Page 82 of Beneath the Light of the Moon

In the end, it didn’t matter. She’d made promises, had set goals for herself, and she’d be damned if she didn’t follow through. One bullet at a time would get her closer to the control she craved no matter how much her subconscious hesitated.

Being useless wasn’t an option anymore.

25

Passcodes

Anika

While her aim had gotten better, Anika’s feelings toward Mikko hadn’t.

Diluted pieces of their interactions haunted her, every waking moment consumed by him. Even though she was emailing consultants and clients, her mind wandered to a week ago when she’d spotted him sulking in the corner of the restaurant she’d chosen for her and Levi’s date. Ever since then, that memory had propelled her through all of her bad days and nearly every unbearable moment with Levi.

And then there was the gun range. She could still hear his whispered voice and gruff touch. She’d hoped the orgasms she’d wrung from her body as soon as she’d gotten home that day would’ve helped. Apparently not.

She’d be lying if she said it didn’t dosomethingto her stomach. His phantom touches lingered days later, her chest aching. Torn completely in two, Anika admired his ability to claw his way beneathher skin despite her disdain for him, but she also wasn’t blind to attraction. He might be an asshole, but her body couldn’t help itself. Her mind thought back to his sinful scent of blood mandarin and addictive vetiver and patchouli. His warmth had completely enveloped her in that small shooting booth, erasing every other thought.

Except for the fact he’d accused her of killing one of his men. Those were bold words coming from a man who was known for torture and murder.

And now scarf stealing.

Adrenaline had already lined her veins, the nightmare causing her to head to the range setting her teeth on edge, but then he’d shown up—slipped past her safety mechanisms. It was in her favor regardless, but again, her body wasn’t caught up with such schemes. Deep down, she had carnal desires he could sate if she let him, but the thought made her shudder.

No, I cannot go there, especially withhim.Anyone else, sure.

Her cell phone rang, drawing her back to the present. The name flashing across the screen had her pausing with a look of disdain.

Levi.

Anika debated on if she should answer, but knew she’d agreed to plans with him this evening and answered with a sigh.

“Hey,” she said as she resumed typing all while tucking her phone between her shoulder and ear.

“Hey, are you still down to get dinner tonight?” Levi asked, his voice light. He was always in one of two moods: enthusiastic or withdrawn. Tonight was the former. Either way, it didn’t matter, he was nothing more than the gum on the bottom of her shoe. A nuisance and a narcissist.

“Of course, where were you thinking again?” She kept her own voice airy and bright, matching his apparent fervor. His insistenceon this date had been annoying to say the least, and maybe alittlebit endearing. Endearing in the way a dog brings its owner a chew toy covered in slobber.

“Well, I know we usually go out, but since you’ve invited me over to your place,” it’d been a tactic she’d used to get him to let his guard down, “I thought you could come by my place?”

“Don’t feel like you have to repay me for that,” Anika hurried to comfort, her words only surface level, “I only want to do things you’re comfortable with—”

“I know, I know, but I want to. I just wanted to make sure I’d cleaned up before you came over.” Her eyebrow rose, but he continued. “And I thought we could have a relaxing night in, and I could cook for you.”

“Are you a good cook, or am I to have low expectations for this?” Anika teased.

Levi chuckled. “I’ve been told I make a mean gnocchi soup by quite a few of my guests, so I think you’d be surprised.” Who his other guests had been was none of her concern, but she found it weird he’d say it like that, especially if they were to be dating.

What a slimy little man you are, Levi.

“Sounds perfect to me,” she replied breezily.

“I’ll stop by your office in about”—he paused, most likely glancing at his watch—“thirty minutes.”

“See you then.”

And as she hung up, a small smile graced her lips. She was positive a certainsomeonewould hear about this little date and investigate.

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