Page 41 of Captive of the Crime Queen

She considers that, and then nods slowly. "That one," she says, pointing at one that I discarded as too modest for her to even try it on.

But when she comes out in the azure velvet mini-dress that makes her eyes glow, I see how wrong I was. The front is very high, skimming over her collar bones in a wide neckline, covering her entire torso. But when she turns around, the daringly low back reveals a hint of butt cleavage.

And when she glances over her shoulder at me, I suck in a breath. She's transformed into a siren who could bring strong men to ruin with a glance. When she sees the look on my face,she seems to shed her innocence, blossoming into a woman fully aware of the effect she has on those around her.

Onme.

"You'll stop Nero in his tracks," I tell her.

She turns, her hand drifting up my arm.

"And what about you, Hadria? Will I make you lose control too?"

Her touch scorches my skin. This captivating, maddening creature might just undo me completely. The air seems to vanish from my lungs. I want to cradle that defiant face in my hands and?—

I force myself to step back. "It's perfect," I tell her. "Meet me downstairs." And then I head out of the dressing room and down to the boutique floor below, where I lean against the wall, cursing internally.

Since when do I lose my composure over a pretty girl playing games? Get it together.

But on the drive back to Elysium, I can't stop sneaking glances at Aurora, wondering exactly what is going on in that tricky little brain of hers. Lyssa has warned me she's clever, cleverer than I think her, and perhaps Lyssa is right…

But then she catches my eye and smiles, slow and tentative, and an answering heat blooms inside me. I'm dangerously close to throwing all caution aside and pinning her against this plush leather seat.

My cell phone trills, breaking the moment. Ilona's voice filters through when I answer, grateful for the distraction.

"Eyes on the Gentleman, Hades. Corner diner at West Jackson and Jefferson."

We're not far from there. Opportunity knocks.

I lower the privacy screen to speak to the driver. "Change of plans," I tell him, and give him the address. Lyssa, seated next to him in the front, gives me a hard look. I turn away to speak to Aurora. "Stay in the car when we arrive. The driver will watch you."

She nods, eyes bright with curiosity. My fierce, fearless captive. How far she's come.

We pull up to the 24-hour diner and I step out, the other cars with us coming to a rough halt as well. Lyssa and my bodyguards form a phalanx around me as I enter, and the few patrons inside gape and murmur at the sight of us, then stream out fast, sensing danger.

And there at the counter, just like Ilona said, sits Johnny "the Gentleman" de Luca, back to the door. But I can see him watching me in the mirror behind the counter, and he turns when I'm close and reaches for a napkin, wiping off his fingers as he regards me.

"Hello, there." I sit up at the counter with him. "I'm Hades. You might have heard of me."

"Indeed I have," he says with a warm smile. "And what brings you in here?"

"That's my line. We need to talk."

Johnny's eyes go behind me to Lyssa and my other bodyguards, calculating. My pulse drums in anticipation.

I do so enjoy these little chats.

CHAPTER 20

Aurora

As soon asHadria and everyone else's attention is fixed on the man at the counter, I get out of the car, ignoring the shout of the driver, and slip into the diner, pulse quickening at this small act of defiance. Hadria ordered me to remain in the car, but the temptation to witness her in action is too great.

I need to see how the woman who claims to own me handles potential threats.

Lyssa stands just inside the entrance, scowling as she spots me. I freeze, wondering if she'll unceremoniously drag me back to the car. But she gives a subtle nod, eyes glinting with what might be amusement. I let out a breath, grateful for this allowance.

The diner has a retro interior—gleaming chrome countertops and red vinyl booths. It's empty of all other patrons now, except for the older man at the counter. He wears what looks like a very expensive gray suit. This must be Johnny the Gentleman. He cuts neatly into a slice of pie with refined dignity, seemingly oblivious to the impending confrontation, and smiles again at Hadria.

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