Page 25 of Beneath the Light of the Moon

Minutes ticked by, allowing his brain to roam.

He could suddenly picture Levi and Anika making small talk while she looked at the property. Levi complimenting her and asking if they should meet up sometime,“For business, of course,”he would assure her. And like the infuriating woman she was, she’d agree. He’d seen his employee’s attempts at flirting before, his charm sickly sweet and somehow always working to draw in those of the opposite sex.

Or maybe they wouldn’t even make it that far, their clothes hastily pushed aside as want and pure attraction flowed through their veins. It’d be the perfect spot, the warehouse’s decrepit walls their only witness to their sexual acts.

Mikko’s leather gloves squeaked as his fists tightened.

Stop, stop, stop.

He’d been watching too many reality TV shows with Cristiano lately, and they were clearly rotting his brain.

The telltale sound of the door opening again, its hinges rusty and squealing horrifically, had Mikko’s head snapping up to look at the gap between the buildings in front of him.

First, he spotted Anika as she walked into view while Levi locked up behind them. Their chatter continued, but it was indiscernible. The early autumn breeze whipped her hair around, pieces of it blowing across her face and lips as she smiled at something Levi said.

When is that bastardeverfunny?

Her work attire consisted of dark slacks hugging her hips and thighs before straightening out at her ankles. A deep forest hued blouse was tucked into her pants, the material appearing to be soft as it pressed against her skin in the wind.

Mikko’s lips twitched.

Like this, she looked nothing like the temptress she’d been the night they met—her skin on display, her tattoos attractive against her skin,and the outfit she’d worn then…

“Thanks again,” she called to Levi as she rounded the front of her car, “I’ll be in touch!”

Oh?

Maybe he could take the sale over from here, and completely kick Levi out of the picture—

“Of course! You have my direct number, so give me a call when you’ve decided.” Levi stepped closer, his slacks and crisp button down visible from where Mikko was observing.

The man was conventionally attractive—lean build, short blond hair he kept styled and trim by attending a nearby barber every three weeks, and a face conveying his approachability. But his sudden enthusiasm pissed Mikko off. There’d been many sales before this one where Mikko had to damn near pull teeth to get that man to work.

“And if I don’t hear from you, I’ll reach out to check in,” he continued, hand running through his hair. Mikko rolled his eyes.

She nodded, but her spine stiffened.

The note.

Mikko was positive she noticed it tucked neatly where he’d left it, his scrawl taunting her.

Without indicating what it was or that she saw anything, Anika slipped it out from under her wiper and climbed into her car. A smile was still plastered on her face, but it looked like it hurt her to maintain it.

Inwardly, Mikko was laughing. It felt good to return the favor she sokindlytook upon herself almost a week ago.

Throwing his leg over his bike, Mikko turned the key, letting the razor thin headlights of his R6 shine in the dimness. She’d pass him to leave and he hoped she would notice him.

Another small parting gift, if you will.

A little something to scare her. It was all fun and games until he started showing up at places she least expected it.

Turning on her headlights, Anika pulled away, content to leave Levi waving at her like a schoolboy with a crush. But the moment Mikko’s headlights lit up the side of her car as she drove by, he saw her head whip to the side. He revved his bike, unable to stop the impulsive thought. Ever observant, she pinpointed his form in the dark atop his motorcycle. Mikko coyly waved before she sped away.

Her tail lights faded into the distance, but still Mikko waited. A painful amount of time passed before he allowed himself to make his decision. He knew work was most likely piling up on his desk but…maybe one little detour wouldn’t hurt?

Mikko turned the key the rest of the way letting the machine beneath him rumble to life as his Bluetooth headset connected.

“Starting route guidance…”