Page 77 of Any Means Necessary

An ornately framed piece of artwork sits displayed on a stand in the center of the viewing room, multiple lights illuminating the piece from all angles. I recognize the painting instantly with its unmistakable composition. The romantic painting of dancers on pointe with full tulle tutus and floral headpieces, with visibly intricate brush strokes in the rich tones, softening any harsh lines and creating elegant movement.

“This is a Degas.” My surprised eyes turn to find Callum’s. “I thought this piece was on display in the Met.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art was one of my first stops when I got to NYC, and this painting had stuck out to me. And here it is.

“It was.” Those ever-seeing eyes are scanning every single detail of the painting on the stand, expression serious as he analyzes. I’m looking at a piece of art, and he’s inspecting a valuable piece of merchandise.

“All of the paperwork is taken care of.” Genevieve extends a leather folder towards Callum, waiting a moment for him to reach out and accept it. “Congratulations on your new acquisition, Mr. Russo.”

“Thank you.” Callum’s smile is charming, if a little cold and distant. It’s his fake smile. “I want it packed for transit.”

“Of course,” Genevieve agrees amiably, trying again to flash him a demure smile with what I’m assuming are supposed to be her idea of bedroom eyes.

So unprofessional.

When we walk back through the curtain, someone’s waiting for us. “Reporting for duty, boss.” Liam mocks standing at attention, a cocky grin on his face. “Lexie, you’re always a sight for sore eyes.”

“I didn’t know you were going to be here Liam.” I’m not mad about it either, he always brings the entertainment. Getting Callum and Liam together is always fun to watch—Callum tries to remain serious while Liam annoys the shit out of him. It usually ends with Callum threatening violence of some sort, something that never seems to keep Liam from coming back for more.

“I would’ve gotten here a lot sooner if I knew you’d be here too. Traffic is a real bitch.” The way his eyes move over me makes me think he’s not entirely joking. His appraisal is cut short when Callum’s large frame steps between us, partially blocking me from view. Liam’s smirk turns knowing and he shoots me a wink. I don’t hide my laugh of amusement, irritating Callum even further.

“Once the painting is packed, I want it brought to the vault. Send confirmation when it’s secured.” Callum’s tone carries the edge of violence that seems almost exclusively meant for Liam.

“You know I live to serve,” Liam replies, unfazed. Ignoring the giant standing between us, he leans towards me as if we’re conspiring together and his eyebrows jump mischievously. “Lexie, now that you’re here I can tell you all of my favorite embarrassing Callum stories.”

“You have stories? I’d love to hear them, especially the embarrassing ones.” I could use a few humiliating stories about Callum right about now.

“Oh, I have plenty. Remind me later to tell you about the time he accidentally called a mobster’s daughter a frog in Russian and almost had New York City going to war.”

My laugh has Callum’s arm reaching behind his back to grasp my wrist, keeping me tucked behind him as he walks us towards the door. “That’s enough, Liam. Just do your fucking job.” The warning in Callum’s voice only has the playboy’s smile widening.

“Bye Lexie, we’ll have to do this again soon,” he calls after me. I turn to flash him an amused smile over my shoulder, even as Callum tugs me out of the room.

“Bye Liam,” I laugh. As soon as there’s enough space, Callum pulls me against his side, his hand sliding around my waist as we walk back through the gallery. It’s funny, but now that he’s gotten me out of the same room as Liam we don’t seem to be in such a hurry anymore.

“You shouldn’t encourage him,” he grates, his mouth so close to me ear it sends a shiver down my spine.

“I think he’s funny. Plus, he always seems to make that vein in your neck pop out, it’s kinda hot,” I tease, reaching up to poke him in the neck. Callum’s lips twitch in what I assume is amusement before he squashes it. When he looks down at me thoughtfully, his expression sobers instantly, his eyes intense as they search mine.

“Is that really all it is, you think he’s funny? He would have you in a heartbeat if you let him.”

“Oh come on, he was joking. We were just talking, and he was trying to get a rise out of you. Clearly it worked.” The charming bachelor has been playful and flirtatious, but I don’t take him seriously for a second. Giving me a little extra attention is obviously just a way for Liam to poke a little fun at his friend. “It’s just harmless flirting.”

“It pisses me off.”

“I know, that’s what makes it fun.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, here you are. Suffering,” I shoot back sweetly, batting my eyelashes. My eyes snag on a painting we’re about to pass, the vibrant colors and detailed brushwork making my step slow. “That’s beautiful. Do we have time to look around?”

“Not today, Dewdrop.” After toting me back outside, he helps me into the car before climbing behind the wheel. The engine roars to life, and I can’t help but watch his strong hand grip the steering wheel. I never thought I’d find the way someone drives arousing, but the way he handles the classic car is unbelievably sexy. “We’ll come back another time when I can arrange it to be just the two of us.”

“Just the two of us?” I repeat, blinking at him as I process what he’s saying.

“There are a lot of things I want to do with you, just the two of us. Starting with going to dinner.”

“Are you…” I say, my brows raising. “Asking me on a date?”

“Yes,” Callum responds simply, calmly watching me.

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