Page 186 of Playing Dirty

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That was worse.

Because it was voluntary.

ROWAN

Luca gestured toward the bar.

“Come on,” he said. “You’ve been standing in the same spot for ten minutes.”

“I’ve been here longer than ten minutes.”

“That’s worse.”

I rolled my eyes slightly and followed him.

Not because I needed to.

Because staying still felt worse.

We moved through the crowd.

People shifting out of the way without looking.

That was when I felt it again.

Mason.

Still somewhere behind.

Still tracking without looking like it.

I didn’t turn.

Not yet.

LUCA

He leaned against the bar like he owned the space.

Not arrogant.

Just comfortable.

“That drink’s bad idea level two,” he said, sliding one toward me.

“What’s level one?”

“Already being here.”

I almost smiled.

Almost.

“You’re very committed to warnings,” I said.

“Someone has to be.”

He leaned closer slightly—not invasive, just louder voice distance collapsing.

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