Page 26 of Devil’s Candy

But their brotherly banter has me lifting my head again. I’ve not had connections with anyone for a very long time. Listening to them is…nice.

Angel gives me a side-eye. “Did you have a particular plan in mind?”

Now we’re getting somewhere. “The easiest solution is to kill Vinnie and make it look as though the Columbians are at fault. It further weakens his father, strengthens your position, while casting no doubt on you. Especially if his father learns about his son’s double-dealings.”

Angel shakes his head. “That is a good plan.”

“And one I will enact, provided you can assure Candy’s safety while I’m at work.”

“Deal,” Angel says, leaning back in his chair.

“Angel,” Killian warns. “This is a mistake.”

“Too late, Kill. It’s done.” I use his nickname as a familiarity meant to twist a knife.

“Don’t call me Kill,” Killian spits, having the exact reaction I assumed he would.

I ignore him and turn to Angel. “I’ll drop Candy off first thing tomorrow morning.”

But Angel doesn’t respond to me, looking at Killian instead. “Relax, Killian. This is just a one-time arrangement to help him and us and…Candy.”

“That’s what you think.” Killian pushes to standing. “You’re going to ruin us all, Angel. On a short cut.” And then he storms out.

I watch him go, my mouth pinching down into a frown.

Of all the men I have ever met, Killian is the most dangerous.

Besides myself, of course.

CHAPTER TEN

Candy

I’m just finishing a cut and a color setting when Sver and Angel enter my old workroom.

I’d left a fair number of supplies, and I’ve done what I could with the hour I’ve had. A bunch of girls are in line for treatments, but several more are just hanging out, catching me up on all the gossip I’ve missed.

Funny, but I missed them way more than I did the gossip.

Sver stops, watching as I cut Kendra’s jet-black waist-long hair.

“Candy,” his deep voice rumbles. “It’s time for us to go.”

A protest rises up from the group, several of the women standing indignantly. I’m sure they like me, but I’m equally happy to think they like my work that much.

“Don’t worry, ladies,” Angel answers. “Candy will be back tomorrow and in full effect. I’ll put a sign-up sheet on the door.”

A happy chatter fills the room, but my brows lift. “Was anyone going to ask me about this?” Cutting hair somehow brought me back to myself.

Sver crosses to me, touching my shoulder. “Sorry, Candy cane. I’ve got work to do tomorrow and Angel has agreed to allow you to be here whenever I’m…unavailable. It’s for your protection, I promise.”

“Candy cane?” Kendra asks. “Is she minty when you lick her?”

“Kendra,” I gasp, flushing a bit. I think I might have forgotten just how much these women are willing to say. “That is just⁠—”

“She’s more sweet than mint,” Sver answers.

Angel clears his throat even as a laugh rises up among the women.