Page 16 of Ruthless Beast

“I’m in finance.”

Not exactly the whole truth, but it’s close enough.

“David was always bragging about his talented baby sister,” I say. This too is a lie, but I have a burning desire to please this woman. I’m happy to meet you. I’m just sorry it’s under such awful circumstances.”

“Thank you,” she smiles.

Emily looks me dead in the eyes. Her confidence is attractive. I wonder what it would be like to kiss her. My body tingles at the thought of her touch.

“Emily!”

It’s the woman who attempted to come to Emily’s rescue during the eulogy.

“Would you excuse me, please Lucas?”

“Of course. My condolences again.”

She smiles briefly before she leaves my side. I watch as she and her friend go back into the hall. I have to get to know this beautiful creature better. The least I can do is keep an eye on her. I’m responsible for her mystery.

Uh-huh. How very magnanimous, Lucas. Why don’t you just stop lying to yourself and admit it? You want this woman.

* * *

It’s been a week since the funeral and all I can think about is Emily. It’s ridiculous, I know, but I can't help it. I have to find a way to get to know her, but how?

I know where she works. It wouldn’t be hard to take a drive down to the gallery to say hi. I could use the concerned-acquaintance motivation as my justification. Isn’t that what a concerned human being would do? Surely, Emily wouldn’t see through the facade. It’s a chance I have to take or I’ll go nuts.

It’s around noon when I pull up outside the gallery. After having done my homework, I know what Emily drives. Her car is parked on the curb.

The gallery has large window frontage making it fairly easy to see what’s going on inside. I spot the object of my obsession soon enough. She’s wearing white cotton pants and a pale blue shirt, perfectly complimenting her olive skin. My chest tightens at the thought of touching that perfect flesh.

What would David think of me? Here I am, lusting after his sister like a crazed stalker. I really need to get a grip.

Either get out of your car and go talk to Emily, or get the hell out of dodge, Lucas. You’re acting like a child.

It’s too soon. Besides, what will I say to her? Is it a coincidence that I happen to visit the very gallery in which she works? It’s a little too obvious—seeing her so soon after meeting her at her dead brother’s funeral.

No. I have to stop this madness before she gets hurt. Then again, I don’t know who killed David. The same person may be targeting Emily next. Vengeance is big in the mob. I owe it to Emily to keep an eye on her.

I retrieve my phone from my pocket and scroll through my contacts until I find who I’m looking for. I press dial and wait for an answer.

“Lucas? Is everything okay?”

“Hi, Ben. Yes, I’m fine.”

“Nasty business, David’s murder.”

“Yeah. I need you to do something for me, Ben.”

“Of course. Anything.”

“I want you to keep an eye on Emily Thornton. Whoever killed David may have it in for her too.”

“Sure. I’ll do that.”

“I’ll send you a pin location. How soon can you get here?”

“You’re there now?”

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