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My teeth clench and I stare up at the ceiling.
Stop sniffing the bed.
You cannot find this man attractive.
Okay, so that’s unreasonable, because he is, objectively, very handsome. Like super handsome. Like so fucking handsome it makes me weak in the knees. But, and this is a big one, he’s also a killer. Not to mention my kidnapper and jailor.
My lungs fill on another deep inhale.
Screw it.
For tonight. For the next few hours. I’ll let the scent of a big strong man comfort me, while I pretend I’m here by choice, on a date, and not because some dead asshole cheated on his wife.
CHAPTER16
King
I hit speaker,then set my phone on my desk as I continue to admire Savannah’s art.
From what I’ve found, she started by doing small shows in local galleries right out of college. And in the decade since she’s turned her work into an online sensation. She has a large following and people constantly messaging her to ask when her next sale will be.
Some of those sales have been strictly online, but she has one coming up in a few weeks that’s at one of the galleries her friend Mandi owns. And according to Mandi’s website, there will be an online sale the day after the gallery showing for anything that doesn’t sell.
It’s all very fascinating.
I can’t find any evidence that she sells art prints. I’ll have to talk to her about that. Her pieces are too stunning to limit to the one original piece only. More people need her work on their walls.
“What?” the groggy voice croaks through my phone.
“I need you here tomorrow.”
Nero groans, “And you couldn’t fucking tell me tomorrow?”
My eyes move to the time. “Oops.”
“Oops my ass, you fuck.”
“You know how many times you’ve called and woken me up? Lots.” I don’t feel the least bit sorry.
Nero hums, “Is this about that girl you kidnapped?”
“What’d you say?” another sleepy voice asks.
“Nothing,” Nero whispers. “Go back to sleep.”
I stay silent, hoping Payton will knock back out, because I don’t really want her knowing about this. Not that she won’t find out eventually, but if she finds out what I have planned, she’ll definitely try to interfere. And with the way she has Nero jumping to her every tune, he’ll go along with whatever she says.
“Um,” his voice is muffled now, like he’s holding a hand over his mouth. “What are you listening to?” Too late, I remember the sound system in my office is playing the Peaceful Retreat mix. “I thought you went home?”
“I did.” I find the correct button on my remote and kill the music.
“That was spa shit.”
I ignore him. “Be here at one.”
“Is that seriously what you listen to when you’re alone?”
“Tomorrow?” I grit out, needing to know he can make it.