Page 3 of All We Want

"Special enough that we need to be cautious and strategic." I reply, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms. "I want Ronan to gather every scrap of information he can before we make a move. We don't want any surprises."

Aiden nods in agreement, his expression growing more serious. "Aye, surprises are what get people caught. And we can't afford any mistakes, ‘specially not with what’s on the line."

I nod, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. This isn't just any piece of information; it's going to be a high-stakes game, and we need to play it right. The vixen might be skilled, but she's up against a team that prides itself on being a step ahead.

As Aiden continues to discuss the potential risks and rewards, my mind wanders back to the enigmatic woman in the image. What is her story? What led her down this path of high-stakes theft? I find myself more intrigued than ever.

"She’s not like the others," I murmur, almost to myself. "There be a certain elegance to her methods, a finesse. It's almost refreshin’."

Aiden arches an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Refreshin’, huh? So there be more than admiration goin’ on here?"

I contemplate Aiden's remark. The truth lingers in the air, and I decide it's time to admit what I'm feeling, not just to myself but to my brother as well.

"Maybe," I say, a smirk playing on my lips. “Ya can’t tell me you don’ feel a little intrigued. No one has truly been a good challenge since we started this company.”

“Oh, I wasn’ denyin’ it. I was already there when you told us ‘bout it las’ nigh’. And I know Ro agrees, otherwise he wouldn’ be out doin’ ‘recon’.” He uses his fingers to emphasize the word ‘recon’ as though he didn’t really believe that Ronan would simply stick to the set task of gathering information. Which admittedly, knowing our brother, there is a high chance that he was right.

I frown at him anyway though, which just makes him laugh.

“So what now?” He asks.

His almost puppy dog eagerness just reinforces my already simmering thoughts. “Now we find out if the lass still has our files and den we find out everythin’ there is to know about our mystery lady in red.”

“An’ how do we go about doin’ that?”

I finally let the smirk stretch across my lips as my focus returns once again to the image, my fingers tapping lightly against the hard surface of my desk as a slight thrill goes through me. The pieces of this game were already in motion, and oh what a game it will be.

Chapter 3

Scarlette

My last meeting of the day ran long.

All I want to do is get back to my office and out of my high heels. The day had been long and filled with meetings. I was looking forward to calling it a day and heading home to a bath and a glass of wine.

Walking back toward my office, at the back of the highrise, my assistant looks up at my approach and gives me a kind smile. Susannah has a motherly vibe and is always bringing in treats for me that she baked, especially at this time of the year. She has also taken it upon herself to cover most of the office space in decorations, not that I’m complaining as I love the season too.

“Your last appointment arrived already and I’ve put him in your office with a coffee. Please tell me this is more than just a work thing because that man is hot.”

She was always trying to encourage me to date at every opportunity.

But also, I did not have any more appointments. I had made sure of that.

I stop walking as I narrow my eyes at her. “I don’t recall having another appointment set up today.”

She gets flustered for a moment, turning back toward her computer. “It’s in your schedule, dear. Maybe you forgot? It doesn’t have a company or many details listed which is why I thought maybe it was more of a personal nature.” She looks back up at me a little chagrined. “Do you want me to move him to a meeting room?”

Now I feel bad for making her feel bad.

“No, it's fine, Sue. You’re right, I must have forgotten. Why don’t you head off for the day and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Susannah smiles appreciatively, her motherly concern evident. "Alright, dear. Don't stay too late. And if it's a date, give me the details tomorrow!"

I nod, acknowledging her with a grateful smile, and continue down the hallway toward my office. The sound of my heels clicking against the polished floor is a constant reminder of the long day that's about to get a bit longer.

Opening the door to my office, I'm greeted by the warm aroma of fresh coffee. The man Susannah mentioned is standing in front of the glass wall on one side of my office, his attention focused on the city skyline visible through the glass.

The soft glow of evening light is casting a warm hue over everything. It silhouettes him, and I can see the man’s physique that is only accentuated by the suit that is hugging his body.

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