Page 13 of Their Reckless Thief
Dorian sat up straighter, his lazy smirk turning dark. “We’re going to need better intel. The last magical artifact source? They found him dead in an alley. Torn to shreds.”
Vincenzo’s jaw tightened. “Then find another fucking source. Whatever it takes to find that damn mirror.”
I had to leave. Now. Before they realized they weren’t alone. Most supernatural creatures had enhanced senses—if I so much as breathed too loud, they’d be on me. The only reason they hadn’t noticed me yet had to be because they were so engrossed in discussing the conflict with The Shadow. I edged back slowly,every muscle in my body tight, praying they wouldn’t notice me slip away from the door.
Something sharp snagged my jacket. Before I had time to curse internally, my earpiece slipped from my ear and clattered to the floor.
The sound was deafening in the silence.
Vincenzo’s head snapped toward the door, his dark eyes narrowing like a predator who’d just scented his prey.
“What the fuck was that?” he growled as he pushed up out of his chair.
I was so fucked.
I froze. Every muscle in my body screamed at me to move, but I stayed still, praying to whatever gods there were that the shadows would keep me hidden.
Dorian’s wolf-like senses seemed to pick up something. He raised his head, nostrils flaring, and a slow grin spread across his face. “Looks like we’ve got company.”
He was on his feet before I could even blink, his movements fluid and quick. His amber eyes locked on mine through the crack in the door, and a slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.
“Well, well, well,” he drawled, taking a step forward. “What do we have here?”
Shit.
Vincenzo’s gaze followed Dorian’s, his eyes darkening with realization as he spotted me half-hidden in the doorway. “You’ve got five seconds to explain why you’re in my fucking house.”
I forced a grin, straightening up and stepping fully into the room like I belonged there, even though my heart raced like a frightened rabbit’s. “Oh, you know. Just... got lost. Happens sometimes in sprawling mansions.”
Luca’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes flicked to the earpiece on the ground. “Who were you talking to in that earpiece of yours?”
I swallowed hard, refusing to let the panic show on my face. “No one important.”
Vincenzo’s jaw tightened. “Tie her up,” he ordered, his voice low and cold. “We’ll deal with her after the meeting.”
Dorian’s grin widened as he stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over me with a mix of amusement and intrigue. He picked up my earpiece and spoke into the speaker with a menacing tone. “Guess we’ll find out just how important you are.” Then he crushed it between his fingertips.
4
VINCENZO
In the middleof the discussion with my men, I heard it. The faintest spark of something off. A heartbeat. Soft, steady, and subtle. Not Luca or Dorian. Something... else. I dismissed it at first, assuming it was one of the guards or a staff member. I had bigger problems to worry about than a random pulse.
Then my gaze drifted to the door. And that’s when I saw her.
The most mouthwatering, life-destroying woman I’d ever laid eyes on. Lurking in the shadows, trying to remain invisible. My jaw tightened, eyes narrowing. She was spying on us, and she wasn’t spying on a typical day-to-day conversation. No, this woman had the audacity to sneak into my mansion during my most critical meeting in decades.
I should’ve been furious. I was furious. But I was also intrigued, as twisted as that was.
She tried to put on a brave face, tried to play the innocent with wide eyes and a quivering lip. She backed up slightly, but her posture changed, and I saw the flash of defiance in her eyes. She was good at the act, but not good enough. I could see through the mask.
When it became clear none of us were buying her act, and I instructed my men to tie her up, she dropped the innocentroutine and went straight into fight mode. In one fluid motion, she pulled out two wicked-looking blades and settled into a fierce stance. It was hot as fuck.
My lips curled into a grin. Not many people surprised me, but this woman…
If I were being honest, her show of skill and bravado was giving me a twisted sort of thrill.
Beside me, Dorian let out a low whistle, amusement written all over his face. “Damn, she’s feisty. I like it.”
