Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“I need you to find the brother,” I order.
Will laughs, and I feel my temple pulse. “You know that a few feelers are already out there, right? Rumors are that his sister has been hiring a multitude of people to find her brother and coming up short. To be honest, I was just calling to see if you’d survived her alone, considering her ruthless nature. I heard that some dickhead double-crossed her on a piece of jewelry, and she put her stiletto through his temple. The thought kind of turns me on.”
My jaw grinds. “I can put a stiletto through your skull if you’d like.”
Will laughs. “Whoa there, I don’t think you would look very good in heels. And it sounds like someone might be falling under the little witch’s spell already, huh? Tell me, is she as beautiful as they say? I’ve seen photos, but surely, she has a fault.”
The only fault Anya has is her untamable personality, but lucky for her, I like to break things in.
She is by every definition beautiful. “Whatever photos you have of her, burn them. They don’t do her justice.”
He lets out a whistle. “Are you sure you want the brother back? I’ve heard they’re very protective of one another. Sounds like you might have a little infatuation?”
“I’m here for business, Will.” I cut off that topic of conversation, exhausted by his insinuations. He always pokes for a reaction.
He laughs, and I can’t help the smile that spreads over my own face as I bring the scotch to my lips. This dickhead has too much free time.
“Whatever you say, lover boy. In that case, my fee to find him will be double. Multiple people are already looking for him. Information like this is expensive and hard to come by.”
“You’re the best, are you not, Will?”
“Yes, I am. I’ll find him.”
CHAPTER 5
Anya
“Miss, his men have come around three times this week already,” Clay says, more insistent than usual. I offer him my best eye roll as he hands me my red leather jacket.
“We have an auction tonight, Clay. You know I can’t be fucking around wondering if I’ve upset River Bently. I couldn’t care less about that fuckhead.”
The truth is, I read every message and email he sent. And deleted them. Because he’s a fuckhead. I’ve never known someone so bold to continuously demand my attention without understanding the repercussions.
Clay simply nods as I shuffle into my jacket and look into the mirror to reapply my red lipstick. I look hot tonight. It’s no surprise since I do for every occasion. I run a hand over my tight bun, ensuring no hair is out of place.
Some of my top buyers are in attendance tonight, so everything needs to go smoothly as usual. I remain unseen with Clay and Vance in a private room until only a few minutes before the auction begins. This is so I can scout those who are in attendance and show my appreciation as I sweep the room, yet not leave enough time for someone to think they’re an exception to private dealings and can speak with me.
I have no need to converse with anyone here. After all, they’re here to purchase unique packages only.
A knock comes at the door, and my eyebrows furrow at the intrusion. Vance and Clay exchange a look before Vance checks the security camera.
“River is here, miss.”
I feel the tic in my temple jump. This guy.
“Shoot him,” I say, tired. That’s one way to deal with this thorn in my side.
“Miss,” Clay ever so lightly reprimands, “if you were to shoot someone at your own auction, it won’t go well with the patrons.”
I sigh, tortured by their lack of understanding of my dry humor.
“It was a joke.” I shrug. But not really. I want nothing more. “Kick him out.”
“I can’t. He paid to be here. He plans to bid,” Vance says.
I bite the tip of my nail and murmur, “Sneaky bastard.” Who does he think he is? The only ways to receive an invitation to our auctions is through private screening by Alek and me or only a few privileged members are able to invite one guest every decade.
I ponder whose pocket he filled just to be here, but I’m also mildly impressed he could corner someone to do it within two weeks.
“The auction starts in ten,” Vance says, cautious around what commands I might have. Because if I did tell them to kill River now, they would.
While I don’t emcee the auctions, I am always there to make sure they go as smoothly as possible. And this is already a complication I would rather not face tonight. So I won’t. I’ll do as I’ve always done when it comes to River Bently. I’ll ignore him.
“He’s gone, miss,” Vance reports. That was faster than I thought. Maybe I do have some charm after all. “He’s sitting at his table.”