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"Actually, the peppers are for estured with the spatula "Myshe always kept in the fridge, and I guess I got used to it"

"Huh" She sat back down and watched him cook the omelet Once he’d finished, he slid it onto a plate and set it in front of her, then pulled out his own chair and sat

"Who taught you how to play pool like that?"

The fork paused halfway to her ated to answer your questions" When Troy si about cops under her breath

"My father"

"And he approves of you going to these places on your own? Using the skill he taught you to take people’s money?"

"Approve?" She quickly sed her bite "He encourages it"

Troy’s hand flexed on the table as that infuriating piece of inforly sends you into dangerous situations Sounds like he really cares about you"

Ruby flinched a little at his sharply delivered words, and Troy desperately wished he could take them back Her hand came to rest limply beside her plate, like he’d made her lose her appetite When she spoke, her voice sounded different Less confident

And it sliced through hiht But I don’t think he sees it like that" She set her fork down, crossed her arms over her middle "You’ve heard that proverb, teach ame for life He didn’t, doesn’t, know any other way"

Troy leaned forward "Listen, I didn’t mean to say your father doesn’t care about you I’ pool is the safest way tohim with relief that he hadn’t completely shaken her self-assurance "I didn’t come here for a lecture We just met You have no say in what I choose to do"

"What did you co off back at the bar Searching for the quickest exit route Why didn’t you blow me off?"

She smiled a little "You’re one of the smart ones, aren’t you?"

"Yeah I am" Troy took her plate and rinsed it in the sink, then turned toward the bedrooet ht of her suspicious gaze on his back as he walked down the hallway