Page 20 of Nest of Thieves
He takes a step toward me. “You won’t shoot me.”
“I don’t want to shoot you, but I will.” I aim for his kneecap but stop when cool metal hits my temple.
“Sorry, Kitten. Can’t let you shoot my brother.” Mac is towering over me, his gun pressed into my skin.
“What do we have here?” Vette drops to a squat in front of me and grabs my hand. I squeeze my other hand around the handle of the gun I stole, but Mac digs the barrel of his into the side of my head, reminding me why I don’t want to shoot his friend.
“Eso es bonito.” Vette runs his fingers over mine, caressing me before he slides the ring off.
“He’s saying that’s pretty,” Mac translates with a smirk. “Kind of like you when you’re not wearing the fake nose and hair.”
I growl. “That’s mine.”
“Oh, sort of like how our money is yours now?” Vette tosses the ring into the air.
Lark and I gasp at the same time. Laughing, Vette catches it with expert fingers and pockets the ring.
My heart skips.
“You can’t take that.” Laurence will kill me.
“Oh?” He stands and walks to meet Lark at the door. “Can you wipe the cameras?”
Lark nods. “Give me five.” He turns to leave.
“You can have the money,” I say before Vette can follow him.
The silence that follows my words is thick. Mac squats so we’re eye level. He searches my face but doesn’t remove the gun from my temple. I shift and put my own barrel at his chest. We hold each other hostage, staring and appraising and measuring. He’s not bluffing, but neither am I. We’re both crazy enough to pull the trigger. His icy blue irises are keen and his lips tilt into a knowing smile.
“Kitten, that ruby is worth more than those silly duffels of money.”
I bare my teeth. “I need it.”
He tsks. “We needed the money, but I’d say we’re even now, wouldn’t you?”
“Déjala, carnal.” Vette heads down the hall.
“He said, ‘leave her, bro.’” Mac leans toward me. He inhales, nostrils flaring a little. “It’s hard to leave when you smell so delicious.”
I shouldn’t have much of a scent, but my emotions are high, causing my omega perfume to work around the suppressants.
“Bite me, asshole.”
“Don’t tempt me.” He snaps his teeth. “Be a good girl and stay,” he barks, his alpha power seizing my body and forcing me to obey.
“I’ll find you,” I whisper, half considering pulling the trigger.
He presses the gun a little harder into my head, knowing exactly what I’m thinking. “Don’t do it,” he says. “Don’t make me shoot you.” There’s a genuine plea in his eyes.
I don’t want to die.
Dropping my gaze, I pull the gun away from his chest.
He exhales and stands. The weapon is at his side now and my shoulders deflate. I hadn’t realized how tense I was.
“You better sleep with that.” I flick my gaze to his revolver. “One night, you’ll wake up with me holding a gun to your head.”
Mac rubs his jaw, eyes flashing with what I might call lust. “If that’s what it takes to get you in my bed, I’ll see you in Atlantic City.” He winks and leaves the room.
