Page 36 of Ignite

“Do you think I can do it?” I ask quietly, shrinking under his intense brown eyes.

I don’t know why I need his opinion. Unless he’s not talking about hiring me as a killer.

Muscles in Cain’s jaw work as he glances away, taking in the other patrons chatting. “Honestly, I’m not sure. But we can figure out what works for you. I’d just feel better knowing you’ll be okay on your own.”

Lenny interrupts by dropping a tray of sandwiches on the table between us. Cain’s pastrami and swiss monstrosity, and mine—a grilled chicken, bacon, and swiss on the softest bread I’ve ever touched. My stomach rumbles in satisfaction, and I tear into my sandwich, forgetting all about Cain’s offer.

“Good lord, is it possible to orgasm from a meal?” I moan into another bite.

Cain’s eyes flick up to me, churning with something dark and seductive. My heart leaps in my chest. My dick gives a twitch, reminding me that I’m very much attracted to this man.

Lenny pats the edge of the table. “Glad you like it, Ezra. Next time, we’ll hook you up with the meatball sub.”

After we finish our meal in silence, Cain throws a twenty-dollar bill on the table and walks away. I scramble to follow him.

“Keep an eye on that one, Ezra,” Lenny calls out with a wave as we reach the front door.

I wave back, grinning. “Will do! Nice to meet you.”

Cold air rattles my bones outside the shop, and my arms snap over my chest. With all the chaos of the last few days, I didn’t have time to stock up on thicker clothes for me and Jakey. Was he a popsicle right now? I like to imagine he’s right where I left him, safe in that shelter, knitting away, now under the guard of mercenaries.

Stopped at a crosswalk, Cain looks down at me and matches my pained expression. He sheds his long peacoat to drape it over my shoulders.

“Put it on,” he orders.

I blink up at him, confused by this entire fricken day.

“I swear, Ezra,” he grumbles, reaching to shove my arms through the holes of his warm coat. “How did you survive on the streets?”

I wince. “I’m not helpless, okay? I did just fine for myself. Jakey and I know how to get by.”

His eyes cut to mine, anger flashing in their depths. What crawled up his ass today?

“Who the fuck’s this Jakey to you?” he demands.

I don’t back down, keeping my chin high. “Told you, he’s my friend.”

He’s quiet for a few strides before saying, “Rev had someone pick him up and take him to a senior living estate.”

“What?” I stop in the middle of an intersection. The light changes and cars honk at me. Cain grabs me under the elbow to usher me across the street.

“He’s safe there, so don’t worry about him, okay? He’s under constant care and our protection.” When we make it to the other sidewalk, he lowers his face to mine, causing my pulse to quicken. “But I swear, Ezra, if I find out that you’re double-crossing us—”

“I’m not! Jesus!” I fire back. “I may be many things, but I’ve neverbeen a liar.”

Cain holds my stare. Seemingly satisfied with what he finds, or doesn’t find, he keeps his hand around my arm, tugging me along to a men’s apparel shop.

A thin man with blonde hair greets him when we enter. “Mr. Vincent. Pleasure to see you again so soon.”

I shouldn’t be surprised that Cain has so many connections. He’s a CEO running a successful business just down the street.

“What can I do for you?” the employee asks, hips swaying as he approaches Cain.

“I need a full wardrobe for my new intern.”

My eyes dart to Cain. “But I didn’t accept—”

“Hush, Ezra.”