Page 28 of Ashes

I didn’t know how long we stayed that way, but I finally shook myself out of the haze he’d induced me in and replied with a strained, “Yes.” Then I blurted out, “No kissing, unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

He loosened his grip on the right arm of the chair and twirled a strand of my hair around his finger before tucking it behind my ear. He dipped his head toward me until his lips found the shell of my ear, his breath teasing my skin.

My heart was beating wildly in my chest, my breath halting as I awaited his next move. I’d never kissed anyone before. Well, before him. And I found myself wanting to repeat what happened earlier.

I felt myself tilt my chin, but his next words sent a cold shiver down my spine, bringing me back to reality.

“I wasn’t intending to,” he whispered, his dark eyes dropping to my mouth.

My palms connected with his chest and I pushed him off, embarrassed that I felt anything for this infuriating man. “Cabrón.”

There’s a small frown that formed between his eyeswhen he caught the expression on my face and his face momentarily softened, but the sound of the door opening cut off whatever he was about to say.

“Everything okay in here?” Kai asked, looking back and forth between us with concern.

I shot out of the chair, straightening myself. “I was just leaving.” I stopped beside Kai, dropping a hand over his shoulder. “Good night, Kai. Thank you for everything.”

Then I made my way back to my room, pushing what just happened to the back of my mind and focusing on my upcoming shift tomorrow at the hospital.

CHAPTER 7

JAMAL

“You okay?”I heard Kai ask.

Thank you for everything.

Thank him, why did she thankhim? She wasmywife.

I swallowed harshly, trying to rid myself of the acidic tang on my tongue. I cursed under my breath before straightening my spine and looking up at Kai. “What do you want?” I snapped at him from behind my desk.

He watched me warily and I didn’t blame him. I rarely lost my temper or even raised my voice at anyone, but Sienna seemed to have rattled it out of me.

I let out a slow breath, propping my fists over my desk. “Yes, everything’s fine,” I huffed out.

He raised a brow, conveying he didn’t believe me.

I hated how well he could read me. It usually was quite helpful since we worked so closely together andI didn’t particularly enjoy talking to people, but it was rather inconvenient in moments like these.

“Drop it,” I said. “Please.”

“Fine, but you know you don’t have to be an asshole.” He took a seat in one of the leather chairs on the other side of my desk. Propping his ankle on his knee, he said, “She’s a very sweet girl.”

I glanced up at him, my irritation flaring back up. “How would you know how sweet she is?” I gritted through my teeth.

He lifted a brow. “Jamal, don’t start. You know what I meant.”

I ran a hand over my face. “I know. I’m sorry.”

He chuckled. “You’re lucky I’m used to your tantrums by now. Wanna talk abo?—”

“There’s nothing to talk about,” I cut him off, knowing he would dig close enough to uncover how she made me feel. Changing the subject, I asked, “Did you get it? Did Valentina get the device on their vehicle?”

Kai shifted in his seat and by the expression on his face, I already knew the answer. “She followed his car after they left the church but couldn’t get close enough to get a clear shot and lost him on the highway.”

“What do you mean lost him? That was our best opportunity,” I bit out and slammed a fist on top of my desk. Running my hands on top of my head, I turned away from him, trying to rein in my irritation. “He wasrightthere. How did she fucking lose him?”

Valentina chose to walk in at that exact moment. “I’m working on it.”