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“No.” He rolls his eyes as a car cuts him off. “I like making decisions instead of answering to someone else. And things won't be so chaotic once I get Reid’s mess straightened up.”

“It sounds like you’ve had to go through a lot of files.”

“That’s mostly what I’ve been dealing with—sending people out to update contact information, fill in missing information…all that.”

“Have you found a lot of vampires who were turned illegally—like Ethan? People who paid to be infected?”

“Quite a few.”

“Aren’t they reluctant to tell you what they did?”

“I’ve offered to drop charges in exchange for information. Right now, we need to see who they’ve been working with more than we need money from their fines.”

“Whoever it was paid off Reid, which means they must have contacted him to offer a deal. Do you think that’s what Larissa’s boss wants?”

“There’s no way to know until I talk to them.”

“Okay, but let’s say it is. What will they do if you say no? What’s going to keep them from killing you on the spot?”

“I’ll tell her, him—whoever it is—that I’ll think about it. I don’t have a death wish.”

“But you won’t really think about it?”

He flashes me a look. “Of course not.”

“Ethan said he paid four million dollars for the three bites, and that was just one job. I can’t even imagine the money they’re going to offer. It’s good they promoted you and not someone else.”

“You think I have higher than average willpower?” he chuckles. “Or a natural aversion to money?”

“No, but you’re…you. I don’t think you could be bought.”

He glances over briefly, his eyes soft again.

“Speaking of being bought,” I say hesitantly. “Cassian offered to invest in my business. I’m not going to do it, but…”

“How much did he offer?”

“He just threw out some numbers. A hundred thousand…then two hundred thousand.”

“You might want to consider it. He has a knack for that sort of thing. What would you do with the money?”

I feel a little giddy thinking about it. “Probably buy a plot of land so I can expand. I’d really love to sell flower seedlings in the next few years. Maybe put up a little shop on the property.”

“So, like…a nursery?”

My heart flutters, and the prettiest picture pops into my head—greenhouses full-to-bursting with baby plants, cutting gardens where people can pick their own flowers. A cute little shop that will serve as my storefront.

“Like a hybrid nursery and flower farm,” I say. “Small, cozy…perfect. Nothing too large or unmanageable.”

“You’ll need more than a few hundred thousand to get started.”

Crestfallen, I realize he’s right. That wouldn’t even cover the cost of the land, much less the construction and paying for the stock.

When Noah notices, he adds, “If you’re serious about it, sit down and discuss your plan with Cassian. If he thinks the idea is solid and profitable, he’ll work with you.”

“I can’t actually accept Cassian’s money.”

“It would be a business deal.”