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“Do you think this is what a kiss buys you, Mr. Volkov?”

He laughs tightly when I call him this. But he’s tense. It’s an interesting mix. “I like when you show me how you really feel. I know that much.”

“We’re not at work now.”

“I just want to give you a car. No strings attached. You deserve better.”

“I’m working to get better,” I snap. “Me. I don’t need you swooping in to solve all my problems.”

“Fucking hell, Serena. It was an offer, that’s all. I’m not trying to swoop in on anyone. Actually, that’s bitten me in the ass before.”

He’s gripping the steering wheel hard, his jaw pulsing. I get the urge to put my hand on his arm and tell him I don’t want to fight. As if we’re a couple. As if I’ve done something wrong.

“How did it bite you in the ass?” I ask instead.

“Sometimes, saving people can get other people hurt. That’s all I’ll say.”

I want to ask more. Is he talking about his life before Miami? A relationship? His criminal world?

He returns to the parking lot, then turns to me. “You don’t trust easily.” It’s a statement, not a question. “Does that have something to do with your ex?”

“What makes you think you get to ask questions like that?”

“I thought we discussed this. I buy questions with kisses, right?”

I roll my eyes, trying to play it cool. He was right when he told Iris that he’s cheesy. But I like it. I love how he can diffuse me sometimes, like I don’t have to go off, don’t have to feel all that rage. He somehow makes it okay.

Then his lips are on mine, and I’m not thinking much. I squeeze onto his arm. My fingernail bends against his solidness. He makes the hottest sound, like he’s starving, like I’m everything he’s been waiting for. He presses closer against me, then moves his hand to my leg.

I let it rest there for a moment, feeling the tingles moving up my thigh. My body wants to respond so badly. I’m getting wet faster than I can ever remember. My body responding earnestly. All I have to do is let go and something special will happen.

Here? In a parking lot?

I pull away, gasping. His hand is still on my leg. He keeps his gaze fixed on me and starts gliding his hand up.

“Not here,” I whisper.

“Where?” he growls, gripping my leg.

It takes all of my willpower to push against his wrist. I close my legs and move back. His hand trembles as he withdraws it, like he doesn’t trust himself not to touch me again.

“Nowhere,” I say. “I need time to think.”

“What did that prick do to you?” he says huskily.

“Don’t try to figure me out, Nikolai. It’s not that deep.”

“Sometimes, it is that deep.”

“I have to go,” I say. “Thanks for the ride.”

He frowns. I can tell he’s angry about the car situation again. He doesn’t want me waiting for rides. But I can’t let myself be sucked in too fast. I’ve got a good thing going with the work.

“I have a meeting anyway,” he says tightly. “Real estate. Boring crap. I’ll see you soon, Serena.”

“Yeah, see you.”

I climb out, certain his eyes are on me. I look over my shoulder to see that I’m right. He pulls away, then immediately backs up. He’s laughing like a lunatic. “What?” I ask, laughing because it’s infectious.