Page 8 of Forever a Thief

“What happened?” she asks. The loveliest shade of green-gray eyes—a smoky sage color—dip to my bandage.

“Stabbed,” I grit out, shifting on the couch and accepting the bottle of water she offers. “Thank you.”

A frown pinches her dark brows, and she seems about to say more, but Gray speaks first. “Do you know who did this to you?”

“No.” Twisting the top off, I take a sip. I choose to lie because the last thing I want to do is involve any of them in my troubles. I mean, it’s technically the truth. I have no idea who the asshole is who stabbed me and stole the book.

The big man’s eyes narrow, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t press. “There’s not much else we can do here,” he states, looking over at his wife who is packing up what appears to be a pretty impressive first aid kit. “You done, Sparkle?”

She nods, directing her attention back to me. “The best thing you can do is rest. Luckily, the wound was a clean slice and not deep. I recommend you have it checked again in a few days. I’m going to leave you with some extra painkillers, and the stitches can probably come out in ten to twelve days.”

“Great, thanks.” I don’t plan on going to a doctor. Too many questions I have no intention of answering. No one will be checking on my progress, and I’ll be cutting the stitches out myself.

“Do you have someplace to go?” Gray asks.

I nod, very carefully slipping my ruined shirt back on. “I’m staying at the Del.”

“Good.” He lifts his phone. “I’ll have an Uber take you there.”

Directing my attention back to Savannah, I send her a smile. And it’s charming as hell. One of my best. “Thank you, Savannah.”

She blinks in surprise. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You unlocked the door, and I probably got blood all over your floor.”

“It’s fine,” she insists, looking a little flustered.

“You saved me, ma chérie.” Okay, so sometimes I have a flair for the dramatic, but she was brave enough to open the door, having no idea what was waiting on the other side, and deserves all my praise.

Gray snorts, sending me a look that tells me he thinks I’m full of it, then promptly informs me the Uber driver will arrive in ten minutes. I’m not sure why he’s rushing me out of here, but he’s starting to get on my nerves. I was hoping to hang out a little longer and chat with the lovely Savannah.

Savannah, however, turns her attention to the couple. “Thank you for getting here so fast.”

“Of course,” Aubrey replies.

The women exchange a hug, and Gray squeezes Savannah’s shoulder. I run my tongue over my upper teeth, trying not to glare at the man. It shouldn’t bother me if he touches her. I don’t even know this woman.

But I’m quickly realizing I’d like to.

She’s exactly my type—long, dirty blonde hair with a slight wave and mesmerizing eyes the same shade as Eucalyptus leaves. She might be average height, but there’s nothing else average about her. Shapely legs snag my attention, and don’t even get me started on those delectable freckles. The temptation to kiss each one is nearly my undoing.

“There’s no need for you guys to wait,” Savannah says.

“We can wait.” Gray pierces me with another look. Like I can’t be trusted. Like I’m some kind of criminal. Well, I suppose, technically-speaking, I am.

But seriously? Isn’t he a former assassin?

“No, it’s late,” Savannah insists. “I appreciate you coming.” She glances at me. “And I’m sure he does, too.”

“Laurent. My name is Laurent.”

Our gazes lock, and she gives me a slow nod. “Laurent,” she murmurs. “It’s nice to meet you. Despite the, ah, circumstances.”

“The pleasure is all mine, chérie.”

I’m completely focused on Savannah’s gorgeous face, yet in my periphery, I can see Aubrey’s lips lifting in a smile as she pulls her overbearing, overly-big husband out of the small office. And I don’t miss the slight scoffing sound he makes.

“Behave, Gray,” she whispers.