changes.

“What does he have that you want?”

“Your cousin should learn to mind his own business.”

“He owns a garage.”

No answer.