Page 16 of The Eagle's Vault

“We can discuss it over our meal.” Scarlett flicked her eyes toward Jayce, who hopped up to grab another chair. “Our training contracts are more stringent than you may expect, but if you’re agreeable to the conditions, we can set something up.”

Isaac was practically buzzing, nodding so fast I thought his head might roll off. “Yes, yes, of course.”

Where was he going to find the time? “But, Isaac, your schedule’s already jam-packed.”

He dismissed my concerns with a wave of his hand. “I’ll figure it out, Leigh. This is too good an opportunity to miss.”

I bit my lip, glancing around the table. Something about this whole deal didn’t sit right with me. His free time was supposed to be for our tour of the city. Not for even more work. Although, maybe it would be useful for the business. It might make Dad happy, and that was never a bad thing.

“The first step,” Declan started, as he took his seat and gestured for us to do the same, “is to go in on our own. Sign up for a safe deposit box. Feel out the process without Edoardo guiding us and see if we can get more information from the tour guide or the paperwork.”

“I can accompany you.” Isaac acted like a lovestruck puppy around Declan. “Like Jayce said, another locksmith getting a closer look would be helpful.”

Before Declan could respond, Scarlett held up a hand. “I’ll go with Declan. Lesson one: A husband and wife duo always draw less attention in these situations.”

The table erupted in laughter.

“At least…” Scarlett frowned at Malcolm as a teasing glint lit up her eyes. “When they keep their earpieces in, faux-husbands can be useful.”

Malcolm leaned close to her, an intimate moment that seemed to make her as uncomfortable as it made me to witness it. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, “You say the most romantic things, Eloise.”

Eloise? That was a strange nickname.

The dynamic of this team was as confusing as it was fascinating. They worked together, taunted each other, and still managed to focus on the task at hand. My eyes drifted to Declan. This was more than a group of co-workers.

My heart clenched as a fleeting thought crossed my mind—maybe, just maybe, I could fit into a crew like this, too. That was, if I could ever muster the courage to step out of the Barton shadow.

Back to that resume, Leigh.

“How about the best of both worlds?” Declan said, breaking the momentary silence. “Leigh can join me. She’s another safe expert, gives the experience to the Barton team, and we have our husband-wife cover.”

Isaac opened his mouth, no doubt to protest.

Declan cut him off. “No offense, Isaac, but I want Leigh’s opinion.”

A warm flush spread through me at his words and the odd spark in his eyes when he looked at me. There was no way he felt the same attraction as I did. No way he was thinking all the better-suppressed thoughts I was.

I nodded, meeting Declan’s gaze with an attempt at the confidence I practiced when I was alone. “I’ll go.”

Scarlett turned her attention to Isaac. “I’ll handle the contract details with Edoardo. One of you can put me in contact with the right person at Barton.” She looked me up and down thoughtfully. “Do you have any designer handbags, Leigh?”

The question threw me off. “Designer handbags?”

Scarlett simply waved my confusion aside,. “Nevermind. I have an outfit that should fit you perfectly.”

Chapter 7

Leigh

MyheartpoundedasI walked along the narrow cobblestone street early Monday afternoon. Directly ahead, the café where the Reynolds team had set up base for the initial Cassaforte reconnaissance. My heels caught in every second stone, threatening to pitch me over. Beyond the restaurant, there was a paved sidewalk, my salvation.

“You’re going to break an ankle.” Isaac snaked an arm under my elbow, helping me balance. “I should be the one going in with Declan.”

I tugged at the hem of my suit, a pale-blue Italian wool dress and jacket Scarlett loaned me, which molded to every curve of my body. It screamed money, professional, andI know my business. It also screamedlook at mein a way that would have made Finn throw a tarp over me. A thousand bucks, easy. And the tiny handbag? Five times that, at least.

“You will. I’m just doing this one thing.” I rolled my shoulders, trying to find some level of comfort in the rich fabric. When I’d first put it on, I’d sank into the luxury, but now it was hard to forget how tight the pencil skirt was across my butt, or how the push-up bra Scarlett had bought for me—bought for me!—made my breasts at least two cup sizes larger.

Yeah, I definitely needed a tarp.

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