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We did end up showering together. Then we got dressed, grabbed breakfast from the buffet downstairs, and then returned to cuddle on the bed. Our conversation, however, was anything but romantic.
Knox’s borrowed phone buzzed. It was Jackson. Knox put him on speakerphone but didn’t tell his president.
“First part of the plan is in motion,” he said gruffly. “Drink ourselves under the table at the Well under the pretense of mourning our fallen brother.”
I glanced at the clock. Ten in the morning. Right on time.
“Thanks, Jack,” Knox said with equal professionalism, then hung up.
Things were still tense between them.
Knox turned to me, uncharacteristically serious. “The ball’s rolling, Care.”
I nodded.
“No going back,” he said pointedly.
I raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to get me to reconsider my own plan? I don’t want to back out. I want the ball to go through my father’s chest and obliterate his heart.”
“Just making sure.”
“I want this to end once and for all and reclaim my life.” I sat up on my knees, facing him, feeling a sudden rush of defiance sweeping me up like a leaf in a current. “I have to make things right in Reno. I have to eradicate the danger to it—my father. I helped him get into his position of power,” I continued fiercely. “I helped him strongarm local businesses and use them to smuggle cash. I intimidated shop owners into paying me to protect their business license and property from the Wolverines. I’ve drawn too much blood for him. I’m done. I’m done.”
I swallowed hard, fighting the burning in my eyes. “I can’t ever take it back or make it right for the Devils, but I can stop the cycle from continuing.”
Two hours later, my mouth was swollen from kissing Knox until it physically hurt to continue, and it was time for step two: anonymously call the police to report that a gang—the Devil’s Luck—was intoxicated and causing problems at a local bar.
“On our way, ma’am.”
“Thank you. I’m glad we have good people like you protecting our beautiful city.”
I hung up. So far, so good. Not that it was much yet.
Knox shoved his phone in his back pocket. “Uber called. Ready to go, spitfire?”
I took his hand when he offered it, something I never thought I would do in my life. “As much as I can be.”
“Good answer. I’ve got you no matter what.”
“Oh, yeah?” I asked as we walked down the hall. “You gonna lick them to death?”
Knox wrinkled his nose. “You need to wash your mouth out, woman. And this tongue is yours and yours alone.”
The Uber driver was some older lady charmed by Knox’s good looks, who expressed worry about his bruises.
“Just got caught in a bar fight.” He chuckled. “Typical Reno.”
She responded with something bashful, laughing like a high school girl. My teeth grated together. Then I realized I was jealous of some try-hard cougar in a Subaru. This was the least of my worries.
When we got to the Well, the lady looked like she wanted to give Knox her number. One glare from me, though, made her pale.
Knox chuckled and pulled me along inside. “Down, kitty. The Wolverines are most likely on their way. We can’t be jealous of old ladies.”
“I’m not jealous.”
“Baby,” he said like it was obvious.
“Shut up.”