Broken but Breathing (Jinx Tattoos 2)

“How else can you do what needs to be done? I don’t know how long it’s going to take to get the information we need or where she’ll be. I trust you with this.”

“What if I’m horrible with money?” she asked. He was so nonchalant about this thing.

“You’re not.”

S

he narrowed her gaze. “How do you know that?”

“I see how you live, and Data.”

“Hacking fucker.”

He laughed out loud. “Are you that upset?”

“No, I’m stressed. These are huge decisions you want me to make. What if I screw up?”

“Impossible. I know your taste. We’ve talked about the kind of place you’d get if you moved into a house again. I’m onboard with that. Relax. It’s not the rooms, windows, and floors that really make a home. It’s the emotions of those inside them. I know I’m asking a lot, but you get me on this level most people never will.”

His words thawed her icy disposition. Damn you. She sighed. “I hear you. How are things going there?”

“Shitty. I hate negotiating with this son of a bitch.”

“I’m sorry, Xav. Just remember the end will justify the means tenfold.”

“How do you always know what to say?” he asked.

“Pure luck,” she suggested.

“Naw, I don’t believe that.”

Are we going to talk about what happened last night? The question lingered on the tip of her tongue. Now’s not the time to ask. She held off. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“You’re doing more than enough. I know I’m imposing on you—”

She could hear the men yelling for him in the background.

“Damn. I need to get back, girl. I’ll call you when I can.” He hung up.

She whispered, “Bye,” to the dial tone. The man was a life-changing event.

“Everything okay out here? You look lost,” Kali said.

“Yes. He… uh, had to go.”

Kali smiled. “Yeah, being with them is a lot of waiting at times. It takes an understanding, strong woman. Seeing as how you’re here taking on this momentous task for a man you’re not dating, I think you’d be one hell of an old lady. And that’s nothing I say lightly. Enjoy that praise.”

Es laughed.

“I was serious.”

“That’s why it’s funny because it’s true. Since it’s just us two, can I pick your brain?”

“About Snake?” Kali asked, wagging her eyebrows.

“Maybe,” Es murmured as her cheeks grew warm.

Kali smirked. “You can ask. I’ll tell you what I can.”