Page 71 of The Reluctant Hero

I get a lot of dark glares for that and sneer back.

“You watch too many murder docs,” Ace growls.

“Probably, but at least I can see a frame-up coming,” I jibe back. I point at each of them with wide eyes. “I could swear it looks just like this. Do I need to wipe down the highlighters so you won’t have my fingerprints?”

Cade chokes on a laugh. “I don’t think Sarah has the contacts to find out who’s stealing them. You’re safe and sound.”

“Did you just deflect?” I raise a brow at him.

“What?” He looks around warily, suddenly unsure of himself. “No.”

“Enough,” Matthias’ cold voice cuts through like an icy wind. When we get quiet, and he has our attention, he continues. “Everything we’ve discussed today is easily verifiable.”

I look at him in confusion. “So?”

“You don’t mind me looking into it?” He raises a brow.

I mimic the expression with an added sneer. “No. Why would I?”

“How should I know?” He says with a menacing smile. “Maybe you’ve figured out Ace likes damsels in distress, and you’re luring him in. He’s the one you told.”

“Huh?” I look at Ace in disbelief. He’s looking down at Matthias with a flat expression. What new bullshit is this? Did they talk about the kiss like high school girls already?

“Why don’t we look into it and find out,” the cold-as-ice man suggests. His pen spins in his fingers as I gape at him.

“Do whatever you want, mystery team boss,” I roll my eyes.

I start gathering my things and muttering under my breath.

“You think I haven’t noticed that you’re playing on each of our weaknesses?”

“Gabe,” Mikael says in a warning tone. He lays a hand on Matthias’ shoulder as if he’s reminding him to stay calm. It doesn’t seem to be working despite his frozen face.

I slowly turn to look at him in surprise. “Excuse me?”

My faint voice makes his sick smile widen.

“Ace’s damsel. Mikael’s well-behaved brat. Feisty with me? Ignoring Cade and Jake?”

I’m lost under a sea of what the hell thoughts. Everything about this feels wrong. All of it.

What the hell am I doing here? I don’t need this place or these people. I’m not setting out to seduce and destroy. I don’t even want to be a part of this mystery. He’s the one that demanded I come back here. So did Ace. He offered me money and help with a lawyer. I’m starting to wonder if this is some kind of ploy. The seduction. Separating to meet up with-

A lightbulb pops on behind my eyes.

They had lunch with Loser. And I’m the enemy now. Ace is right. He’s trying to isolate me. I have to say he’s doing a great job without much effort. How far is this going to go? I don’t want to find out.

“Right,” I draw the word out slowly.

A heavy silence falls as I glance at each of them warily. I’m half expecting one of them to attack me with the heavy atmosphere weighing me down. All of my jokes about being framed for murder are currently haunting me because it doesn’t feel like something to laugh about right now. The cautious stares I get in return make the ominous vibes increase.

“Are you guys killing me today or…” I trail off, suddenly not sure of anything that’s happened with them. Ace’s flirting, my flirting back, and then the sudden shutdown. The game withMatthias. The unwilling submission to Mikael. And what does not wanting Jake or Cade’s attention have to do with it?

“Or?” Jake asks with a sweet smile.

“Or are you going to tell me what Loser said to start this bullshit,” I finish lamely.

“Knew it shoulda’ been me to go,” Ace mutters and rubs a hand over his lips. “Go home, darlin’. I’ll talk to them.”

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