Page 91 of Their Reckless Thief
Just like Luca.
The anxiety was already creeping back, gnawing at the edges of my mind. I hesitated at my door as that familiar itch for the drug increased.
Maybe, just this once, I could try to make it through without it.
Then the anxiety tightened its grip, and before I could stop myself, I went inside and grabbed a vial of Phantomine from the nightstand. I hesitated for a second, my mind warring with itself, but in the end, I took a hit.
Before the Phantomine could lull me to sleep, I hurried to Vivian’s room, my pulse still thrumming with the thrill of what I’d done. I knocked softly, waiting until I heard her mutter “Come in” from the other side.
Vivian was on the bed, laptop open on her knees, hair twisted up in a loose bun. She raised a brow as I walked in, her gaze sharp and curious as always. “What’s got you pacing around the mansion at this hour?”
I took a deep breath, then launched right into it. “I did something… questionable. Necessary, but still risky.” I hesitated. “I transferred two million from Vincenzo’s account.”
Her eyes widened, but she waited for me to explain.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about Roberto’s dolls, about Will and the others. They lost everything when he died. Roberto was a monster, but he provided for them. They didn’t deserve to be thrown out into the cold because of him.” I clenched my hands, fighting to keep my voice steady. “I figured it would help them find their footing.”
Vivian set her laptop aside and motioned for me to sit. “All right, so what do you need from me?”
I sank onto the edge of the bed, a little surprised at her easy acceptance considering how strained things had been between us ever since Vincenzo brought her to his mansion. “I need you to hack into Roberto’s old database. I want the account information for all the dolls, including Will.”
Vivian’s lips twitched in a small, approving smile. “Anonymously, right? Discreet and clean. Got it.” She reached for her laptop, fingers already dancing over the keys as she navigated through layers of security like they were nothing more than spiderwebs. “Should be only a few minutes.”
While she worked, I couldn’t shake the tightness in my chest, the relief mixing with a deep sense of uncertainty. “Thank you, Viv.”
She nodded. “They deserve it, Celeste. You’re doing a good thing.”
Her words settled something within me, an affirmation I hadn’t realized I needed. When her screen finally flashed with the information we needed, Vivian split the money across the accounts, methodically setting each transaction as anonymous.
“It’s done,” she said, double-checking each deposit. “No one will be able to trace it back to you.”
I let out a slow breath, relief spreading through me. “Thank you. Really.”
She shut her laptop with a soft click and leaned back. “I’ve been keeping tabs on Will. He’s worried about us. He misses us.”
I swallowed, a sudden pang of guilt hitting me. It felt strange to think of Will so far away, outside this dangerous circle I’d thrown myself into. “I miss him too.” I leaned over, pulling Vivian into a hug. It felt like a reminder of who I was and why I was doing this with Vincenzo’s money. She hugged me back, tight and warm, before pulling away with a small smile.
“You should get some sleep,” I told her, gently nudging her shoulder. “We both should.”
She laughed softly, shaking her head as she settled back into bed. Her laughter gave me hope that we could eventually get past the awkwardness that had settled into our friendship after I’d been caught breaking into this very mansion.
As I left her room, a mix of gratitude and resolve settled over me. I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but tonight, I was strangely at peace.
28
CELESTE
I woketo a warm body beside me. My heart lurched, panic flaring hot and sharp in my chest. Instinct kicked in, and I jerked upright, muscles tense, ready to fight or flee. My pulse thundered in my ears as my vision adjusted to the dim light of the room.
Rough hands, strong yet tender, rubbed slow circles on my back, grounding me in their warmth. The tension ebbed from my body, replaced by a tingling awareness. Dorian.
I let out a shaky breath, my heart still racing but not from fear anymore. Turning slightly, I met his dark amber eyes, smoldering with that infuriating blend of concern and confidence that always disarmed me.
“Finally awake?” His voice was low and intimate, as if the world outside this room didn’t exist.
I blinked hard, trying to shake off the haze of sleep and lingering panic. “How long have you been in my fucking bed?” My voice came out raspier than intended.
“Only about an hour,” he replied, flashing that lazy, mischievous grin. It should have annoyed me—itdidannoy me—but gods help me, it also tugged at something deep in my chest. “You looked peaceful. Didn’t want to wake you.”
