" His voice was low but firm, a k

looked like they were about to lose it, so I ste

e, suddenly looked up and grinned, wiping away her tears

ords all jumbled. "And... collect... collectible

with the back of my hand. "That's a pre

as amused despite himself. Then his eyes locked

it was familiar, an

lled the drink o

o I'd drenched in some awful cocktail, pr

I said, scratching the back of my neck, cheeks heati

latly, crossing his arms.

k glare. "Wow, y

ind of look that

, but I need that job like it's oxygen. Life's been a mess lately, and that job? It's literally my lifeli

Daddy, she's nice. And she c

me the cutest shy sm

hreatened to take over my face.

curity guards rounded the corner. They had that "we're

quietly, "we need to a

e man in the suit held up a hand, his vo

ances but nodded and stepped bac

ned, who was th

old eyes boring into me. "Alr

nding a little talle

as if testing how it felt on

life depe

smirked, almost amused. "Have

of time at the orphanage. Plus, surviving my own chaotic life has made me

o decide if I was worth the gamble. Then, with

ere in the parking garage. Because this? This was my