Even from where I’m sitting, I can tell something’s wrong. His jaw is clenched tight, his massive shoulders rigid. He scans the room, and his eyes land on me.
“What’s gotten into him?” Pinky murmurs, following my gaze.
I shake my head, not taking my eyes off him as he strides toward us. “I don’t know.”
When he reaches our table, his expression softens slightly, but the tension doesn’t leave his body. “Hey.”
“Everything okay?” I ask, studying his face.
“Fine.” It’s a lie, and we both know it.
Pinky, either oblivious to the tension or deliberately ignoring it, bounces in her seat. “Memphis was just telling me she wants to get a job! Isn’t that awesome?”
Killer’s eyes snap to mine, surprise overriding whatever was bothering him. “A job?”
I nod, suddenly nervous. “Yeah. I can’t hide out in your bedroom forever.”
He pulls out the chair next to me and lowers himself into it. “What kind of job are you thinking of?”
I shrug, trying to ignore how my body instinctively leans toward him. “I don’t know. Something simple to start with, maybe? A coffee shop or bookstore or something.”
He’s quiet for a moment, those icy blue eyes studying me. Then, “Saints Ink needs a receptionist.”
My heart skips a beat. “Really?”
“Jade has been bitching about how we need someone to handle the phones and scheduling. It could be yours if you want it.”
I stare at him, wondering if he’s being serious.
Working at Saints Ink would mean I’d be near Killer all day. Protected. Safe. But also doing something productive, earning my own money, and interacting with people.
“I could have the job?” I question.
He nods, his expression serious. “Only if you want it.”
“I want it!” The words burst out of me before I can second-guess myself. “I really want it.”
His lips twitch. “It’s yours, then.”
“Just like that?”
He shrugs his massive shoulders. “Being with me has its perks.”
Pinky squeals, clapping her hands together. “This is perfect! You’ll be so good at it, Memphis!”
Excitement bubbles up inside me. “When can I start?”
“Tomorrow, if you want.” Killer’s hand finds mine under the table, his large fingers wrapping around mine. “I’ll introduce you to Rage in the morning.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, squeezing his hand.
He leans in, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Don’t thank me. You’ll be doing us a favor. Our current system is a fucking disaster.”
Pinky makes a gagging sound. “You two are disgustingly cute.”
Killer glares at her. “I need to track down Zero. You good here?”
The question is for me, and I nod. “I’m good.”
