Page 23 of His to Possess

“I’m working on it,” I mumble.

“So, I take it that is a fellow co-worker of yours?”

I turn and glare at him. “Vixen is nothing but trouble and she’ll hand us over to the highest bidder without thinking twice.”

“Good to know. Well, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Suddenly, I stop short as a terrible thought hits me. If Vixen found us then it’s only a matter of time before the others do. If we get trapped up here on this roof, we’re as good as dead.

“We need to move fast,” I say, heading for the rooftop door. Of course, it’s locked. “Shit.”

Angelo moves up behind me. “What? You can’t pick a lock?”

His superior tone galls me. “No. Can you?” I shoot back, expecting him to say no.

“Actually, I can. Move over, kitten.”

Surprised, I take a step back and watch as he drops down in front of the lock, taking a moment to study it. I’m not sure what to expect. He looks up at me and says, “I need a long thin piece of metal. Got anything?”

“Uh…” I think fast then start scouring the rooftop. “I’ll find something.”

A minute later, I run back over and hand him a piece of wire. “Will this work?” I ask.

He takes the wire and bends it, fashioning the one end into a hook. “We’re about to find out.”

Crossing my arms, I watch closely as he sticks the end of the wire into the keyhole, sliding it in, and then jiggling it around a bit. It’s just like you see in the movies and on television, and I sure hope he knows what he’s doing.

“I’m no expert,” he says, working the lock, “but I did learn a few tricks from the mafia. My dad taught me how to pick a lock and my mom taught me how to make the world’s best cannoli.”

Despite our dire situation, I can’t help but smile. “Once we’re safe, I wouldn’t mind trying some of that cannoli.”

The lock clicks, the door opens and Angelo looks up at me, dark eyes shining in triumph. “It’s a date,la mia farfalla.”

I must be losing my mind.Why did you make a date with him?I ask myself.Are you insane?Once we’re out of this situation, my plan is to get far, far away. Or, at least that was my original intent. Now I’m entirely too confused.Focus, Blake.

“C’mon,” I say, urging him on. “We need to get out of here before every bounty hunter and assassin in the city shows up.”

Because that would really, really suck on every level.

10

ANGELO

The danger and my adrenaline are high as we hurry down a dark, back staircase. I’m not sure how we’re going to waltz past Vixen, but she’s only one person, right? She can’t possibly have her eyes on every entrance, exit and window. I have complete confidence we can get out of here safely. As long as no one else shows up. Then things might get sticky.

“What’s the plan, kitten?” I ask, right on her heels. Damn, she’s a sight to behold. All fiery and determined, her cat claws extended and ready to do battle.

“Is it butterfly or kitten?” she asks, not bothering to look back at me. “You can’t seem to make up your mind.”

“Depends,” I tell her. “Sometimes you seem so light and airy like a butterfly. Other times, you’re a fierce and feisty kitten ready to scratch someone’s eyes out.”

She chokes back a laugh. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

“Crazy for you,” I say without thinking.

She abruptly stops and I slam into her.

“Sorry.” I press a quick, soft kiss in her fragrant hair. Christ, that lavender scent of hers is going to be my undoing. We’re running for our lives and I’m getting aroused. “It’s true, though.”

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