Page 76 of An Eye For Illusion

Me: You like that one, huh?

Jade: Lol. A little... Or maybe a lot.

I smile as I shift and look back to make sure Moore hasn’t left the booth in the back of the bar. He’s sitting with a couple of Vinny’s goons, but there is no sign of Vinny.

I pull the baseball cap down low on my head as I turn back to the bar. I need to be careful. I don’t want Vinny or Moore to notice me sitting up here. I’m pretty damn good about being discrete, hence my reference to being an octopus.

Me: What else do you like?

Jade: What? As in like food, my favorite color? Do I like long walks on the beach or watching a sunset in the mountains? I need more information before I can divulge such things.

I cough, then chuckle at how damn sarcastic she is as I type out my reply.

Me: Lol well, we can start with your favorite color and end with things you like about me.

Jade: Blue, and there’s nothing else I like about you … that’s literally it.

I bark out another laugh. This woman holds no punches, and I really fucking like it.

Me: Now who’s lying?

Jade: I’m about to take it back.

Me: Nope, there’s no take backs. It’s right there in black and white. Forever written.

Jade: I know how to delete things. Don’t let it go to your head.

Me: You wound me, Princess. And here I thought we were on to something.

I’m smiling like a lovesick puppy in the middle of this seedy ass bar because I enjoy the hell out of this banter with her. It’s exhilarating. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.

Jade: I eat men like you for breakfast, Brooks. Better watch out.

Me: Don’t threaten me with a good time, Princess. You’ve already taken a bite out of me once, and I survived. In fact… Wanna do it again?

I must have left her speechless because she doesn’t reply right away. I drop my phone back on the bar and pretend to take a sip of my beer.

Movement out of the corner of my eye draws my attention to the back of the bar. I catch Vinny and Moore walking out the back exit of the bar.

Showtime, kids.

I slide my phone into my pocket, vowing to have more fun with Jade later. For now, it’ll have to wait.

I’ve got a fiancé to discredit.

Chapter 26

Colin

I glance around the room to take in all the unfamiliar faces. Dunn Security Group attends this charity gala every year. Most of the time, I enjoy it. It’s good food, great drinks, and it’s for an amazing cause.

But this year is different. I’m too distracted by the case and worried about how all of this will end. Apprehension has settled deep in my gut, and I don’t fucking like it. Whatever turmoil I’m feeling seems to be ten times worse for Donovan. I just can’t figure out why.

We dropped the truck and car off at the warehouse yesterday after picking it up. From all accounts it seems to be the exact one Vinny asked for.

Thank fuck.

We pulled it into the warehouse and made sure the security cameras were all in proper working order and that the place was locked up tight. I won’t chance losing the damn thing this close to Vinny’s birthday party, especially with Carlo following us.

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