Page 5 of Demented

Lucas looked confused. “Yesterday? Huh. He said it would likely be a week or two before he called. His people wanted to have a solid plan for you before starting the discussion. That’s why I hadn’t told you. I knew I would see you later this week, and I thought I had time to give you a heads-up.”

Every second that ticked by, Noir’s confusion grew. On one hand, he had definitely benefited from Lazarus finding his number. On the other, he couldn’t have his people exposing him. Then there was the whole question of whether this incident was even related to Lazarus finding him. Noir didn’t know what to think.

“Hmm. Well.” Noir couldn’t let Lucas know it hadn’t been Jericho who called. Just in case there was a leak somewhere, he didn’t need that hole to get bigger. He might look weak. “You’re here. You might as well enjoy breakfast with me. We can discuss business now and cancel our meeting for later this week.”

Lucas smiled. His shoulders visibly relaxed. “That sounds good.”

Noir didn’t have to ask. Plates appeared on the table. Noir inhaled the scent of properly seasoned food. Whatever he had eaten the night before had sat on his stomach the entire night.

“Oh, good. I’m right on time.”

Noir’s head whipped toward the door. Lazarus strolled onto the balcony. Ajax looked at him for guidance. Noir motioned for him to stand down. They still had a witness. Noir couldn’t show his home as having weak spots in its security. Lucas needed to think Lazarus had been invited.

“Good morning, Lazarus. I wasn’t expecting you.” He paused for effect. “Quite this early.”

Lazarus wore a shit-eating grin. It was obvious he enjoyed getting the drop on Noir. “Well, you know, I was already in the neighborhood.”

Noir tossed Lucas an apologetic smile. “It seems we’ll be keeping our meeting after all.”

The closest servant grabbed Lucas’ plate. “I’ll wrap this up for you to go.”

Being a smart man, Lucas immediately stood. “I’ll see you then.” He headed inside, nodding at Lazarus as he passed.

Lazarus watched him go. “No ‘Your Highness’ this time?”

“Lucas isn’t from my country. I’m not his prince.”

Lazarus claimed the seat Lucas vacated. “Do you find it disrespectful when people don’t bow to you here?”

A smirk pulled at Noir’s lips. “Who says people don’t bow to me here?” He immediately turned serious. “You seem to be finding all the gaps in my security. It’s looking more and more like I need to hire you.”

“Keeping people safe isn’t in my skill set.”

Fuck. Why did he find this guy so hot? They were equally fucked in the head. They had no business playing this game. “What brings you by this morning?”

Lazarus’ gaze swept down his body. “You’re actually wearing a robe. I swear this entire setup is like something from a movie. Do you actually live like this?”

He knew Lazarus wanted him to feel like some pretentious asshole. Noir had been raised in the height of luxury. He couldn’tbe bothered to care how that looked to anyone else. Noir was royalty. He would damn well live like a prince. “Do you actually live in a one-room hut on the beach while eating greasy food every night?”

Lazarus’ eyebrows rose. “Damn. You really are a snob.”

Noir made a dismissive motion. “You started it. I thought we were simply making observations.”

Lazarus sat forward and tossed back Lucas’ untouched drink. “Actually, I live in Arizona. Deep in the desert, to be precise. I’m only here on business.”

Ah. Pride was his weakness. Noir knew now how to dig out his secrets. “The man you were stalking yesterday?”

“No. I want his boss.”

Noir had suspected as much. Little did Lazarus know he sat across from him. “Does the boss owe you money?”

Lazarus’ face hardened. “The boss ordered my friend’s husband killed. He didn’t succeed and he won’t because I don’t stop until I find my target.”

Actually, Noir had not ordered his friend’s death. That was exactly why the man responsible had paid with his life. Noir didn’t deal with people who risked his business over their bruised pride. He was a professional. “Well, good luck, Isuppose.” He would need it. There was zero chance he could link anything to Noir.

A servant set food in front of Lazarus, pausing their conversation.

Lazarus waited until they were somewhat alone again before speaking. “Your level of unconcern still confuses me. Your guards should be tossing me out.”

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