Page 48 of Caged

“I brought you a coffee, too.” I don’t move, but let him get closer to me.

“I appreciate it. I may be out late.” His jaw clenches as he looms over me.

“Oh? Big date tonight? It is Saturday after all.” Twirling my hair in my fingers, I bite my bottom lip.

He just needs to give in and trust me enough to share his information.

His hand plants against the wall above me, framing me. “Is that jealousy coming back?” The side of his mouth lifts in a smirk.

“And if it was?” I raise my chin and meet his blue eyes.

They drop to my mouth.

Come on. Do it.

At this stage I’m not sure if it’s for myself or my mission. This man’s presence is doing things to me I can’t explain.

I let my tongue dart out as a tease.

“No need. I’ll be sleeping here tonight.” He brushes past me and I hear him head down the stairs.

Well, that didn’t go where I thought it would.

“Are you guys going to kiss?” Elena’s sitting on the floor with two of her dolls. “Like this?” She presses their faces together.

Shit.

“Your daddy was just being silly. There’s no kissing involved.” The heat in my stomach wishes otherwise.

It might have started out as just a job, but I think I’d really enjoy the perks if he did.

“Well, I think you should. Then we can be a family and you can stay here forever.” She smiles up with her missing tooth before dropping her toys to the side and taking my hand.

I wish I could stay, but there’s no way after I steal the diamonds. If Nikolai finds out it’s me, and why I’m here, I’ll be lucky if he doesn’t kill me.

As Elena and I walk down the stairs, and I hand her the hot chocolate, all I can wonder is if he’ll use the machete on me or if he’ll bash my skull in.

EIGHTEEN

NIKOLAI

The ripping sound of the velcro fills my bedroom as I readjust the straps on my bulletproof vest.

I’m strangely calm knowing that we’re likely catching Knox tonight. Our traps have been set.

Enzo said that the buzz through the Reaper social media accounts is that they’re gearing up for a big event tonight.

I have their big moment right here, in the form of an eighteen inch machete that I slide onto my belt.

“Is everything okay—” Melissa’s eyes widen, then narrow when she pops her head around the door frame from the hall.

“Fine.”

“What’s all that about?” She gestures at my chest. “Are you in danger?” Her arms cross her belly, pushing her breasts up.

It’s a struggle to avoid staring at them, but I can’t miss the frown on her face.

“No. We have a mission tonight.” Pulling my shirt over the vest, I watch her mouth move like she wants to say something, but isn’t. “What?”

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