Page 61 of The One-Night Heist

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be so sure, Moneybags. You’re currently on thin ice after what you pulled.”

Yeah, yeah, I’m one to talk.

Giano’s gaze heated as it trailed over me. “That’s a shame. I was hoping your shirt was an invitation.”

Who is this man?!

I was saved from replying to that cheeky little comment by Robert reappearing by our sides. “You’re all set to go, Mr. Luxford. Safe travels, both of you, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again, Rowen.”

“We’ll see,” I sniffed, giving Giano a disdainful once-over to hide how I was now thinking about feasting on him. “It depends on if this one behaves.”

Or how well he misbehaves.

Robert guffawed. “Well, you’re already on the permanent guest list, so drop by any time…”

I froze as he walked away, wondering if I could hail a cab and make my getaway before anyone caught me.

As if sensing I was about to bolt, Giano stepped closer. “I added you to the list before you came over yesterday.” He leaned down and lowered his voice. “Before you came in me.”

Jesus…

I startled, shaking myself free from his sex potion spell before glaring up at him. “I’m shocked you didn’t remove my name after I borrowed your…” I glanced around, “jacket. How do you know I won’t just show up whenever I want to borrow from you again?”

He grinned and my stupid heart skipped a beat at how fucking handsome he was. “I would love nothing more than you showing up whenever you want. And nothing I care about is currently in my apartment anyway…”

Oh.

Oh, no.

Pure terror flooded my veins. I wanted to run, but the pull was toward the man in front of me instead of away from him.

And I can’t think of anything more horrifying than that.

“Right.” I stepped back, needing air. “Weren’t you in a rush to get going? I’m sure your private jet is waiting for us and that art isn’t going to find itself!”

Not if I have anything to do with it.

Blessedly letting it drop, Giano nodded and gestured at the car, all packed up with matched luggage. “Lead the way, Mr. Quincy. I’m looking forward to reclaiming what belongs to me.”

I shivered as I turned my back on him and hustled into the waiting car. The subtext was loud in Giano’s statement, and as much as I wanted to argue, I’d also declared he was mine—at least for the duration of our partnership.

Might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Twenty

Giancarlo

I supposed I had my mother to thank for the way I was toying with my new masterpiece.

For how much I was enjoying our game.

I’d witnessed her tempt countless men into her clutches during the “salon” parties she began hosting after my father died—men who walked into her kingdom believing they were the most powerful creatures present, only to discover how sorely mistaken they were. She took her time with them, humoring her opponents for the night before stomping them beneath her Rania boots and casting them out into the cold with damaged pride and bruised egos.

The well-bred carnage of her lifelong rage.

While I now knew why she was so cruel, I’d long ago realized how greatly we differed in this arena. I could never be as willfully careless as she had been, no matter how furious I was at my own circumstances. While Rowen had certainly contributed to my frustration by throwing a wrench into my time-sensitive plans, it didn’t change what my intentions were—with him or the funds the art would bring me once the collection was back on the auction block.

Assuming he doesn’t continue to play cat and mouse with me…