Page 47 of Prettiest Little Thief
I felt like a damn schoolboy with his first crush.
How could I start falling for the woman I’d loathed the first time I first heard her name?
Fox knew it from the very beginning. He read me like he always had been able to, but my denial wouldn’t let me see how fucking right he was. Until now.
Now I realized Monroe was the perfect match for me. And maybe, deep down, I knew that when I first offered to marry herfor protection. Because the thought of anything bad happening to her launched a newfound fear and anger in me.
While I wanted her to agree to nuptials, I knew we needed to finish clearing the air.
I needed to tell her about Sarah.
“Why don’t you go change, and I’ll order us a late lunch,” I said.
“Okay. And then we can talk?” She tilted her head in an adorable way.
“We will talk.”
Monroe reached up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on my cheek. Then I watched as she went up the stairs, until she disappeared around the corner. I couldn’t help the smile that made its way across my face.
“So, you got under her defenses.” Evie stood in the hall that led to the kitchen. Fox stood behind the pretty Latina woman.
“I wouldn’t say that.” I unzipped my jacket and hung it on the coat rack by the door.
“You like her, and she likes you,” Fox teased. “I take it she agreed to marry you?”
“Not yet.” I strode past them and into the kitchen.
They followed me, and I pulled out my phone to order food for Monroe and myself. Silence ensued as I clicked away on the screen and submitted our order, stuffing my phone back in my pocket.
When my attention landed back on Evie and Fox, the two of them looked like they were ready to come out of their skin with questions.
I sighed. “What?”
“Do you have feelings for her?” Evie asked. Her arms crossed over her chest, her face stern. The interrogation had begun.
“Does it matter? I’m sure you’re aware of her becoming debt free with the Crimson Brotherhood.” My brow arched.
“Roe is a good woman regardless of the clan. I can tell she’s developing feelings for you. So, if you don’t plan on making this shit legit, then I suggest you back off the marriage crap and just have your agreement without it.” Evie cocked her head to the side.
Fox rested a hand on her shoulder. “Lucas does have feelings for Roe. He just won’t admit it.”
Evie glanced up at Fox, her demeanor shifting. “I just don’t want her to get hurt. Again.” Her scowl landed back on me.
“I’m not like Frankie, if that’s what you’re implying.”
“Sí, it is what I’m implying. Because if you go down the wrong road with my bestie, that pretty man face of yours won’t be so charming anymore.” Her nostrils flared.
I barked out a laugh. Shit. Evie and Monroe were perfect friends for each other. Monroe was a badass, but Evie was more hardened, where Monroe was soft.
“How are you not a criminal too?” I asked while I continued to chuckle.
“Who do you think helped her get into the museum?” A sinful smile grew across her face. “And her job with Raf? I’m not in the crime rings like I used to be, I have a normal job now.”
I appreciated Evie’s wariness. Even if it was pointed at me. She cared about her best friend and looked out for her.
“Evie,” Fox said. “Lucas is an asshole, but he’s a good dude. Besides, he may seem straightedge, but he gets shit done. Legal or not. He’s the reason Roe is back here and safe.”
“True. He could have left her there to rot.” She leaned herself back into my friend’s chest, seeming to relax a bit.
