Page 30 of The Ruthless Note

I’m relieved when he doesn’t pursue the topic and follows me into the shop.

Hunter’s a nice person. If anyone should be stuck like a burr in my brain, it’shim.So why can’t I kick Dutch and his obnoxious face out of my head?

“I think this’ll work,” Hunter says, dragging me out of my thoughts.

I blink rapidly and notice that he’s pointing to a pair of boots. We make the purchase and I follow him to the escalator.

“Do you want something to eat?” Hunter offers.

I check my watch. “Can’t. I’ve got a shift now.”

“I’ll drive you,” he offers.

In the car, neither of us say much. It’s not an awkward silence, but it’s definitely a sign that we’ve run out of things to talk about.

Maybe I’m getting in my own head, but—as much as it’ll disappoint Breeze—I don’t think I’ve got that kind of chemistry with Hunter.

When we get to the diner, Hunter pockets his keys and joins me on the sidewalk. “I’m going to order something for my brother to eat.”

“Oh yeah. Sure.”

He holds the door open for me and I walk inside, inhaling the smell of greasy burgers, fries, and smoke. The bells jangle as the door comes crashing closed behind us.

“What’s good here?” Hunter asks, turning to me.

I start to answer when I feel the air turn charged. The hair on the back of my neck sticks up and my heart bangs against my ribs before I’ve located the cause.

I whip my head back and forth, searching for… I’m not sure what.

But then I find it.

Or more accuratelyhim.

Dutch and his brothers are sitting in a booth, looking straight at me.

* * *

Jinx: Cinderella Ran Away With A New Boo

Prince Charming better keep a firm grip on that glass slipper because Cinderella is running barefoot into another man’s arms. Our resident New Girl was seen hopping into a classic steed, all smiles and flirty eyes at Knight In Shining Armor. Who will win our fair lady’s heart? And will the fight on our hands be to the death? I sure hope so.

Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

- Jinx

CHAPTERSIX

CADENCE

Everything inside me goes still when Dutch flashes me a dark look like the villain in a movie just before he unleashes his evil on the world.

What the hell is he doing here in this part of town?

The urge to ball my fingers into fists and startswingingnearly swallowsmewhole. A soft touch on my shoulder keeps me from giving into my baser instincts.

Hunter studies me carefully. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” My voice sounds soft and wispy. “I’m going to get my apron.”