Page 54 of Hunted

She said, “Well, really, Trevor. Of course I disappeared. You had a major security breach. The police were called, for heaven’s sake. You certainly didn’t think I would allow myself to be questioned as a witness, did you?”

“Of course not, darling. But I still have the Monet—”

She made little tut-tutting noises. “I’m afraid I had to find my client something else. He was naturally… hesitant… about dealing with someone whose security was so regrettably lax.” She let that sink in for a minute, and then said, “But I do have a way you could make it up to me.”

Trevor jumped on it, the mercenary little prick. “What can I do?”

“I have a friend—not the kind of client I usually deal with. He’s into… exotic acquisitions. He heard that you were offering something unique in a couple of days, and is anxious to get the opportunity to bid. He’s in a position to do me a considerable favor—so if you could help me get on his good side by allowing him into the auction, I’d be very grateful.”

There was a short silence. “You’d be willing to vouch for him?”

“Of course. And you should have time to do your customary background checks. I’m sure you’ll find everything to be satisfactory.”

Since the only thing he cared about was how much money the person had, and that they weren’t some kind of undercover agent.

Remy had taken care of that.

Trevor said, “This auction is very exclusive, but…”

Exclusive, my ass, Michelangela thought. I’ll bet you can barely get enough people together to bid on that poor girl, after last week’s debacle.

“…but I think I can squeeze him in.”

“I knew you’d come through for me, Trevor,” she purred. “I’ll send you his details. If my friend is satisfied, then maybe we can talk again about that Monet. And you still owe me a drink… or three.”

She heard a soft growl from the doorway, and saw Gunn leaning against the doorjamb. His wolf hadn’t liked her talking to Remy; he really did not like her flirting with Trevor.

Trevor, on the other hand, was happy now that she was potentially bringing him money, and a new client. And he also no doubt thought he might even get her into bed, as a bonus.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Trevor said.

“I hope so.”

Gunn felt the growl in his chest grow louder, but he couldn’t help himself.

Stop that, he told his wolf. It’s just an act. And anyway, we can’t go around killing every guy she flirts with.

Yes we can.

He watched her—the biteable column of her throat, the tender spot just under her ear that made her crazy when he kissed it.

He could almost feel her skin under his hands, every sensation, and hear her moans. It brought back the way it had always felt to make love to her, like he was on top of the world and crumbling to his knees, all at the same time.

Like everything in his world was perfect and right.

There had to be some way they could be together. Someone else who could lead that ragtag pack and keep them all from going rogue and killing each other.

But he’d said that a thousand times, and every time, he came up with the same answer. No one.

The star amulet burned against his chest.

“Hello? Earth to Gunn?”

He started, realizing that Michelangela had finished talking and hung up the phone.

“Sorry. What?”

She rolled her eyes. “Geez. An assassin could have just come up and killed you six different ways while you were lost in your brain space.”