Page 16 of Lord of Ruin

“As in he kissed me.” I said it quickly before I was too embarrassed.

She narrowed her eyes then opened them wide, squealing like I’d just won the lottery. “You’re kidding me?”

“No.”

“How was it?”

“Dreamy.” Who the hell said dreamy any longer? “The most passionate kiss I’ve ever experienced. It was as if he knew exactly what I needed, so possessive that I couldn’t have gotten away yet so incredible and full of desire that I was left breathless, moaning into the kiss, my body tingling all over long after he pulled away. And the electricity, whew.” I waved my hand in front of my face because I was getting hot flashes all over again like I’d experienced the night before.

“Oh, God. Please tell me that he wasn’t an ugly toad.”

“Oh, no. He was perhaps the hottest man on the face of the earth.” I was being honest.

Even if the asshole was still a killer.

“And please tell me that you got his number or something.”

“Oops.”

“What in God’s name is wrong with you? Surely, he paid using a credit card. Just find out who he is the old-fashioned way. Stalk him.”

“You are so bad. No, he paid in cash. A lot of cash.”

“What do you mean a lot?”

“Try ten grand.” I cringed after making the statement. No one in their right mind did that unless they were trying for a payoff. Maybe that’s why he’d handed me the wad of cash in the first place.

She almost knocked over her coffee. “Hold on here. What the hell did you need to do and what kind of dog was this?”

“Just a mixed breed and I removed a bullet.” See. At least I wasn’t lying completely.

“Whoa. That is insane. Maybe he just robbed a bank or something,” Charlotte huffed.

We both laughed until an approaching man caught my attention. He really captured my attention, even enraptured me. Suddenly, it was as if all time stopped. It was him, my mystery man. The one who’d saved my life, spanked me, terrified me, and kissed me. And the one who gave me enough money to purchase some cheap furniture. He couldn’t be coming in here. There was no way.

But here he was.

In fact, he was making a beeline for the place, which had me clamping my fingers around the edge of the table with enough pressure my hand ached. Was he going back on the promise he made? Wait. I’d made one to him. Oh, dear God.

“What’s wrong? You’re pale.”

I tried to act nonchalant as he opened the door, taking long strides inside. Thankfully, it wasn’t obvious he’d seen me, nor did it appear he was looking for anyone. He merely headed for the short line, even pulling out his wallet.

“Nothing. I think I just need to get something to eat.”

“How about a bagel? I’ll get you one.” When Charlotte tried to stand, I grabbed her wrist.

“No. I’ll get something on the way on the way to the clinic. I just want to relax and drink my coffee.”

“Okay. Then tell me more about this hunk you met. Did he have a handsome face? Sexy body?”

“Very much so. Every part of him was chiseled. Chef’s kiss.” I pressed my thumb and index finger together, touching my lips.

“Ooh-la-la, baby. Maybe his visit was a good omen, although the amount of money is really odd. Are you sure it’s not counterfeit?’

“Well, I did use a ten from it to purchase my coffee a few minutes ago.” I snuck a quick look over my shoulder, sucking in my breath. He was even more gorgeous than the night before, the lighter gray suit a perfect fit for him. I had a feeling whatever his name, he was a very rich man, the suits likely tailored for him.

“Let’s just hope no one calls the police out of the blue.”