Page 26 of Forever a Thief

“Even Steven, Addie-Baddie,” I answer, and I can practically hear her rolling her eyes.

“C’mon,” Brighton urges. “We need to go before the fireworks end.”

A part of me wants to tempt fate. Escort Savannah out onto the terrace and watch the rest of the show while savoring a celebratory glass of champagne. But that might be a bit too bold. Even for me. So, instead, we close the empty case and leave the library.

The four of us hurry along the hall, making our way back to the ballroom. Brighton leads us, and as she turns the final corner, she collides right into a very tall, broad-shouldered man all in black except for the silver along the edges of his mask and sprinkled at his temples. Intense silver-gray eyes, too. I notice a long scar that looks like a knife slashed from his cheek down to his jawline. Something about him instantly puts me on edge, and I tense.

But his attention is solely focused on Brighton as he lightly holds her elbow. “I’m so sorry,” he apologizes, voice deep and gravelly. “Are you okay?”

It takes her a moment to respond before she rasps out, “I’m fine.”

They’re just standing there, staring at each other like long-lost lovers, and I tow Savannah around them. We don’t have a moment to spare.

“B, let’s go.” Knox tugs her away, but she seems reluctant. No time to dawdle and make new friends, but halfway to the exit, she’s still looking over her shoulder.

“Do you know him?” I ask, glancing back, but the big stranger all in black is gone. Completely disappeared.

“No,” she responds, sounding disappointed. “But I’d sure like to.”

“No time,” Knox states, and she makes a displeased sound.

Once we’re safely off Voss’s property, I climb into the backseat of Linc’s Range Rover, dragging Savannah in with me and onto my lap. The closer she is, the better. The overpowering need to know she’s safe, to have my arms around her, is insanely strong. Curling my fingers into the soft blue material of her dress, I lean closer, breathing in her bright scent. Zesty citrus with warm, sun-drenched notes—bergamot, orange blossom and musk—infuse my lungs.

We’re safe, we have the book and now it’s time to celebrate. Once I discover the clues inside, the real adventure will begin.

Pulling off my mask, I rake a hand through my hair, while keeping the other firmly pressed to her thigh. I want Savvy to come with me on the journey to find The Heart of Azure.

I’m not sure where that reckless thought comes from, and I know she wants to get back to her restaurant. I will give her an obscene amount of money to rebuild everything she lost and then some. But a part of me is reluctant to let her go. We have unfinished business. And I’m hoping we can settle that tonight. Back at my hotel. Where I plan on peeling that fitted blue dress off and fucking her into sweet oblivion.

Then, I suppose, we’ll go our separate ways. Earlier, I told her I was infatuated with her, and it’s the truth. I’ve never met a woman who bewitches me quite like she does. The memory of her coming on my hand and the sounds she made have me shifting on the seat, and I adjust her pert bottom brushing against my eager dick. I need to know if she’ll come back to the hotel with me.

And I’m fucking desperate enough to ask.

“Savvy,” I whisper, threading my fingers through hers. I keep my voice low, for her ears only. “Will you stay the night with me?” Her pink lips part then press together thoughtfully. “I’m not done with you, ma chérie. Not even close.”

Chapter Ten: Savannah

Staring down at our intertwined fingers, my heart does cartwheels. Laurent just propositioned me, but is there really anything to think about? I want him. He wants me. Instead of giving him the answer I know he’s after, I squeeze his hand, whispering, “Perhaps.” Then I wiggle my ass just a bit on his lap and shift my attention out the window. Let him sweat it out a little. Besides, I really do want to meet Merritt and the new Prince of Arcadia.

Linc pulls the Range Rover into a long driveway and up to a beautiful home. Even though it’s large and expensive like Voss’s mansion, it couldn’t be more different. Instead of cold marble and a golf course-worthy lawn, it’s much homier and welcoming. Bright flowerbeds line the walkway and there’s a large front porch with a swing. All the trees give it a park-like atmosphere. The lights are on, offering a warm and cozy glow, and the moment we’re parked, the front door swings open and Merritt steps out, a baby in her arms.

As the rest of the crew arrives, I watch Linc power walk up to Merritt. He kisses her then murmurs something before placing a light kiss on their little boy’s dark head. My heart bangs against my ribcage at the sweet image. I’ve always loved children. Once upon a time, I imagined having my own one day. But I haven’t given much thought to starting a family in a while. I’d have to find a good man first and, well, Chad left a bad taste in my mouth for relationships of any kind.

The moment we reach the little family, Linc introduces us. He sounds so proud, so ridiculously in love, and I can’t help but smile. What would it be like to find your perfect person like these two have? Like Harper did. I imagine it would be beyond wonderful.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Savannah,” Merritt says, welcoming me with a one-armed hug. “You look amazing! I love your dress.” She’s utterly gorgeous with long brown hair threaded with gold highlights, and an air of poise and grace surrounds her that I wish I possessed. A refined elegance that comes with being true royalty. And although she’s dressed for comfort in leggings and an oversized hoodie, and I’m in this stunning gown, I still feel like a pauper.

“It’s really nice to meet you, too,” I respond, lightly sweeping a finger over Tristan’s chubby little hand. “He’s adorable.”

“Thank you. I fear he’s going to grow up and be a heartbreaker. He’s already such a flirt.” As if on cue, he smiles at me, and we all laugh. Turning amused blue eyes on Laurent, Merritt continues, “And if it isn’t the infamous Laurent.”

“Always a pleasure, Princess,” Laurent murmurs, but he doesn’t offer his hand or sound flirtatious. Probably because Linc is watching him through narrowed eyes.

“Last time I saw you, you helped save both our lives. I’ve never been able to thank you properly.” She lays a hand on his sleeve, expression full of sincerity and gratitude. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he replies, voice gruff. Also appearing a little…embarrassed?

Looking back and forth between Laurent and Linc and Merritt, I wonder what happened. For a man who claims he isn’t a hero, he seems to keep saving people right and left. I’d be the third that I know about. Are there others? I’ll have to remember to find out more later.