Page 16 of Deceptive Vows
She turned, one corner of her mouth lifting. “Saw me? Whenever did you see me?” Her head tilted, lashes fluttering in mock innocence while her eyes issued a challenge.
I hesitated. “You looked familiar yesterday, and I thought I saw you at a club named Dead Shift.”
“If you did, you saw me drink water. My mother was an alcoholic and drug addict. I never touch the stuff.”
Another layer to unravel. I’d learned she was valedictorian in high school and graduated from college with honors, procuring a degree in business management. Yet each fact led to more questions, like how Lucas’s parents had bypassed traditional channels to adopt her. Likely, her adopted father used his contacts to make everything appear legal.
“I see. Perhaps I’m mistaken.”
Her grin widened. “No harm. We all make mistakes.”
“Lucas? Something to drink?” Pasha asked.
“Thank you for the offer, but no.” Lucas smiled tightly.
Pasha cleared his throat, and he and Lucas moved to the living room. Pashatook his usual high-back armchair, while Lucas sat at the end of the couch closest to him.
Thea glided to the armchair facing Pasha and sat, crossing her legs. Her every movement seemed calculated to draw attention.
Lucas’s gaze tracked me as I positioned myself beside Pasha. “Thea has convinced me that your plan will work.”
I knew it. She was the only reason they were here.
Pasha nodded. “It’s the only move that makes sense if we’re going to track down the women Marco’s taken. Nazar’s handling security, both digital and physical. He’ll have direct access to Marco’s operations.”
“Marco’s not exactly sending me Christmas cards these days. I’ve been picking away at his men, and he knows it’s me.” Thea may as well have been discussing the weather as casually as she mentioned killing.
I had so many questions, and I’d give her all the time in the world to answer them. Not only would I get to hear her sweet voice, but I’d get a glimpse into her mind.
“You aren’t supposed to be aware of our meeting with Marco or our business arrangement,so most likely, Nazar will need to devise reasons he’ll need to step away from you.”
Her gaze landed on me. “Oh, then I guess I assumed correctly? I’m betrothed to Nazar?”
Nodding, I replied, “Yes, I will be playing the part of your fiancé.”
“What if I prefer Pasha?” Her eyes glinted with mischief. “What then?
Lucas pinched the bridge of his nose. “Thea…”
“Can’t a girl getting hitched have a little fun?” She flashed a teasing smile, batting her lashes at me like she knew exactly what it did to my resolve.
With a smile, I sighed. “Do you not find me acceptable? Or?—”
“No, no. You’re perfectly fine.” She pushed out of the chair and strolled to me. “Thanksgiving is three days from now. I guess you’re my new plus one.”
My stomach tightened. A family gathering.
“You’re serious.” The words tasted like ash in my mouth.
A devilish little smile lifted on her lips. “But of course. Family is everything, correct? And that gives us a couple of days to get ourstory straight.”
I sighed. “Naturally, my love. What better time?”
She planted a hand on my chest and leaned in with maybe a hint of murder in her eyes for the disparaging comment. “The simplest explanation—your idea—is that we saw each other and instantly knew. My lethal tendencies and your superior security skills were a match made in heaven. Don’t you agree?”
She was testing me, and I… loved it. The push, the pull, the tease. She was everything I wanted in a woman. Brilliant. Cunning. Absolute trouble—and I wanted every part of it.
I covered her hand with mine, and a landmine went off in my body. For a moment, all I could do was stare at her. Her eyes widened, the reaction fleeting but impossible to miss.
