Page 19 of A Devious Arrangement

“Open up, Miss Volkov,” one of them says. He’s stocky, a good five inches shorter than the man beside him. His huge head sit directly on his shoulders as if he took one too many hits to the crown and it compressed his neck.

The other guy is his complete opposite. Tall, with a wide back and a tiny head that looks mismatched to his body, like a doll that had its parts switched. There’s an uncanny valley look to him that gives me the creeps.

I cross my arms over my chest. “Why are you here? We still have time.”

The short man smiles, but it’s all wrong. “We’ll be seeing you periodically in case you get any ideas. Now, open this door before your neighbors get curious.”

I suppress a shudder and shake my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m already working on getting you the money.”

“Your brother in there?” the tall guy asks, a thick Boston accent morphing the vowels.

Ice-cold tingles travel from my scalp, down my face, and over my shoulders as if water was poured over me. Something tells me letting these guys know Nikolai isn’t around is a very bad idea. “He’s busy right now.”

They tilt their heads in unison, and I have to lock my feet in place to keep from fidgeting under their gaze.

The taller guy raises a brow at his partner. “I don’t believe her. Do you?”

“Not even a little,” the other replies.

Shit. I need to get them out of here fast before they decide coming in here by force is a good idea. “Listen, I heard you loud and clear. I’m getting your money, so you being here is just slowing me down.”

“You better be telling the truth.” The short man points at me, then gestures to his partner with his chin to head out. “We’ll be back to check up on you.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I rush out.

“Oh, but Miss Volkov, it’s our pleasure. Wouldn’t want you forgetting what happens to those that don’t repay the Salvatores, do we? Well…unless you prefer to start paying it on your back.”

I shudder. “I told you I’d get the money.”

“Smart girl.” The man then follows his buddy, climbing into the passenger door of a blacked-out sedan.

My legs are jelly, and I press my back into the wall for support as I try to calm the pounding of my heart. If I wasn’tdetermined before, this little visit definitely lit a fire. Which is exactly what they intended, I’m sure.

I rest my head against the plaster and close my eyes. Let’s hope I’m a good thief.

Chapter 7

Anastasia

My nerves are shotas I move through the crowd. The grand ballroom is alive with vibrant colors, the walls adorned with intricate floral designs that seem to reach toward the lofty ceiling. With each minute that passes, the scent of flowers mingling with the subtle hints of perfume fills my nose until it’s nauseating.

Nikolai: In thirty minutes, head toward the Vault.

I let out a slow breath, careful not to show anxiousness on my face. This all seemed like a great idea when I’d been planning it, but now, I am eternally freaking out that I’m about to screw all of this up.

Anastasia Volkov.Thief.

I’m woefully underqualified for this task.

“Miss, would you like a glass of champagne?” The server can’t be older than seventeen, and by the way he’s looking around, starry-eyed, this is likely his first time working this type of event.

Good. If he’s not committed to his job, maybe I can use him.

“Yes, please.” I give him a soft smile, pushing all the comfort I’m able to muster into it.

The tray tilts when he shifts, but he recovers quickly. “Will that be all?”

I assess him. He’s shorter than I am in my four-inch heels. Maybe five foot seven? It’s a good thing I don’t need him to be big for what I have in mind.

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