Page 19 of Twisted Truths

As soon as I reach my bedroom, I swing the door closed and collapse back against it.

What was that? Is he trying to freak me out and make me uncomfortable so I’ll quit? Or is he attracted to me too?

What does it even matter if he is? Getting involved with him will only make things more complicated for me. I’m here to steal from this man, not fall for him.

Under no circumstances can I get involved with Obsidian Voss.

He’s the kind of man who would chew me up and spit me out. I do not need more problems in my life, only solutions. So I can look, but I cannot touch. No matter what.

Chapter

Nine

ARIANA

The next morning, Obsidian acts as though nothing happened and is his usual non-charming self. As the day passes, I realize what a juxtaposition his attitude toward me is compared to the way he interacts with everyone else.

To me, he’s short and snippy, outright rude, and somewhat condescending. On the phone, he’s charming and irreverent, sounding like a different man completely.

By the end of the week, I’m still trying to figure out which version of him is the real one.

But I put all that aside because it’s Saturday, and tonight, I have to meet my brother at the local dive bar to pass off something for him to sell. I can’t chance selling anything myself. Besides, it’s not like a local pawn shop is going to give me a decent price. This way my brother can reach out to the many contacts we’ve made over the years and get a better price.

The only problem is that I haven’t snagged anything. At first, I told myself I didn’t want to do it too early because that would mean I had to hide it somewhere in my room and the longer it was missing, the better chance they’d suspect me and find wherever I stashed it.

But the truth is that I’ve seen a few items I can take, had the opportunity to do so, and I’ve chickened out. The Vosses may be able to afford to replace the items and may not even notice anything is gone, given how much they have, but it’s the principle of it all. There’s a reason I left the family business. My conscience is fighting me.

So the first time I went for the Fabergé egg, my hand just couldn’t wrap around it.

But I’m out of time. I’m about to leave to head to the bar and meet my brother, so I have no choice.

I find my way to the room in question, which is in the common area of the manor, and stop when I get inside, listening for anyone. The room is dim, as they all are—especially once the sun starts setting—and long shadows cast upon the wall courtesy of the flickering sconces on the walls. I make my way toward the table where the egg sits. I purposely wore my larger purse tonight so that I would have room for it without attracting notice.

Knowing that hesitation is what gets you caught, I walk past the table, swipe it, and slide it into my bag. My heart hammers, and I feel as though I’m lugging around a fifty-pound weight in my bag.

Marcel’s by the front door, and I panic a bit, my throat closing.

“Hello, Miss Clarke. I just wanted to see you off and to give you this.” He holds out a black business card. On it is a phone number printed in white. “When you’re ready to return to the manor, just text this number, and the driver will come and get you.”

My shoulders relax. “Thank you so much, I appreciate it.” I’d contacted Marcel earlier today to see if I could arrange a ride down the hill into the town of Magnolia Bend.

“My pleasure. Have a good evening.” He nods and walks away.

I sigh, walking out the door, and slip in the back seat of the car. The driver doesn’t say a word to me as he drives toward the gates.

It takes no time before we’re in front of Black Magic Bar.

“Thank you for the ride,” I say and get out of the car.

When I step inside the bar, I look around. It’s definitely a dive bar, yet…different. I suppose it’s on theme with the name because there are nods to magic throughout the place. But all of that falls to the wayside when I spot Bastion sitting at one of the tables with a hand raised and a smile on his face.

I rush over, only now realizing how much I’ve missed him. He might drive me a little crazy, but living at Midnight Manor and pretending to be there for reasons I’m not has left me feeling lonely.

He stands as I get closer to the table. “Hey, stranger. How are you?” I give him a big hug and he seems taken aback. “Hey, everything all right?”

“Yeah, just a little homesick.”

He frowns as we both sit at the table. “You sure you can handle this? It’s been less than a week.”

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