My jaw tics because this woman is so fucking defiant in everything. She looks at me, then at Sky, whose face is covered by his helmet.
“Are you a part of some motorcycle club? Is that it?”
I scrunch my nose, insulted. “Don’t lump me in with that lot. I’ll be up in a few minutes. Miss me already?”
She scoffs and makes her way toward the building. I watch her hips sway, and despite my warning, she removes the helmet before going inside.
I walk across the street, not at all impressed by Sky being here.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I seethe.
Sky chuckles as he opens his visor; it's enough for me to see him, but not enough for anyone to identify him. Because the hounds are supposed to remain anonymous and unidentifiable.
“You know, despite how much you and your brother clearly don’t get along, you’re more similar than you think,” he notes.
“Don’t compare me to my brother. Need I remind you, you take orders from me now?”
“You don’t really think it’s that easy, do you?”
I don’t. But it doesn’t mean I won’t remind them where I stand in the hierarchy. Or that I can kick his ass.
“I don’t have loyalties, per se, not beyond Luca anyway. Your brother asked me to keep tabs on you. I wonder what he’ll think when I tell him you’re shacking up with one of his woman’s best friends. Hell, I’m wondering what Luca might think of it. It’s a bit close to home, wouldn’t you say?”
I can’t help but smile. A threat. An unknowing offer. An opportunity. I quite like how his mind works. He might be my favorite of the hounds so far because he reminds me of myself.
“What do you want?” I ask.
He shrugs, and although I can’t see his smile, I can see the mischievous glint in his eye. Oh, he and I could really get into some trouble together. I look forward to it. And I don’t often look forward to many things.
“Izak might’ve let it slip that you contributed a generous amount for a favor he did for you a few weeks ago. I can be generous too. I could not tell Lorenzo about this; maybe tell him you’re staying up in some fancy hotel instead.”
“I could simply kill you to keep you quiet. I don’t take kindly to threats.”
He meets my gaze without fear. “You’d do the same, wouldn’t you?”
Like I give a fuck. Money is just a bargaining tool, and if it gives me more time to explore the brilliant little mind upstairs—only moments away from shattering—then I’ll pay its worth.
“One hundred thousand,” he says, that twinkle of mischief in his gaze a little brighter now.
“Steep price.” I whistle, not really caring whatsoever. “How about you throw in your loyalty and report back to me what information you find out about my brother?”
“You’re making me curious about the beef between you two.”
“Don’t be. Do we have a deal?” I extend my hand, and he accepts, shaking it.
“Are you sure about this one, though?” he asks, jutting his chin toward the apartment's balcony. “I was here when I was acting as security for her friend, Lily Taylor. I don’t know the details, but something broke your new roommate. You might be playing with the wrong doll.”
I smile. “Stay away from Romi Lutton,” I say, my tone on the edge of threatening. “She’s mine to play with.”
He chuckles, slamming down his visor. “Got a thing for the crazy ones, eh? That’s on you. Just don’t get distracted, it doesn’t go well with Luca.”
He drives off, and I watch him, impressed by his bargaining. Had it been anyone else, I might’ve been inclined to kill them, but something tells me it’ll be more fun killing by Sky’s side.
I look back up at the apartment window, where moments ago I felt Romi’s gaze. Now she’s nowhere to be seen.
10
ROMI
