Page 126 of Steal My Heart
The man’s already won over Nola’s human, but I’m still a thief at heart, and nowhere does it say I have to be honest.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Angelo
“Explain to me again why I was imprisoned for damn near three hours with a pissed off cat,” Al bitches at me by way of greeting.
“It’s a climate-controlled room with snacks, books, and a bathroom. I’d hardly call that imprisonment,” I say dismissively.
“We’ll ask Fabien his opinion on the matter,” she says curtly.
Not ready to open up that can of worms, I tell her, “Someone tried to kidnap Remi, thinking she was you.” And by someone, I mean Fabien pulling the strings from behind bars.
Al gasps excitedly. “Everything dramatic happens when I’m not there. Who wanted to kidnap me?”
“I’m working on it,” I say vaguely.
“Work on it fast, because I’m not going back in the panic room with Nola. Seriously, I thought she was going to claw my face off.”
“I thought you two were getting along?”
“So did I.” Al sighs dramatically. “At least there’s a bathroom. Nature called, and Nola didn’t understand why I wouldn’t let herleave. Eventually, she figured out how to use the toilet, thank God.”
“The cat used the toilet?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Yeah, but she didn’t flush.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “How inconsiderate of her.”
“I thought so.”
“What are you doing?” It looks like a flour bomb went off in the kitchen.
She looks around before whispering, “I’m baking Remi’s birthday cake for tomorrow. It’s a surprise.”
“That’s thoughtful. I didn’t realize?—”
“That I’m capable of doing something right?” she snipes.
“Al, that’s not fair.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “When haveyouever played fair?”
Wanting to rip my hair out, I keep my hands firmly planted by my side. “I’ve reviewed the information you sent about your study abroad program. If Barcelona is where you want to be, then I’ll begin looking for your apartment.”
“Why can’t I stay in a dorm like a normal college student?”
“You want your bodyguard sharing a cracker box of a room with you and another girl?”
“Why do I need a bodyguard? No one will know who I am over there,” she argues.
“This isn’t up for debate.”
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes, bending over to peer through the oven glass.
“What kind of cake are you baking? Smells good.” I extend an olive branch.
“Red velvet. Remi mentioned it’s her favorite.” She rises to full height, crossing her arms. “If you had any sense at all, you’d end this beef with Fabien, marry Remi, and be happy for once in your miserable life.”
