Rafe Archer was in my files. He was the final member of Bastian’s band of merry assassins. A former MI6 assassin with a penchant for collecting expensive artwork.
“I’ve been wondering how long it would take Bastian to pull his head out of his arse when it came to you.”
“Oh?”
His smile flashed again and he took my hand. “I could tell anytime he spoke about you that you meant something to him.”
I felt heat in my cheeks.
“Rafe, are you trying to steal my girl?” Bastian appeared and slid an arm around my waist.
“Maybe.” Rafe bent his head over my hand and kissed my knuckles. “She’s very pretty, and from what I hear, good with a knife.”
“Don’t try and piss me off.” Bastian tugged my hand back. Then he grinned at his friend. “Glad you’re back.”
“Me too. I go away for a month, and Nash is in love, and you have a pretty assassin in your bed.” He lowered his voice. “I hear we’re expecting trouble tonight.”
Bastian nodded. “Did Nash update you?”
“He did.” Rafe tipped his head and pointed to his earpiece.
“Be on the lookout.”
“Of course.” He glanced at me again. “Lark, if you need anything, you only have to ask.”
“Thank you.”
“And if you come to your senses and get sick of Bastian, come find me.” He winked. “I have a nicer car than all the ones in his gaudy collection.”
“You do not,” Bastian groused.
“An Aston Martin Vantage, in Skyfall silver. Blisteringly fast and to-die-for gorgeous.”
“Can I drive it?” I asked.
“No,” Bastian said. “Go away, Rafe.”
With another smile, Rafe sauntered toward the bar. Several women turned to watch him go.
“I’m glad he’s back,” Bastian murmured. “He’s good in a fight. We’re ready, now we just need our target.”
I spotted Cole in the crowd. No bowtie or monkey suit for him, but his black suit looked good on him, although it did nothing to hide his rough edges. Alessio slipped past, like a shark moving through deep water. He was dressed all in black. Black shirt, black vest, black jacket. Landon was near the bar in a white tuxedo jacket that looked outrageously good on him. He lifted his glass at us.
Bastian’s friends were all alert, watching for Dean.
Now, we just needed him to slither out.
Come on, Dean. Let’s dance.
CHAPTER 36
BASTIAN
Icouldn’t take my eyes off Lark.
The dress was perfect. I desperately wanted to take it off her.
Everything in me was vigilant as I watched the packed room. There was still no sign of Dean.
