Page 30 of The Duplicity of Thieves

She shoves her way in between Hermes and Minos and sits. They scramble to make room for her. I’m enamored by the way she commands attention. Only a little bit ago she was blending in at the bar, trying not to be seen, and now she is unabashedly making herself the center of it. Chaotic and unpredictable.

I’m jealous, but I don’t acknowledge it. She’s just another girl, and once I’ve conquered her, I’ll finally get her out of my head. Just because I fingered her in an alley and kissed her in a club doesn’t mean shit, so I sit on the couch opposite them doing my best not to act perturbed. David leans around Hermes and is trying to insert himself into whatever conversation is unfolding. She laughs that same sensual laugh, and they paw at her. My knee bobs up and down while I tap my foot.

Bella extracts herself from their couch and sits down next to me gently, hooking her ankle over her knee. “I see you made it back fully intact.”

“So it seems that I did.” I lean back, watching Josie with the three men and her sister. They all get up and follow her into the dancing crowd.

“How did you manage that?”

I tear my eyes away from Josie. Watching her with them is only making my stomach churn with something I can’t identify.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“They said you were charming, but you aren’t that charming.” “Ouch.”

“No offense,” she adds. “I’m sure the tattoos and the eyes do wonders.”

“No comment.”

Josie is dancing between David and Minos. Vivian pushes her way between them, sandwiching her with David.

“You’re sulking,” Bella points out.

Playing it safe is my best bet. So far, my impression of Bella is that there isn’t one. She’s been careful and quiet. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t think you’re an idiot. Do me the same service.”

“Tell me about her.”

She looks shocked. I think. “You’re interested?”

“I don’t find interest in much.” It’s an admission. As much of one as I am willing to give. Bella analyzes me, trying to decide what to say next.

“Neither does she.” She looks to the group again and stands abruptly. “I have to go save my fiancée from a handsy bull. It was nice meeting you, Aedonaeus.” She rushes off to steal Vivian away from Minos, who is trying to get a squeeze of her breasts.

Once her sister has been whisked away, Josie makes an escape back to our table, falling onto the couch across from me. She’s sweaty and breathing heavily, but it’s not because of me and I don’t like it. I glance at the insatiable trio. They look tempted to come back over to be with her, and I can’t have any more of that.

“Are you hungry?” I would take her on a tour of the fucking palace right now if it would keep her with me. I do my best to act relaxed, trying not to force it.

She narrows her eyes. “I could eat.”

“I know a place.”

“What about your friends?”

“They’ll find their way home. Your sister?”

“She’s busy.”

“Looks like nobody's watching.”

With a wicked smile she says, “Now the real fun can begin.”

I see her again—the devil hiding behind her eyes—and I know I’m in trouble. Good thing I’m a glutton for punishment.

Chapter six

Josephine

---