Page 64 of Nest of Thieves
“The footage is cut. There’s a chunk of time missing.”
I catch the flash of understanding before she can conceal it behind a hard mask. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She stops in front of me and points the knife at my bare chest. “What were you doing in my room?”
“I wasn’t in your room.” I stand and her head tips back so she can keep her scowl set on me.
“Semantics. What were you doing?”
“I noticed the camera issue, and I wasn’t sure if you had—” I cut off before I expose the other camera in her room. “I wasn’t sure if you had stolen more from us, so I was going to check.” I tap Mac’s knife.
“This was a boon. You guys messed up my job. Twice.” She slides the knife down my torso, and I shudder, my dick jerking in response. “And I’m still pissed about that.”
“The first time was a coincidence. How would we know what you were planning?”
“It doesn’t matter. The knife is mine. I haven’t stolen anything else.” She moves the blade and taps the flat of it gently over my hard-on, which is straining for her through my basketball shorts. “Are all of you turned on by violence?”
“Maybe we like a little danger.”
She flashes her teeth. “Well, I guess we’re in good company.” She takes the tip of the knife and traces it back up my torso, stopping at my throat. “Sleep tight, Riku.”
A deep, rumbling purr fills my chest at her use of my real name. I don’t know why I told her my real one, but I like hearing her say it. She scoffs, but there’s no hiding her scent. The suppressors have long since worn off, and she’s clearly turned on, despite how much she’s pretending to hate me.
“Goodnight, Jo.”
She pauses with her hand on her bedroom door and glances back at me. Before she can say anything, I turn and head to my room, dropping my shorts as soon as I’m inside. I walk to where the cameras show Jo pacing the room. She huffs a few times before finally climbing into bed. I fist my cock and pump my hand over my length. The little vixen isn’t even in the room and my dick pulses for her. I jerk off hard and fast, letting my cum spray all over the screen that shows her in bed. I grunt and drop my hands on the desk, watching a cum-covered Jo and growling when I get hard all over again.
Having her in the houseisdangerous, but not for the reasons she thinks.
eighteen
JO
The next morning, the guys hole up in their office, leaving me to fend for myself. I get tired of walking around inside and head outside, scanning the property line. A tall iron fence surrounds their land, which has to be at least an acre, and the next house over is as big as theirs, if not bigger. This neighborhood is nice. Too nice for the likes of these alphas.
I wrap my arms around my middle and walk along the fence. My Converse sink into the lush grass.
Scowling, I drop a hand and run it over the metal bars, thinking over everything I’ve learned so far. It’s not much, but they’re obviously criminals. They’re well-connected. Enough to have a doctor on call. Their chop shop is set up for maximum production. According to the guys, the police make it a habit to cruise by. They’re not only well-connected but wanted.
Is it possible there is no boss?
I mean, it could be, but they’re so young. Older than me, obviously, but even in their mid-twenties, that’s far too young to have a handle on Atlantic City. No. They work for, or with, someone. That someone has the Sunrise Ruby.
“Tick, tock, Jo. Your sister’s life depends on you.”
Goddammit, I need that ring.
Tucking my hand back against my chest, I turn back toward the house and stare at it. Flames would look wonderful pouring out of their shuttered windows. A small smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth.
Am I mad enough to burn their house to the ground?
Yes.
Will I?
To be determined.
One thing I know for sure? I’m done letting them shock me. They want to use me for their silly job, for their gain, well, then I’m going to make it impossible for them to forget me. Chaotic energy skitters up my spine, and I take the first full breath since arriving in Atlantic City. The desire for revenge surges through me so hard I instantly take a step forward, plans upon plans forming inside my head.
That’s more like it.
