Page 116 of Reasons We Break

“And what made you figure that out?”

“Simran’s mom found out we kissed.”

Nick brakes too hard at a red light. “What?”

“Yep.” Rajan pops thep. “She came by our house yesterday to tell me herself.”

Nick whistles, long and low. “You don’t do anything halfway, man.” Then, a grin creeps over his face. “So she’s just your ‘volunteering buddy,’ huh?”

“Don’t.” Rajan’s not in the mood.

Nick adopts an airy, exaggerated bro-drawl that doesnotsound like Rajan. “‘You totally made a mistake taking her, dude. I don’t give a fuck about her. That’s why I completely lose my shit every time she’s in trouble.’”

“Nick, I’m about to commit an actual homicide right now.”

“Okay, I’m done.” Nick’s grin fades. “We’re here, anyway.”

They are; a nondescript gas station parking lot, one Rajan is very familiar with.

Nick parks, then gives him a close look. “You sure about this?”

Rajan wonders what, exactly, Nick can read on his face. “Yeah.” If he’s going to leave town, he’s going to make damn sure Simran is taken care of first.

They go inside. Maya is sweeping the aisle, and she brightens upon seeing Rajan, which makes him feel ill.

“Haven’t seen you in a while,” she says. “You quit.”

“I work somewhere else now,” he replies. He nods at Nick, and Maya follows his gaze. “With other people.”

Nick places a notebook on the counter, above the lotto tickets. Maya glances at Rajan.

“Rajan, what—”

“This is your job interview,” he says shortly. “You want an accounting job? You got it.”

Then he goes outside because he can’t stomach watching her do it.

Eventually, Nick comes out and joins him next to his Benz. He doesn’t say anything at first; just lights a cigarette. After blowing a few smoke rings, he says, “She’s perfect.”

Rajan knew that already. “Will it convince the godfathers?”

“If I can spin it right, maybe. She’s way more qualified than Simran, that’s for sure. But Simran’s got something degrees can’t buy. Will they be willing to make that exchange?”

“That’s your problem now. I kept up my end—I got you a new bookkeeper. Now it’s up to you and Zohra to use her.” They’re the ones with the power to make this happen. Not him. “Promise me you’ll get Simran out.”

“It’s going to take a while.”

“Then make sure she doesn’t get hurt in the meantime. The Aces—”

“Won’t touch her. I’ve got people watching her now.” Before Rajan can draw breath, Nick adds, “To keep her safe. Same with your family.”

Rajan narrows his eyes. “Why would you do that?”

“Because despite what you think, I actually do care,” Nick says. “That’s why I vouched for you, you know. When the Lions wanted to off you.”

And then Nick takes another casual drag from his cigarette as if he didn’t just drop a bomb. Rajan can only stare. “What thehell?”

“Everyone believed you killed Jai,” Nick continues without looking his way. “One ofours. If you hadn’t gotten arrested, someone would’ve killed you that night for sure. But me and Zohra made a deal while you were in juvie. If we got you back on the payroll, they wouldn’t put out the hit. That’s why we came to Kelowna.” A slight smile. “Didn’t count on Simran, though.”