Page 43 of Up in Smoke

“I don’t want you to die, either. My reasons are significantly more selfish, however.”

“It’s the whole millions of dollars invested thing, isn’t it? Honestly, I’d be pretty selfish over that sort of investment, too.”

“Jade,” Sandro complained.

“It’s the ears and tail?” I guessed, well aware he liked me for reasons more than my looks or how much I’d cost his mother.

“You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

I pricked both my ears forward, grinned, and nodded. “It’s more fun that way, and I’ve discovered I can get away with it. The other bounty hunters? Really wouldn’t let me get away with anything, I’m betting.”

“Not with that much of a paycheck on the wire. For the record, I signed that section of the paperwork because I am invested in making sure we make a relationship work. Not because my mother wants you for the family, but because I want you for my family. That’s selfish.”

“That’s practical and sane,” I countered. “Selfish would be wanting me for sexual purposes at your leisure.”

“I want that, too,” he admitted.

I wouldn’t complain, and my fox appreciated his interest. “I guess it’s a good thing I’m a hybrid, then. I don’t think most regular women would be able to keep up with that libido of yours, Mr. Moretti.”

Sandro snickered. “I like how you said that as though you aren’t a frequent instigator.”

“It’s not my fault you went outside while it was raining. You only have yourself to blame for being pounced. You can’t hold that against me. And you make salsa.”

“And there’s leftover salsa in the fridge, and I’m fairly sure I saw some plant lights in the supply list along with tomato seeds, so I might be able to indulge in your need for fresh salsa.”

I snatched the supply papers, shuffling through them in search of indoor gardening supplies. Sure enough, there was an entire page dedicated to indoor gardening. “Oh, this is clever. He’s really trying to mitigate the need for the ventilation system, too. But is it possible to get sufficient vegetation down here for that through plant lights?”

“We’ll find out, I guess. I will say this much, though. I’m going to be stealing some of these ideas for New Orleans. At least that way, something good will come out of this mess.”