Page 36 of Knox

To kiss him.

But fortunately, my brain decides to connect, and instead of getting on top of him, I clean his release off my hand, take a pillow, and throw it at him

“Now go to fucking sleep.”

And before he can open his damn mouth, I go to the balcony and leave… knowing that I just crossed a major line.

— ¤ —

It’s been two days since my colossal mistakes, and I’ve kept our interactions strictly professional during my shifts, but I realize I have to talk to someone about what is going on, or else I’m going to lose my mind.

Logan is my best friend, but I can’t talk about this with him… not when it could compromise my standing on the assignment.

So, after asking Damián to cover for me, I grab my keys and drive to see the only person who can give me advice.

I knock on the glass doors of Chapters & Crumbs and wait.

I’ve practically lived here since we founded Harknett, but this is the first time I’ve ever come this late. It’s strange seeing the place so dark and empty.

A moment later, the lock clicks, the door swings open, and Finnian, the owner, peeks his head out.

As always, his copper-red hair and his freckled face are dusted with flour.

His amber eyes scan me up and down.

“Aye? Have you gone and killed the client, then?” he asks with a thick Scottish accent, and I blink, thrown completely off balance.

“What? No! Why the hell would your mind go straight to that?”

“Because you lot only show up here after hours when you’ve proper fucked it an’ can’t face Logan.”

“Ah—” The word dies on my tongue.

Damn it.

I mean, I am here because I messed up.

And I absolutely, under no circumstances, can tell Logan.

“An’ I know Harknett got hired by Harrington-Hale,” Finnian continues, crossing his arms over his chest. “Who is a proper rich bastard… an’ you hate rich bastards.”

I rub the back of my neck, my gaze dropping to the pavement. “Ahh… yeah. Fair point.”

“So, Law told us if you went mental an’ offed the client, I can’t hear a word about it, or else I’d become an accessory to murder.”

“I didn’t kill him, Finnian… but I did fuck up.”

“Brilliant!” Finnian beams, swinging the door wide. “Come on in, then.”

I follow him inside. The bell above the door dings, and just like that, I feel at home.

Man, I love this place.

I love how it smells like paperbacks and bread.

I love that it is half-bakery and half-library… not that I read a lot… but I eat a lot.

The place has brick walls covered with bookshelves, and there are at least ten reading nooks with pillows and blankets.