She looks me dead in the eye, maybe for the first time. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
I exhale softly. I know she’s going to deny it. “You could’ve picked a hundred different ways to make money, but you didn’t. You slip into upscale clubs and look for the best targets. The ones who have influence or any semblance of power. You don’t even steal cash; you look for things that hold some weight.”
I let the silence linger for just a moment. Long enough for her to feel it. Letting the tension build. “You don’t just want money; you want a way in. A different life. More luxury, more power, maybe just more comfort. This is your chance.”
She scoffs, but I notice the way her throat bobs. The way she clenches her jaw. “That’s ridiculous. Not everyone wants to be like you.”
I lean back against the booth seat, folding my arms across my chest. “Is it? Sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself,to me.”
Then I say the only thing I think might stick: “Work with me and you won’t have to slip in anymore. You’ll be part of that world. The parties, the travel. Where Wilde goes, I go. And where I go…”
I let her finish that sentence for herself and watch as the realization washes over her. I know I’m right. It’s written all over her face.
Chapter 9
ARDEN
As I sit across from him in the grubby diner booth, my thoughts are all over the place.
He’s talking so much, and I almost can’t believe what I’m hearing. How dare he make assumptions like he knows me. This life has never been about anything more than survival. Maybe with a little vengeance sprinkled in.
It’s how I clawed my way out of the pit I grew up in, how I help Lexi give Zoe a better childhood than either of us ever had.
And coercing me into doing his dirty work? It’s low, especially for someone who acts so high and mighty. He oozes arrogance; every inch of him is insufferable. He’s a complete asshole.
But he’s also right. I stole from him. And I can’t help wondering what he meant when he said I took something personal too.
That watch wasn’t an heirloom. The knife looked new. I should be focused on his extortion, but I’m stuck contemplating whether it’s the knife or the cross.
I know I have to say something. Give him some sort of answer. Do I really have a choice? What will he do if I say no?
“Can’t you just have a hacker break into his files or something? Why do you need me?”
His eyes meet mine again, and the way my heart flutters into my throat makes me want to scream. Why does he insist on eye contact?
“Well, no, actually. It’s not like in the movies. I have a colleague who can make everything disappear, but he needs an access point. Something already on the network. The easiest way is for someone to be there in person… maybe grab his phone. We just need his cloud files.”
I nod at him again. Filing the information away while my chest tightens.
“Just don’t fuck him.”
I bark out a laugh. “What? I don’t just —”
“That was not a joke,” he cuts in.
The annoyance in his voice grates on me, but my curiosity wins. “Well, since you’re so worried about it, who’s the guy?”
He leans in, letting the silence stretch, clearly enjoying my curiosity. This man loves suspense. Finally, he grits out, “Luke Holloway.”
“Oh….” I reply. Trying to keep the heat rising up my neck at bay.
His jaw twitches. He has to know what that name does to people.
“So let me get this straight,” I say. “First Jaxon Wilde, now Luke Holloway, and you’re telling me I can’t fuck either of them? Am I allowed to look, or is that off limits too?”
Locke seems to note my sarcasm but still gives me a flat glare. “Please be serious for once.”
“Hey, I just want to know the rules.” I say, lifting my hands in mock surrender.
