Page 87 of Nest of Thieves
“Ask?” Vette furrows his brow.
I scoff and take a sip, rolling the vanilla and oaky flavor across my tongue. “You’re making this more complicated than it has to be.” I shrug. “She wants what she wants. If she wants us, if she agrees to be our mate, that’s all we need to know.”
“And if she says no?” Lark voices the question in Vette’s eyes.
My fingers clench around the glass. “That won’t happen.”
How I’m so certain, I’m not sure. All I know is, if Jo says no, it’ll destroy me.
twenty-three
JO
Securing a velvet choker around my neck, I turn and check myself out in the mirror inside the walk-in closet. I convinced the guys to let me borrow a car, reminding them how much they’d hate shopping and that I needed an outfit for tonight. Not to mention, new underwear to keep from handwashing my used ones in the sink. After enough scowling and ranting about them keeping me against my will, they conceded, and Lark handed over the keys to his Aston Martin.
“Don’t crash it,” he said.
I didn’t. I babied that car like it was my own and came home with three bags full of clothes and supplies for building a nest. Soft lights, fluffy blankets, a full body pillow, and water. I’ll need more, of course, but what I bought today is a good start. After what happened with Vette and Mac last night, I woke up with an uncontrollable urge to prepare. A drive to find all the soft and comfortable items in their home and make them mine. I paid enough attention in school to know exactly what that means. The urge is merely an indication that my heat is on the way, but the exact time it will show up depends. It could be tomorrow or a few weeks from now. Regardless of when it happens, I need to be prepared.
It’s only a matter of time before I’m panting and begging them to fuck me. Best to do it with a little dignity and comfort.
Who am I kidding? There’s no dignity in pleading, but that’s beside the point. I needed to prepare, and I did just that.
Once I got the clothes and supplies, I stopped by a costume shop for a blonde bob wig and light blue contacts. No one asked me to go in disguise, but I prefer it this way. I’m new to Atlantic City, and I don’t want to start off using my real appearance. Let them wonder about the blue-eyed blonde with Vette.
I tug on the wig a little, making sure the pins I put in are holding it tight. I check over my makeup, confirming the outfit and painted armor match. My smoky eyes and dark plum lipstick look amazing with the short, black cocktail dress I bought earlier. The sweetheart neckline isn’t even the best part. The back is cut out so all that’s covered is my ass and thighs. I strap a knife to my thigh and slip into the three-inch heels. One might say I’m trying to impress these alphas.
One might be right.
I eye Atticus in his cage. He’s totally judging me.
“Listen, Atticus. I don’t have to explain myself to you.” I smooth my dress and walk over to feed him. “You eat mice and I don’t judge you.” Atticus slowly moves toward the rodent. “It’s only nature.”
And while I never thought I’d meet alphas I’d like, I have. I’m cautiously hopeful and racing against Laurence’s timeline. The silly part of me still believes I can get the ruby and have my happily ever after.
Vette knocks on my door. “Time to go.”
I grab my new black cross-shoulder purse, patting the outside. A small gun, my cell, and a small wad of cash are secured inside of it.
Opening the door, I falter.Wow.Vette is wearing a better suit than he had to the Spring Soiree, this one specifically tailored to his body, molding to his strong thighs and arms. The dark purple shirt, which is almost the same color as my lipstick, has the two buttons at the top undone, revealing his tanned and toned skin. A sprinkling of dark black hair covers his tattooed chest.
“Nice to know you’re not the waxing type,” I say, ripping my gaze from his body to meet his eyes.
He runs his fingers over his chest. “I don’t mind a little hair.” He shrugs and slides his eyes over me.
My throat constricts. Guilt pricks up my spine. The more time I spend with them, the less I want to find the ruby. Maybe Laurence will let me go if I don’t get it back?
No. That’s stupid. He’ll never let me go.
“Damn, mami. You trying to get people killed tonight?”
“Maybe.” I shut my door and we head down the stairs. “Where’s Lark and Mac?”
“They’re already on the way. We’re going in the Corvette.” He pauses, checking out my hair. “I like it brunette.”
I hum in approval. Smart man. “Can I drive?” I ask, heels clacking on the tile on the way to the garage. “I love the way she purrs.”
One minute, I’m reaching for the door and the next, my back is pressed against it, Vette’s hips pinning me to the wood, arms caging me.
