Page 144 of Problematic

Liv: Sir, I am at work.

NO FACE: I know. I like watching you squirm.

Liv: That means behave.

NO FACE: I am behaving.

Liv: This is you behaving?

NO FACE: Little Flower, if I stop behaving, everyone in that shop will know your name for a new reason.

I locked the phone and set it face down on the counter.

Mandi appeared beside me. “Your face is doing porn math.”

“Make a latte.”

“You make a latte. I’m emotionally invested in your life at the moment.”

Fucking chaos demon.

Kalon took another call at 3:12.

This time, he didn’t go all the way into the back. He stood beside the prep shelf with his shoulders squared, voice quiet enough that I only caught fragments.

“North corner clear.”

Pause.

“No, she’s still on shift.”

Pause.

“Four.”

My stomach dipped.

Pause.

“I know what he wants.”

A longer silence.

Kalon’s eyes moved to mine, and my skin warmed. He hung up and came back to the counter. The shop noise rushed into the space between us. Grinder. Steam. Customers. My pulse.

“You’re terrible at hiding things, Kalon,” I said.

He huffed a tired laugh. “Good to know.” His gaze softened.

“Are you working for him now?”

He looked away and didn’t answer. That was my answer.

I swallowed. “Kalon.”

“It’s for your safety,” he said. His phone buzzed and his face crumpled. “I’m trying to be honest where I’m allowed.”

“Kalon,” I said, softer. “Are you okay with this?”