Page 9 of Caged By the Ruthless Thief

Fuck. When I turn around, Annabelle is in the doorway staring at me.

“That looks like it was serious.”

“Yes. I need to get ready to go.”

“Are they taking Nico? When?”

“Soon.” I’m mentally making a list of supplies I need to take. I open the cabinet under the sink and take my best trident.

“You keep a trident under your sink?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because no one would look for a trident under my sink.”

She nods, but her smile fades quickly. Shock is setting in. This is it, it’s real. Nico’s being taken to the chasm. Worry pours off her. I have to do everything I can to save that rusty shipwreck of a merman.

The rest of the list is in my waterproof bag in less than ten minutes. “I’m going.”

“Please bring him home.”

“I can’t bring him all the way home. That he has to do for himself.” Even if he makes it out of the chasm, I can’t be certain they don’t have another assassin waiting to take him out between there and home. I’m certain there will be someone waiting for me. But I’m prepared for that.

“Good luck.”

“Isn’t it a human custom to give a kiss for good luck?”

“I’ll give you a kiss when you come back.”

I laugh. But it’s not a bad compromise and will give me something to think about wanting to come home for. “I’m going to hold you to that.” I sling the bag over my shoulder.

“You’re leaving now?”

“Yes, Sunshine.” That’s it. She’s my Sunshine, and I will do whatever I have to do to keep her.

“Good.” She sucks the side of her cheek in. “I’ll be here.”

“I’ll be back. But my brother, Michio, will be here to check on you in a day or two if I’m not back. There’s lots of food to eat in the cupboards. Most of it is prepackaged—just heat it up in the cooker.” I really should work on eating better.

She nods. I’m not sure if she understands how important it is for her to stay put.

“Really, Sunshine, don’t leave this dome. It’s for your own safety. No one should know you’re here. Stay away from the windows if you open the blinds.” It’s as much for my own safety too. I’m arranging an alibi for myself. One that has me out on the town drinking the night away last night, using mostly false footage and a handsome payout to a bartender on the other side of town. I need people to think I’m sleeping off the world’s largest hangover. But the part of my order that says the security council plans to take care of “the mate” makes me want to keep her out of sight for as long as possible. I have to keep her safe from others like me. “If you have to open the blinds, just open those. That window opens to the back of the building and doesn’t get too close to the glass. I’ll put the security system on high. Even my brothers shouldn’t be able to get in—well, everyone but Michio. I’m sending him the code now. But if the others do, they’ll keep our secret. I’m sure.” I nod. I’m mostly sure.

Her arms cross over her chest. “I’ve put a lot of faith in you, Eros. Help him return home. I’m not your secret. When you’re both back, I’m going home to Glyden. Keeping me here in the long run will cause you more problems.”

I break out into a smile. Damn it. Her intelligence is more attractive to me than her beauty.

“Seriously, Eros. What are you smiling about?”

I nod, steeling my face. “I’m smiling about you. You’re no damsel in distress.”

“No, I suppose I’m not. I’m a female who wants answers.”

“I can see that.”

Her eyebrows dart up. “And are you going to give them to me? It feels like you’re up to more than saving Nico.”

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