When Cannon shouts the man’s name, Matteo spins around to face our very unhappy-looking boss.
“Yes, Mr. Freeman?”
“You’re not supposed to be here until seven. If you want to stay, fine. But I’ll need you late tonight too. You decide if you want to work all the hours or just some.”
Matteo straightens and lifts his chin. “I’m here for the duration, Mr. Freeman. I’ve already sold several nice sticks this afternoon, and I think it’s going to be a great day for business.”
Cannon’s dark expression doesn’t shift. “Fine. Get to work. Ms. Carson has plenty to do being the only server we have for a while.”
Matteo scurries off, and Cannon stares hard at me for several long seconds before shaking his head and spinning around to return to his office.
The sight of him walking away hits me harder than it should. My eyes sting as I think of everything I’ve fucked up.
I wasn’t supposed to feel things.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for him.
What the hell do I do now?
My father’s rules of investigating didn’t cover what happens when you fall for the target and he finds out you lied to him and now hates your guts.
Before I can dwell on the situation any longer, a hand lands on my shoulder. I jerk away and stare up at Silas Bohannon’s face in shock.
“Sorry, I thought you heard me say your name.”
Gathering myself quickly, I straighten like Matteo did and paste a smile on my face. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Bohannon. I didn’t realize you were still here. What can I get for you? Another drink? Something to eat? A smoking room and Matteo?”
His eyes narrow on me, roving over my face like he recognizes my mask and is trying to see behind it. “A bottle of mineral water, and a Band-Aid for my ego.”
Confused, I pull my head back and stare up at him. “Excuse me, sir?”
“You’re totally blind to every man in the room when he’s around. Dangerous business to have a thing for your boss. Especially when it’s Cannon Freeman.”
“Uh, wh-what?” My dumbfounded tone and stuttering reply probably match my dazed expression.
“Don’t worry about it. Just ... be careful, Drew. I don’t know how much you know about your boss, but you might want to learn a little more before you go racing down that road.”
We both turn to look in the direction Cannon just disappeared in, but he’s already through the hidden door.
I clear my throat and give Silas a smile that can’t possibly appear sincere. “It’s a little late for warnings at this point.” It’s nice to know that I’m capable of speaking the truth ... apparently, just not when it counts.
His brow furrows and a moment later, he pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to me. It’s a card with the initialsS.B.and a number on it.
“I probably shouldn’t offer, but if you ever need anything, or ever get yourself into trouble ... I spend a lot of time in the city, and I’m damn good at keeping secrets.” His gaze sharpens as I tuck the card into my pocket. “And I also watched a lot of the Investigation Network when I was studying for my last role.”
That’s when I realize what I’m seeing on his face is knowledge.He’s feeling me out to see if his suspicions are right, and whether I’ll admit I’m not who I say I am.A chunk of ice in the form of a ticking time bomb forms in my stomach.
Stay cool. Act cool. Be cool.My mantra repeats in my head.
“Thank you for the offer, Mr. Bohannon. I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’ll get you that mineral water, and please let me know if there’s anything else you need.”
He gives me a slow nod and returns to his seat.
That feeling of someone walking over my grave? It’s back with a vengeance.
6
Cannon