Free Cipher by Aileen Erin Page B

online. Protecting my identity was essential. “I like to keep people guessing.” I placed my hands on my hips, trying to seem a little bigger and more assertive for my next question. I had to get what I needed and go before he flirted with me anymore. He was way above my skill level. “So, can I have another processor?” Coming here couldn’t be a waste. I wouldn’t let it be.
    “What have you been doing to my babies? I sent you seven a month ago. That should’ve lasted you years. For real. Years, Cipher.”
    I couldn’t exactly own up to losing control of my powers and frying his gear with electricity. Might as well hike down my pants and flash him my Red Helix. “It doesn’t matter how. They got fried, and now I’m out. Do you have one or not?”
    “Not. But I can make you another. Just give me a bit.”
    It took way longer than a bit to make a processor from scratch. This wasn’t good news at all. “You don’t have one on you?”
    He chuckled. “No. I don’t have one on me,” he said, mocking my voice. “I’m here on assignment. I don’t carry much in the way of hardware with me the road.”
    That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. “Okay. A day?”
    “Maybe sooner. If you’ll go out with me.”
    I scoffed. “I’m not going out with you. You can’t bribe me for a date.” I looked at Mona but she was just grinning like a loon. No help at all.
    “Says who?”
    “Says me!” What was this guy’s deal? He was hot, but I wasn’t dating him. I didn’t date. “A date for computer parts? It’s wrong. Unethical.”
    “I wasn’t aware that ethics were involved in securing a date.”
    Even if he wasn’t actually laughing, his eyes were. It was there, bubbling under the surface. He was making me completely uncomfortable and totally enjoying it.
    Mona put her arm around my shoulder. “You get what you need?”
    “No.” I tried not to sound like a pouting three-year-old and failed.
    Knight grinned down at Mona and I suddenly wanted to punch my best friend in the throat.
    Jealousy was a bitch. And I had no reason to feel jealous. He wasn’t my anything. I couldn’t afford to have a guy in my life. Knight was dangerous on so many levels… A dual helix. A kick-ass fighter. My best online friend. And so mouthwatering he made me think violent thoughts about my best girl.
    “Hey, I’m Mona. Cipher’s best friend slash sister slash confidant,” she said, sticking her hand out to him.
    He took her hand in his, and I wished he were holding my hand instead.
    That was so dumb.
    “Just the person I need to talk to, then. I’m Knight, and I’m trying to get Cipher to go out with me tonight, but she’s not being too agreeable,” Knight said as he released her hand. Finally.
    Wait a second… All thoughts of jealousy were washed away by insta-panic. Mona was going to jump all over this. She’d been trying to hook me up for weeks now.
    Mona squealed and hopped in place. “Perfect. Meet us at Marx’s at nine. You can buy her a drink. She can kick your ass at games. You’ll fall in love. It’ll be a night to remember.” She rubbed her hands together.
    If I didn’t love Mona so much, I’d kill her. What was she trying to pull? I didn’t meet up with guys ever. Never ever. And she knew that. Where friends were a liability, getting tangled up with the opposite sex was close to suicide. “No way. I can’t go out with him.”
    “Great. See you ladies tonight,” he said, completely ignoring me.
    “Good. Bring Oliver.” Mona winked.
    Panic started to get the better of me. “No. No, I’m not going. There’s no date. No date.” My voice was high and scratchy.
    “There’s definitely a date,” Mona said.
    It was a good thing we were in broad daylight. Otherwise, I’d be blowing lights by now. Electricity was licking the bottoms of my feet, and I let out a breath as I tried to make it disperse. Marquez stuck out his hand and his glowing Raven was plainly visible. I could feel the electricity