Page 56 of An Eye For Illusion

It makes me sad.

“Moore went into that building three doors down. We need to hurry to catch up.” The reminder from Colin snaps me back into reality.

I came out here with a purpose, and I’m letting my attraction to a man who probably can’t stand me get in the way of finding answers. I never let myself get distracted like that, and there’s more at stake here than some stupid crush.

I don’t wait for him to take the lead as I march toward the door. Right before I pull the handle, I’m yanked back against a strong chest.

Colin leans down, his lips grazing my ear. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

I bristle at his tone. “I’m going in there to see what he’s up to!”

“What good is it going to do if you get caught following him, Jade?”

“Who says I’m going to get caught?”

Colin pulls me into the shadows along the side of the building. I can just see into the entranceway of the main lobby. A surprised grunt leaves my lips when I realize Elliott is standing just beyond the doors.

It took us so long to follow that I just assumed Elliott would be further into the building by now, but that assumption would have got me caught if Colin hadn’t pulled me back from opening the door.

Damn, that was close.

“You need to trust me. I’ll find your answers, and I’ll find them in time.”

I sigh when he releases me and puts a respectable amount of space between us. I instantly miss the warmth of his chest pressed against my back and the gentle but firm grip on my arm.

“I don’t trust easily, Mr. Brooks, and you’ve done little to earn it.” My verbal slap is as harsh as I meant it to be. Here this man is, asking for trust when he’s done nothing to earn it. Nothing to prove to me that he is worthy of it.

He looks hurt for a moment before he clears the expression. “That’s fair.”

That’s all he fucking says. He doesn’t promise to prove me wrong or do better. The man promises me nothing.

He turns and watches Elliott go further into the building before looking at me and asking, “You ready?”

Colin

I caught Jade following Moore almost instantly but decided to watch and see what happened. For over an hour I watched her dart around corners or speed past cars trying to keep up with him.

She’s beautiful, smart, and a badass at her job, but a PI, she is not. The only reason she hasn’t been caught is because Moore seems to be preoccupied with something else. I found it funny as hell to watch, and I would’ve happily sat back and followed them both, but I was forced to intervene when Moore deviated from the schedule.

Something is different about today. He usually isn’t this singularly focused. In my line of work, that usually means the case is about to have a breakthrough. I’m pumped at the thought of finding something more concrete on this guy.

The thought of Jade actually marrying him has a red-hot burning sensation sizzling in my gut. I want to punch the sleazebag straight in the face.

We aren’t on the best side of town, and Jade sticks out like a sore thumb in her designer suit, jacket, and expensive—though sexy as hell—heels. I realized I needed to step in before she either got herself caught by Moore or worse, noticed by one of Vinny’s guys who I’m positive are still trailing Moore as well.

I look up at the sign on the building to figure out where the hell we are. St. James Place. That’s all it says, giving us no clue as to what awaits inside. This pit stop isn’t on the itinerary Jade gives me daily. Speaking of, I still haven’t figured out how she does it.

“How do you know his schedule down to the T every day?” I ask.

Her eyebrows scrunch together as she follows me to the front door of the building. We weren’t able to see much, or even which direction Moore went off to, so we’re going in blind here. This isn’t ideal. I would much rather not have to worry about Jade when going into the unknown.

I fucking know Moore is up to no good because he’s running with Vinny. I just need the proof. I have a few theories on what Moore is doing for Vinny.

With Moore’s position as a broker dealer, he rubs the shoulders of some very powerful people in the city and knows all the interworkings of their business deals and financials. It makes perfect sense why Jade thought the two of them would be a powerhouse in her business. That kind of reach is also a very useful tool for a man like Vinny.

For all I know, I’m walking into an ambush with Jade in tow. I don’t think Moore has any clue who I really am but letting my guard down in any capacity right now could get us both killed.

“I bribe his assistant with sweet treats and paid vacations. She loves me and will do just about anything for me. I knew I needed an ‘in’ right after my father…”

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