Page 11 of Point Blank

“The knife I had engraved?”

If she could have shoved her foot in her mouth she would have. After they broke up, the only thing she’d had to remind her of Milo was the switchblade. He’d given it to her on one of their first jobs. He’d wanted her to be safe when he wasn’t with her.

If it weren’t for that knife, she’d probably be dead now.

“Yeah.”

His face didn’t change. He rubbed his thumb over the dip in the center of his chin. Her fingers ached to drag over the stubble of his beard. She curled her hand until her fingernails dug into her palm.

“Do you have any reason to think someone would want to hurt you?”

She shook her head. “No.” She’d gone over and over that possibility in her mind. Two years ago, maybe. Not now.

“What about Dani?”

Tension radiated down her spine at the mention of her sister’s name. Dani territory—or the past—wasn’t a place he should travel with her.

“What about her?”

“C’mon, Serena. I heard she and Peyton are still in that lifestyle. It’s not farfetched that someone would come after you to get to her.”

“Dani would never endanger me.”

He chortled, shook his head, and rose to his feet. “All right then, what about you? Are you still stealing?”

She bristled. “No, I’m not.”

He sank down on the desk again. “Ah, that’s right. You’re a big-time realtor now, huh?”

Delight wormed through her heart. He’d checked up on her?

Don’t be stupid. Your face and name are plastered over half the city.

“I wouldn’t say ‘big time.’” She shrugged but didn’t stop her nose from turning up. She’d done damn good for herself. Had gotten out all on her own, without his help and despite her sister. “But I’m successful, yes.”

His bright green eyes sparkled with amusement and . . . pride? He moved behind the desk and placed his hands on the top. His large palms swallowed up a good portion of the cheap wood. The motion was casual, but something told her he wanted distance between them.

“I’m proud of you, S. You deserve it.” Her gaze shifted to his chiseled cheekbones. “If all is peachy in paradise, who do you think is after you?”

“If I knew that I wouldn’t be here.”

“Why are you?”

She shrugged. That was the million-dollar question.

“Don’t play games. You know why you came here.”

She seethed. He wanted her to say that she needed him or some bullshit. Well, he’d never hear it. Not after he’d so kindly told her to fuck off. She stood suddenly and moved to the door, but he stepped in front of her.

I never want to see you again.

The emptiness that had twisted her heart since that night clamored up her throat. Her fingers balled inside the sweater, and it took every ounce of her control not to shove him out of the way. Which wouldn’t do any good. She wouldn’t be able to budge him an inch, even though she worked out five days a week. No point embarrassing herself. No, she’d have to fight the urge to battle with him and keep her cool if she wanted to get out of here.

But there’s nowhere to go . . .

The tiny voice inside her head reminded her of how much trouble she was in. Dammit, she didn’t have time for this. She had an open house tomorrow afternoon and an older couple’s listing contract she’d landed this morning to submit tonight.

She shrugged again. “I didn’t have time to figure out a plan. I acted on impulse.”