Hans (Alliance #4)

“I mean, not entirely. I still need you around on occasion. But why not go call up The Alliance bros? Throw hands with those fancy fucks. Change up the scenery a bit. You didn’t have us help you save that mafia asshole for nothing. I know you always have a plan.”

I lift a shoulder.

There wasn’t really a grand plan other than wanting to help out those who have helped me. True, The Alliance hadn’t realized they were helping me, considering they were hunting me, but they still helped to dispel human trafficking deals in their territory. And that was helpful to me.

Getting a life debt from Dominic Gonzalez was just a perk.

“You gonna retire?” I ask, deflecting the attention.

Karmine scoffs. “Fuck no. But I’m not as old as you. And, unlike you, I’m still getting some.”

“Bravo,” I say sarcastically.

“Don’t be a dick because you’re jealous. Human interaction is good for mental well-being. I don’t care about your fucked-up backstory; any girl would be lucky to end up with you.” She loosely flaps her hand in my direction. “Assuming they like the ruggedly handsome bad boy type.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Anytime, sport,” she snarks back, then pauses. “I’ve heard some chatter. People looking for you.”

“People are always looking for me.”

“Yeah, but not like this. This sounds close.” Karmine’s voice is serious.

“Noted.”

She’s right, of course. This newest ring of assholes has been more active than ever. And that means they have someone with lots of money funding them.

And it’s all the more reason to leave Cassandra alone. If someone’s after me, I can’t have anyone else around me to catch the shrapnel.

“Alright.” Karmine straightens from the side of the truck, hand on the duffel bag. “You want a cut?” she asks, like she always does.

“I’m good,” I answer the way I always do.

I don’t need it. I already have more money than I could ever spend.

CHAPTER8

Cassie

A moan yanksme out of my sleep, and it takes me a second to realize it was my own.

I stare at the ceiling, and the frustration is instant because I can already tell I won’t be able to fall back asleep. But I want to so badly because I want to finish that dream.

And let Hans finish me.

Groaning, I drag the bedspread over my face and press the soft fabric against my eyes. As though I might visually smother myself back into unconsciousness.

Maybe I need to hire someone to come sage my house. Or maybe I just need to go out into public more. Or join a dating site. Because this crush I have on my hot neighbor is getting out of control.

I know it’s my brain playing tricks on me, but it was like I could feel his presence all afternoon. And I blamed the empty zucchini cookie container. But when I came up to bed, I swear his scent was blanketed across my room. As though I was conjuring him with wishes and hopes.

I squeeze my thighs together and groan again.

I can’t even bring myself to scream into my pillow because that smells like him too.

Which is crazy. Because I know it doesn’t. It can’t.

Giving up, I toss my bedspread off and climb out of bed.