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ctions across my computer scre

ey," I muttered

let out a small yawn. There was

icials, paychecks to soldad

ng of

ice, holding a single Starb

cretary," Fran

rankie had already lifted the lid to his lips, t

carbs." Frankie spoke, almost like an

a bagel from the bag. "Well, what's good i

k you're afraid you might end u

t up. "What

. "We've known each other since we were fiv

he damn wine suppliers; they're bleeding me dry, and it's affecting the shipping costs.

ow one of those parties

my eyes. "I

"I'm thinking more like th

ting, we're not exactly run

d some live jazz, serve a few shrimp skewers, re

N

red; a brief silenc

e ocean. Party-would that be a bright idea?

be really

telephone and

he housekeepe

e feeding a co

at me from ac

delight. "You're having

keep the nu

oking back a gasp. "Don't give me that; it's food. Round

I hun

feeling crept up my spine. Oh man, it'

but that doesn't mean I could let

call P

ed to

py lately?" I asked. "I want

ot mar

he

t ye

sent an invita

gag

. Sha

who still hates you for

d. "Of

etting hitch

ed on the task ahead. "Alright, tak

* *

t an exclusive lounge I rented; soldados

ed the room, engaging in light con

top male stock market dealer

ad nothing like Spinelli b

t me. "How come I have

mpletely secured. Your safety is my priority, unless you stab me in the back,

to me, shifted, then forced a laugh,

he guy, who decided to make h

" I mu

s to be threatened with buying

ted. "If a guy wants to smoke, let him, but don'

kay?" Then he looked away, only to do a doub

gars. "Hey, focus; you're here to promote

slim hot pink gown with flaming red hair,

met mine as sh

are, smacking his c

d in pain and

to catch the scent of roses

id. "You got t

ting someone el

ulp, I shook m

iss her cheek. "Yo

w, so do you. I mean, wearing fewer clothe

s. "You know

thought. This i

om. "Are you promoting a

rse not, this is ju

from a passing server

ght." I said, raising a hand to stop

and gave the glass a

. "What's the flavor t

e above the rim. "Um, it's

ze; she's not too good w

p. Her eyes widened. "Hmm, spicy too. Do I smell cloves?

ou're damn r

, brushing my arm. "Alm

knew there was more to Sier

rm. "Walk wi

w more guests; Sier

our personal fri

ckled

with disappointment, b

ng us. When he realized I'd

French accent, leaning in for the traditio

n delight, trailing his eyes to Sierra. "And you-it's

erra, watching the col

forcing my voice st