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He stares me down as I step inside, I find none of the floors illuminated.

“Were you waiting for me?” I ask, pressing garage.

“You came into my apartment last night.” He isn’t asking.

“I smelled food.” There’s a quiet terror that digs its way into my heart.

Orzo isn’t a nice or easy person. He is a weapon. Our enforcer. An asset to have on your side, but one misstep?

And he could be the most dogmatic enemy.

Could I take him in this enclosed space?

I eye his reflection warily on the metallic walls of the elevator.

He is already glaring at me, and I flinch.

“I didn’t know you were dating anyone.” I test the words as we continue down.

He leans back against the wall. “I’m not.”

“Oh, so she won’t be around again?” I don’t know where the question comes from.

Oroz cocks his head, and a sinister smile draws onto his lips in the reflection. “This could work. She wouldn’t be far.”

“What could?” But the doors are opening, and he’s already gone into the garage.

Stepping out, I head towards my car, but as I do, I see the tail end of a familiar vehicle cut around the corner.

A dented rear bumper.

Wait a minute.

I jog after it, but by the time I make it around the corner, it’s already out of the garage.

Orzo whips past me on his bike, missing me by inches.

That’s not good.

He only ever takes it when he’s chasing a trail and needs a quick escape.

And I am still staring open mouthed in the middle of the garage when I get the phone call.

It’s her.

“Hello?” I head to my vehicle.

“Reuben, you said you own restaurants.” Cinnamon’s voice is husky, a loud whooshing in the background.

My name falling from her lips is an immediate aphrodisiac, I swallow thickly.

“Were you just in a gara—” Shaking my head, I clear my thoughts, and start up my car. “Never mind. Yes, I do.” My plan was to reach out to her after the last name on the list.

But I won’t pass up the opportunity.

“I need a huge favor. Can I use a kitchen of yours today? I need to make a meal in the next few hours if at all possible. And I can still cook for you again later.”

Confusion percolates.