Page 27 of The Duplicity of Thieves

I finally catch sight of her on the other side of the bar, backed into a corner, hoping no one will see her drowning drinks. “What does she do for work?”

“I’m not sure. Her sister says she’s a personal assistant to a pub owner, but I think it’s code. I bet she’s an escort. I mean look at her.”

“An escort,” I echo.

Hermes shoves a drink into David’s hand and sits next to us. He pats his lap and David acquiesces. “What are you two talking about?”

“Vivian’s sister. Aedonaeus can’t stop staring at her,” David explains. Hermes follows his gaze and gives an approving look.

As if she hears her name, a girl with large hazel eyes, silky ringlet curls, and deeply tanned skin approaches. Trailing behind her is a woman with short blonde hair and ice blue eyes.

“Daaavid!” she squeals. “You didn’t tell me Des was DJing tonight!”

“I wanted to surprise you, Vivi.” He jumps up and grasps her in a tight hug. This is the sister.

“This is Vivian and her fiancé, Bella,” David introduces them. “This is my boyfriend, Hermes.” She shoves her way in between us as Hermes and Bella shake hands. I’m doing everything I can to watch the girl and simultaneously focus on the conversation.

“I’m surprised your sister came,” he shouts over the music. It’s definitely for my benefit.

“Shocking, right? But there she is in the corner, pounding drinks waiting for the right moment to slip out, I’m sure.” Vivian throws her a glance. The girl gives her sister an eye roll, as if she can hear her. Her stormy silver gaze slides to me before she leans over the bar and grabs a bottle, shooting the bartender a death stare when he tries to say something.

“She needs to get laid,” David says pointedly.

“Well, I already saw her assault some poor guy. Fat chance anyone could get close enough. I love her, but she’s like a rabid dog. Work has got to be bothering her or something.” Vivian chews on her lip.

“He was bothering her,” I interject.

“What?” Vivian asks. She looks like she’s noticing me for the first time.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even introduce you. Vivian, this Hermes’ best friend, Aedonaeus.”

Vivian squints, sizing me up. “Nice to meet you.”

“He’s been making eyes at your sister,” David says primly, and Vivian chokes on her drink.

The last time I saw the little devil she was with some bubbling little brunette. I can still taste her, a mouthful of dark cherries.

“She’d eat you alive.” Her tone is callous, but the implication is thrilling. Her sister could tear my throat out, and I would be grateful.

“He’s our resident fuck boy.” David grins. Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes. He isn’t wrong though. My reputation isn’t great in that regard.

“My sister is practically celibate. Good luck,” Vivian snorts.

“What about your sister?” Bella, the fiancé, interrupts us.

“Their friend here is interested in her,” Vivian fills her in.

Bella’s eyes go wide with surprise, and she suppresses a smile. Raising her glass she says, “Good luck to you.”

The more people that express concern, the more I am in awe of her. She’s watching us carefully now.

Minos leans between us over the back of the couch. “Are we discussing the bombshell blonde that looks like she’ll eat your heart out and fuck you while she does it?”

“Yup.” Vivian says through gritted teeth. “My sister.”

“Tell her to come over.” He tries to grin at her, and he’s met with daggers. Minos frowns, his ego taking another hit. He might not recover.

“Aedonaeus is about to go talk to her.” David nudges me again. One more time, and I am liable to punch him.

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