Page 123 of Burning Daylight

He leans on the bar, looking at Felicity. “You know, I saved her life once.”

Interest sparks in Felicity’s gaze. “Did you?”

“Can we talk about literally anything else?” I chime in.

“No,” they say in perfect unison.

“Wow.” I blink. “You’re like twins. This is a nightmare.”

He ignores me and leans in closer to her. “Tell me something. Do you two have a secret handshake?”

“A what now?” Felicity asks.

“A handshake. I think that any good friendship deserves one. It’s a sign of loyalty.”

“Interesting.” Felicity stirs her drink with her straw and then frowns at me. “Whydon’twe have one?”

I groan, slapping my palm over my eyes. “Great, now you’ve infected her.”

“That doesn’t answer her question, Juliette.” Roman smirks. “Honestly, I’d like to know, too.”

“Because we’re adults.”

“True.” His eyes drag over me. “Adults usually use their hands forotherthings. I’m sure you can recall how easily I was able to make you com?—”

My heart surges against my chest I slam my palm over his mouth. “Okay, that’s enough!”

His eyes sparkle, and then there’s a wet sensation on my skin. My mouth drops open. “Did you justlickme?”

Felicity cackles, her eyes bouncing between us like we’re the best entertainment she’s seen in years.

But along with her attention, I realize we’ve garnered other gazes, too. Ones that probably shouldn’t see us interact. Ones that wouldnotthink twice about running and telling people that we were being friendly.

My face drops, and he must recognize the shift of my energy because he straightens from the bar and clears his throat.

Energy zaps between us, and I can’t drop his stare.

“Roman!” a voice from across the room calls out, sharp and loud, like he’s being reprimanded.

Roman stiffens, and when I meet Benjamin’s glare, a sick and cold realization of just how public we really are douses me like an ice bucket.

“Your guard dogs are calling,” I snip.

Roman’s jaw clenches like he wants to say more, but then he snaps his mouth shut and looks to Felicity. “Ladies.”

I don’t move until he’s all the way across the bar and sliding back into the booth next to his cousin and Merrick.

“You better start talking,” Felicity demands. “Now.”

30

JULIETTE

Two martinis later, I’ve divulged my darkest secrets to Felicity. Maybe it’s because I’m tired of holding the weight on my own, or maybe it’s because I’m such a lightweight that the alcohol made the words stumble off my tongue. The only thing I didn’t tell her was that Roman is the street artist responsible for the recent headlines.

“You’ve always been a cheap date,” Felicity giggles when I tell the bartender, Ginny, that I want water.

“It’s part of my charm.” I lean against her. “I missed you.”