Page 129 of Executing Malice

By the time we loop towards the far, back corner where Daisy is, I’m pretty sure Mayor Ferguson has some competition. At the most, Dante might get voted to get the key to the town.

“You’re very good with people,” I remark.

Dante gives a weak laugh and runs a nervous hand through his hair. “I read a book about it. I wasn’t sure I was doing it right. It’s scarier in person.”

Despite the earnest uncertainty on his face, I can’t stop the laugh that comes out of me.

“You’re...” I trail off as I loop his neck with my arms and pull him to me for a long, slow kiss. “Amazing,” I finish. “I might have to cuff you to me. I saw the way some of the women were looking at you.”

“They stand zero chance, but you should definitely cuff me to the bed and fuck me.”

Laughing, I pull away and capture his hand.

I had an image in my head of Daisy sitting alone and forgotten at the back corner, under a murky light with her jewelry unnoticed by the town.

I was not expecting to find a whole lineup of people crowded around her booth. Women, mostly, as theyoohandahh.

“Want to stay?” Dante asks.

I shake my head, smiling at the glow of happiness on Daisy’s face.

“No, I think we can go.”

But no sooner have we started away when Daisy calls after me. I turn back to watch her sprint up, face wide and beautiful with her smile.

“Thank you!” Her arms sling around my shoulders and she squeezes hard enough to make me squeak. “People said you told them where to find me.”

Heat creeps up my neck with the prickle of annoyance. I didn’t tell people so they could tell Daisy. I wanted her to think they came to her on their own.

Stupid Jefferson.

“I’m glad it worked out,” I say instead.

Releasing me, she steps back to present me with a smooth, flat box no bigger than her palm.

“For you.”

I stare at the beautiful, satin design with the neat, little bow. “Oh, you don’t haveto—”

It’s shoved into my hand. “I made it specifically for you, so you have to take it. It’s good luck.” Her green eyes sweep over my shoulder to where Dante stands. “Not that you need it.”

With a wink, she twirls on her heels and hurries back up to her enthusiastic crowd.

I turn to Dante as I peel the top off my present and gasp.

Nestled in a bed of royal blue silk is the most stunning bracelet I’ve ever seen. A delicately crafted twist of wires looped through shiny beads and cluster of diamonds. Between each sits a medallion with an eye, a hand, and a star. I recognize them from jewelry I’ve seen before, but the bronze pieces with the crystals are perfect together.

“Don’t put it on.” Dante stops me when I reach to pull it free.

I blink up at him. “Why not?”

Gingerly, he puts the top back on and stuffs the box into one of his pockets.

“You might lose it.”

I don’t see how, but he might be right. The fairground is packed and there’s so much happening. I wouldn’t know if it slips off.

“Come on. We still have a whole night.”