Page 15 of The Eagle's Vault

Isaac waved in Declan’s direction, catching the attention of more than one other man at the table. “Let’s go say hello.”

Think about the chain keys, Leigh.Not that panty-melting smirk. He was a business contact, nothing more. Although that stubble… I clenched my thighs. So wrong.

As we neared, a server asked, “Table for two?” Did we really look so American she didn’t ask in Italian?

I shook my head and pointed to Declan’s group, but Isaac was engrossed in conversation with the server, arranging for a bottle of wine to be sent over.

Red.

Again.

Alone, I approached the table. I caught a few words from a large, muscular man with a gruff voice laced with a French accent. “We tracked Fenix to—”

Jayce nudged him and he stopped mid-sentence. When his gaze rose to meet mine, a shiver of fear shot up my spine. His eyes were deep brown and so intense I couldn’t look away. His abrupt silence spread around the table, all attention turning on me.

I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to squirm or run.

“Hey, Leigh,” Jayce said, already on the move, scraping an unoccupied metal chair across the cobblestones. “Have a seat.”

Isaac arrived at my side before I could sit, his expression suddenly business-like. He nodded to Declan and Jayce. “This your team?”

Declan stood, radiating confidence and that devilish charm of his. His lips pulled into a broad grin as he gestured to each person, turning the introductions into an informal roast session.

“First, the boss lady herself, Scarlett.” Declan swept his hand in her direction, and I studied the woman. Glamor oozed from her every pore, from her expertly tailored dress to her sky-high stilettos. Confidence clung to her, an invisible, magnetic aura.

“Emmett,” Declan continued, pointing to a man nursing a drink. He winced slightly, a mosaic of healing bruises spread across his face, and he favored one arm. His grin matched Declan’s in its intensity. “Scarlett’s brother and resident pain in the ass.”

Most of the group laughed, while Emmett stuck out his tongue at Declan. Co-workers and friends, maybe?

“Malcolm here.” Declan pointed to a man who finally looked away from Scarlett.

His arm rested around Scarlett’s shoulders, posture casual yet fiercely protective. His brilliant-blue eyes radiated charm mixed with something more sinister—much like the rest of the group.

Declan continued his impromptu performance as Malcolm smiled at me. “He’s our resident eyelash flutterer and lone wolf. Can’t seem to leave us alone, though.”

Declan motioned to the burly man I’d overheard talking earlier. The scary one. “And last, our human shield, Rav.”

Rav nodded at me, courteous, but practically looking through me. What exactly did a human shield do? Other than terrify anyone who got too close to his team?

“And, of course, you’ve met the ball of energy,” Declan finished, giving Jayce a cheeky grin, which was returned with a playful shove.

I smiled at each of them in turn. “I’m Leigh Barton and this”—I gestured to Isaac—“is my brother Isaac. We work for a safe company in Boston.”

“If you’re all in Rome,” Isaac began, barging his way into the conversation, “does it mean you’re going to do the full test of Cassaforte?”

“Sharp, isn’t he?” Declan responded, grinning at me. “We are. Edoardo all but said we couldn’t do it, which means we have to. There are a couple of team members working remotely, too.”

“Excellent!” Isaac’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’d like to discuss some training opportunities with you. Barton Safes is considering branching into this service at home, and it’s a perfect opportunity to learn.”

My stomach twisted at Isaac’s words. I didn’t know we were considering that.

Declan was quick to dampen it. “We’re good, bud. Don’t need the help.”

Jayce gave him a pointed nudge, her brows knitting together. “Oh, come on, Dec. Don’t be a spoilsport.”

Emmett nodded to Jayce. “You said yourself the vault’s going to be tough. Having an extra safe expert on the job would help.”

Declan’s smirk slid into a glower at Emmett.

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