Page 51 of It Takes a Thief
“That’s not all,” Addie says.
“You know how I tapped into the CCTV from the building across the street from where the hit and run took place? I managed to clean up the shot of the back license plate when the vehicle fled. The car belongs to Savant Holdings.”
“Savant Holdings?” I echo. “Never heard of them.”
“With a little help from The Man, we found out the company declared BK a few months ago. Guess who owned it?”
I let out a low breath. “Dumas.”
“Ding, ding, ding,” Ryder says. “He needs Merritt’s wealth to save his ass, and what better way to do that than marry into a royal kingdom?”
“And when she wasn’t returning home fast enough, he tried to scare her by nearly kidnapping her and then running her down.” Everything clicks into place. “I bet that fucker left the knife in her pillow, too.”
Fury fills me and I ball my hands into fists, itching to punch this asshole.
“It sounds like he’s a snake, willing to do anything for money and to save his own skin,” Addie states. “You need to confront him, Linc, and Merritt needs to know the truth.”
I glance down at my watch, considering my options. Returning to the party and causing a huge scene doesn’t seem like the best idea. I’d rather wait for Dumas at his house, catch him off guard, and nail his ass. Plus, if he’s the one behind the attacks, and I’d bet my left nut he is, he has no reason to harm her now that she’s home. He needs her alive in order to marry her.
“You got Dumas’s address?” I ask.
“I do, sir,” Leo states from nearby, and I tilt my chin at him.
“Never mind,” I tell my crew between gritted teeth. “I’m heading over to his place now.”
“Don’t lose your shit, Linc,” Addie warns.
“Too late,” I inform her and hang up. Then I turn to Leo. “Let’s go.”
I’m going to wipe the fucking floor with Jeffrey Dumas.
Chapter Nineteen: Merritt
I’ve been trying to find Linc in the crowded room for the past half hour, but he’s disappeared. I suppose I can’t blame him. These parties get old fast. He probably needs to pack and get organized before his flight leaves.
My heart clenches painfully like a vise is squeezing it. I don’t want him to leave. But I don’t know what to do. Invite him to stay in Arcadia and join my royal guard? Continue our secret trysts?
I lay a hand over my stomach, hating that idea. It wouldn’t be fair to him. Or me.Besides, he has rules, I remind myself.And no interest in settling down.
Unless, just maybe, that’s changed.
But, if it had, he wouldn’t leave. Right? God, I need to talk to him.
I manage to remain as dignified and polite as I can, biding my time until the last group of guests have finally left.Thank God.
“Merritt,” Jeffrey calls, and I roll my eyes, hurrying for the staircase that will take me up to Linc. I hope he hasn’t left yet. He couldn’t have without saying goodbye. “Merritt, wait!”
Even though I don’t want to talk to him, I reluctantly turn to face Jeffrey. I suppose this is as good a time as any to let him know nothing is going to happen between us.
He looks around then says, “I’m stealing you away for a proper birthday kiss.”
When he reaches for me, I pull back. “Jeffrey, I’m sorry, but nothing can happen between us.”
“What’re you talking about?” His condescending tone irks me. It’s as though he’s speaking to an unruly child rather than an adult. A woman technically far above his station. “I think it’s time you accept the fact we are going to have a future together, Merritt. It’s what your parents want, and what I want.”
No way am I letting him guilt-trip me. “What about whatIwant?” I challenge.
“Well, of course, I care about that, too,” he quickly amends. “Why don’t we get a glass of champagne, take a walk and discuss our future?”
