Page 76 of Beneath the Light of the Moon

Nothing but her own nerves stood in her way.

But even those were dissipating with each “good job” the people at the facility showered her with when she came in with a blank target and left with one riddled with holes.

Removing her finger from the trigger, she carefully set the gun down, content to take a breather. The padded table in front of her was littered with stray shell casings and more ammunition should she need it.

An occasionalbangechoed in the range, a few other people occupying the lanes around her. Her ear protection prevented the sound from being overly loud. They muffled the world in a way she relished. Right now, it was her and the target in front of—

“I’d hate to be on the other end of you,” a familiar voice said from behind her. The decibel was low enough that her ear protection allowed for it to register. Anika’s fingers stilled, the tips of them hovering over the bullets she was currently loading into the clip.

Without turning she said, “I usually have the opposite effect.”

Mikko chuckled. “Noted.”

Finally shifting in the small area, Anika set her things down before turning to look at the man before her. He stood a couple feet away, arms crossed across his chest. If he thought the distance between them would convey he wasn’t a threat, he was wrong.

That, or he was wary of her shooting him right then and there.

Tempting…

He was dressed in casual clothes: dark denim jeans and a black long-sleeved Henley. Despite her dislike for him, the shirt did wonders for his physique, but she made sure not to let her gaze linger, not wanting to give him any more fuel to approach her.

And those eyes, the ones she’d dreamt about, the ones sending herherein the first place, were slightly hidden in the shadow of a ball cap slung low on his head. His unruly ebony locks peeked out from under the rim signaling he’d woken up and came straight here. Similar over-the-ear protection sat atop his head, blocking out the harsh gunshots, but allowed for them to talk.

“Are you following me?” she asked abruptly, needing something to distract her.

“No, you just happen to go to the same places I do.”

Anika glanced down at the shooting bag near his feet, dropped there as if he owned this lane. He probably did; he had enough money to own anyone or anything in the city if he really wanted. The logo on the bag matched the one of the range which had her brow quirking.

Her teeth clenched momentarily. “I’m afraid I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“Funny you should say that, neither do I. Although,” he glanced around, “wearein a public space, Anika. It isn’t following if we show up at the same place.”

Her brain caught on the use of her name, the invasion of privacy making her spine straighten. She’d never get used to hearing it, especially when she never gave it to him in the first place. But it was a necessary sacrifice. In order to win this game of cat and mouse, she had to invite in his attention. She’d summoned his scrutiny when she’d approached him all those weeks ago, but it still didn’t soften the vulnerable feeling curling in the pit of her stomach.

“Is that what you told yourself when you laid in wait for me outside my gym, by my car?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His grin said otherwise.

“You’re a bad liar,” she sneered.

“And you’re a bad shot,” he fired back with a nod to her hanging target behind her.

Anika propped her hands on her hips. “Andyouaren’t, pretty boy?” The last words were supposed to be an insult, but as soon as they left her mouth, they felt different.

His brow cocked, noticing it too. “A man can’t give up all his secrets now, can he?”

“What about the secrets concerning stolen items,” she said, “from inside my house?”

“You really must have the wrong guy, Anika, because I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The smug grin on his face said otherwise and she thought about pistol whipping it off his face. “Sounds like something you should talk to the police about, not me.”

“As if you don’t pay all their salaries.”

His hand landed on his chest in faux hurt, “I work hard to keep this city safe. Is that such a crime?”

“It’s not safe enough apparently.”

“A few missing items is hardly something to be concerned about, little moon.” Anika’s jaw clenched at the nickname as he continued. “I never would’ve guessed you to be someone who accused others so freely, no evidence in sight—”