Page 51 of Chandelier Sin
Italian culture flowed through my veins.
The fountain drew me to it. I leaned over to peek into the waterfilled base. A lone bumblebee floated on the surface, kicking his way in a circle and making no headway. He’d dipped in there for a drink, the rush of water upending him. He wouldn’t last much longer.
Reaching in, I cupped my hands together and scooped out theinsect, water draining from between my fingers as I carefully set him safely on the grass.
The maid signaled for me to hurry. “The camera’s off.”
Had they turned off the surveillance especially for my visit?
We continued along a winding pathway, the location becoming more isolated. I pulled off my Ray-Bans and tucked them into my jacket pocket as we entered a shaded area of trees.
Not telling the others about this meeting was insane. I pulled out my phone, ready to send a message to Jake.
Before I could send it, the maid pointed toward a cottage. Pale blue shutters and a rocking chair sat outside. The modest property was in sharp contrast to the grandness of the main house.
I changed my mind about texting Jake. Luring him into danger was also unwise. I shoved my phone back in my pocket. I’d put myself in this situation. I’d have to deal with the consequences.
Maybe I should follow my gut and leave.
Then I saw Eve.
She stood in the doorway of the cottage, her expression anxious, and then softening as we made eye contact.
I was here for reconnaissance.
I told myself this even as remained lost in her gaze, captivated by her dazzling figure. She’d dressed in a ruffled minidress, her fine gold necklaces matching the loose bracelet on her slim wrist.
There she was, looking fine, the woman who’d lured me to my death. What a way to go. I was being seduced by a stunning siren who’d captured my imagination—in all the right ways.
Was that a flash of guilt I read in her? Or relief?
Drive away and call the others.
Eliminating one or more of us would certainly solve the issue at Pendulum.
I’d made a colossal mistake.
Yet walking away now was impossible.
Eve placed a hand on a pillar as though to steady herself.
She looked as goddammed gorgeous as I remembered her, onlythis time, there was no mask to prevent me from seeing her face. A visceral reaction to her beauty caused my heart to race. She was a dazzling sight.
Our extraordinary chemistry had drawn us together twice in one night. The last time I saw her, she’d pursued me into the ballroom.
Not a coincidence.
Eve appeared just as enamored with me. Just as curious.
Brunette locks fell in waves over her shoulders, framing high cheekbones and complementing her flushed complexion. Fragility was reflected in her deep chestnut eyes.
God, if this was a trap then our enemy had burrowed deep into my subconscious and found the femme fatale I didn’t know I needed.
Her exquisiteness hardly seems real.
I couldn’t turn away from her, couldn’t leave her standing there and head back the way I’d come. Not when faced with a mystery I longed to unravel.
Eve hurried down the few steps to reach me and grabbed my hand, as though sensing I was about to leave.
