Laurie reluctantly stood in front of John while he sat behind his desk peering at her with glittering dark eyes. “Do you know what happened to the last girl who tried to run away?” he asked, baring his teeth.

She rolled her eyes and blew a raspberry in exasperation, to ward off any intimidation he wanted her to feel. She’d learned a few things from her customers.

John narrowed his eyes in warning. “I trust you don’t want to end up like her. Her detached head floating on ...