Steel & Smoke

t surprise me anymore, Christopher dec

ing down my neck, my breath steady and measured. Running was the only way I managed the

ttan as gloomy as I liked it. Just another pe

brating in my pocket, ut

owling at Christopher's name

ing slightly, one hand braced on my thigh. "What fresh hell is so impor

sured, but undeniably edged in something su

ling my shoulders back. "You don't

at pause. It was the one Christopher used whe

ourthouse," h

then down at my watch. "Are you...are you arre

lted. "But the night is young

n slowly brought it back

ed evenly. "And I need a ma

er Steel, the man who's never committed to anything but overpriced

e edges of his voice. "I need it in about..." He paused,

"Is she pregnant? Is this a shotgun wedding? Oh,

Mother out of this," Christopher muttered.

"Did you fall in love overnight? Lose a bet? Hire someone

ed by the second. "But it's complicated. I need the

s," I drawled sarcastically.

ply. "Because you're the only person who won'

'm going to commit fraud for you, at least te

. "And she's currently hiding in the c

o exactly is Mia Storm and what kind of trouble is

ted," Christopher answered coolly, as if we

afia brides?" I laughed again, breathless t

ause I've got a woman having a nervous breakdown three fee

niably intrigued. "Alright, alright. I'll get you your damn license.

voice clipped.

ing back toward my building. "The day Christopher Steel volunt

ng exhausted alre

keted the phone. My family was an endless source of sur

rrying a stran

day was the best da