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He assigned Caden to watch me. It was annoying that I had to have a babysitter and I didn’t know Caden well so he wasn’t any fun. I sat at the bar and scowled at him over my drink. He caught my eye and gave me a long stare.
He was a strange man, usually quiet, but occasionally as sarcastic and cutting as a steel blade. I’d heard a rumour he was a magician before he met Merrick and he’d stolen ten million dollars from the biggest bank in England. That was stupid and obviously false, but it was exciting to think about.
Feeling reckless, I slid up beside him. He glanced at me, his eyes cutting.
“Hey,” I said. “I know Merrick has you clocking me.”
“That right?” he drawled.
In my already tipsy state, I found his English accent fascinating. It wasn’t one I’d ever heard before meeting him.
“Where are you from?” I asked. “I never asked you.”
He cocked a caustic brow. “Providence. Rhode Island.”
“So…can I ask about your accent?”
“I’m grew up in Sheffield.”
I considered him, my vision wavering. Maybe I’d had too much to drink up front. I should probably get something to eat to balance it out.
“Do you have a girlfriend? A boyfriend?” I asked.
He shook his head. I studied him. He was attractive, but I wasn’t attracted to him, which was weird because he kind of looked like Merrick. But it still seemed crazy to me that he wasn’t with anyone.
“I can find you one,” I said confidently.
“No, thanks,” he said. He pushed off the bar and took me by the elbow, hauling me through the crowd to the side door.
He pushed it ajar and ushered me out onto the balcony. I stood there, confused, as he lit a cigarette. He breathed it out and ran a hand over his head, smoothing back his hair.
“Why are we out here?”
“Because I want a smoke and I have to watch you.”
“Oh, okay.”
I drained the rest of my drink and took his, wrinkling my nose at the smell of vodka. At least, I was too drunk now to care what it tasted like. I shot it and his brow curved. A faintly sour expression seeped over his face.
“Are you sleeping with Merrick?” he asked.
Every nerve in me froze. “What?”
“It’s a simple question.” He leaned in. “Are you sleeping with Merrick?”
“No. What?”
He rolled his eyes, expelling a stream of smoke from both nostrils. I squinted, watching him, but he seemed disinterested in continuing the conversation.
“Are you a magician?” I asked.
His eyes locked on mine.
“You’re a dumb bitch when you’re drunk,” he said.
I gasped. “You asshole.”
“I kill people for Merrick for a living,” he said. “Did you think I was going to be a gentleman?”
