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He wanted to tease her, ask her if she really hen he already had some information about her Mikaela Johnson really needed the money She was an orphan, she had lived alone since she was fifteen, spending tie

“If you aren’t then you needn’t be defensive”

She scowled at him “I don’t need your money”

“I think you do And I think you need so How many shifts do you do?” he asked her

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; She didn’t look at him “I only have one shift”

“But you extend hours to support yourself better?” he prodded

“I do it because I’m bored,” she snapped

“Really now?” He was looking at her, all-knowingly What else did he get to read last night about her? The private detective had been quick He didn’t need to know about her whole life, but a summary did fine The detective did just that

For the lonely life she led, she sure round She was upbeat, even if she had lost her parents at a young age She had been self-supporting since, according to the files, raduate with honors Hoas that even possible? he wondered

Her parents had been professionals, her father was a bank er brother who had been eight by the tih, eventhe intern with that of their son, Aaron, at a local funeral parlor in Washington At least they had so in common, that he and Mikaela were quite new to Malibu

“Will you take the bracelet?” he asked herup the charm

“And what? End up paying for it?” It had her name on it The bastard put her name on it

“You could use the thousand dollars I left you—oh wait, you didn’t get it,” he grinned

Her eyes narrowed “You really are an asshole,” she told him