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“Meaning?”

He glances back at Hector’s body, and a sick realization dawns on me. He knew I would look. He wanted me to see.

“Why did you show me that?” My voice wavers with the panic suddenly clogging my throat.

Do I even want to know?

His gaze narrows on me like twin green lasers. “Because your sense of self-preservation needs a reality check.”

His words hit like icicles, stiffening my spine in defiance. “Really? You staged all that just to scare me?” I cross my arms to hide the tremor in my hands. “Please, Cade. You’re about as terrifying as a poodle.”

A corner of his lips curls up in a smirk. “Noted. Anyway, that was your last free pass. From here on out, if you want me to risk my neck for you, you’ll have to earn it.”

Earn it.I blink slowly. Okay, I didn’t expect Cade to turn around and drop ultimatums after what I just saw him do, but maybe it’s time to stop trying to figure him out.

“What’s in Moscow anyway?” I ask.

Cade strides toward the motorbike. “Let’s go,” he snaps.

Right, it’s a secret. Gotta earn that one, I suppose.

Climbing onto the bike behind him, I murmur, “You know, I’ve got a contact in Moscow. Actually, he’s more than just a contact. He’s a potential fiancé. He’s got major connections in your line of work. Deep pockets, too. I could connect you—if you keep me safe.”

Cade scoffs and shakes his head. “And you’re supposed to be a finance major.”

I narrow my eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He turns and plops the helmet onto my head. “One would think you’d know the difference between ‘earn’ and ‘bargain,’ princess.” He revs the engine. “Try to skip fewer classes.”

Rage bubbles up inside me, but I fasten the straps and wrap my arms around his waist before he can zoom off and leave me in the dust.

“Has anyone ever mentioned you’re a total dickhead, Cade? Not saying you are, I just, you know . . . wondered.”

He glances back over his shoulder. “Yep, I get that a lot. And while we’re on the subject—if you start moaning my name or dare to make another mess on my bike, I will throw you off.”

Heat rushes to my face, and I open my mouth to retort, but he’s already gunning the engine, drowning out any comeback.

I grit my teeth, tighten my arms around him, and silently plot his murder as his scent envelopes me, now mixed with violence, smoke, and total, unmitigated asshole.

It’s too bad he’s, quite literally, the only solid thing I’ve got to hold on to as the world blurs aroundme.

16

Cade

My custom-made Ducati’s engine dies, and with it, the chaos of the last hour.

The sudden silence makes me acutely aware of every small sound around us—the rustle of leaves, the distant hum of a lawnmower, the faint chatter of kids playing somewhere down the street—normal, everyday sounds that will never be part of my life. It’s comforting and painful all at once.

Luna’s hands linger on my abs, her fingers tensing like she’s fighting the urge to let go. My lips quirk up before I can stop them. Again. It’s been a long time since anyone’s amused me this much.

“Where are we?” She finally loosens her grip and slides off the bike, all toned thighs and sun-kissed skin. Her eyes dart across the unfamiliar surroundings as she braces against the Ducati, finding her legs.

“One of my pit stops,” I reply. “A place where I keep supplies. Among other things.”

I glance back at my sister’s house—a squat, tidy bungalow nestled in a row of four nearly identical homes. It’s got that classic suburban charm: a freshly painted white porch, hanging flower baskets swaying in the breeze, and shutters that match the deep green of the lawn.

It used to be my crash pad between hits before Sophie moved in with that prick she’s so obsessed with. Now it’s mine, with all the perks of a hideaway and none of the strings.