13. The Art of Stealing Champagne

13. The Art of Stealing Champagne

I knew I wasn't supposed to be up here.

With my fingers gripping the bottle of champagne wedged between them tightly, I leaned over the balcony. Dozens of floors below me, I could make out car lights and many people passing by, even at this time of night.

And Jace still wasn't back.

I leaned my head back, taking a swig of the expensive drink. Enjoying the tingle that flooded down my throat as I swallowed, I shook my head to clear the haziness that was suddenly fogging my mind. But, wasn't that the point of the alcohol I had consumed? I was a lightweight - that was for sure. I didn't often drink such beverages, though when I did it always hit me hard.

Feeling heat begin to swirl over my skin, I hiccuped as I fanned myself with my other hand. For a summer night, the air seemed too warm. I giggled, an idea suddenly hitting me. Placing the bottle by my feet, I tugged my sweatshirt of my head. Tossing it onto the concrete beneath my feet, my sweats came of next. The red lace thong and matching bra-set I had purchased when my guards had stopped at the mall so I could pick up some clothing felt fabulous against my skin in the night air.

Swallowing another mouthful, I stumbled a few steps back. It had been hard enough to get my hands on such a bottle.

I could eyes on me. It wasn't the most comfortable feeling, knowing that someone was constantly watching you - it certainly wasn't something I was adjusted to. With no siblings, absentee-parents growing up, and a place to live on my own, the feeling was so abnormal I could feel the resentment curling in my gut.

My eyes rotated to stare at Duke leaning against the wall, staring at me stiffly. The professional expression masked any emotion that he may have felt towards the situation, though I could still feel tiny waves of resentment rolling from him. Linc and Trevor had been the same, hiding any negative emotions that they may have felt towards the situation they were now in. I couldn't imagine that looking after a woman was very enthralling. The car ride to his overly-large penthouse had been a silent one, something I was strangely thankful for. The trio wanted as little to do with me, as I them.

Turning to move my gaze around his apartment, I resisted an urge to shiver. It was nice, to say the least. Dark hardwood floors covered the entirety of his apartment, contrasting with the white walls and matching with the plush, leather couches. Windows encompassed a huge wall of the living room, giving a glimpse of the night lights of New York. There wasn't any personal items lying around and I was positive that every surface was free of dust or cobwebs. Overall, the space was huge, cold, and spotless.

I wandered into the kitchen, relief pooling in my blood when I realized that Duke not was following me. I didn't understand the necessity to have eyes on me at all times, though I had a feeling it came from the mistrust that Jace had for me.

I was still shocked at the sight of the kitchen that was laid out before me. Trevor had given me a tour of the penthouse as soon as we had arrived, though the number of rooms decorating the three floors was lost on my mind. A huge island sat in the middle of the space, fancy stools shoved underneath the breakfast bar. The detailing of the dark cabinets had me wanting to run my fingers over the beauty of them, though I resisted in fear that I would leave fingerprints upon their perfect surfaces. Coupled with the huge, high-end, industrial-sized, stainless appliances and the window also donning the wall in front of the lengthy table, it was a kitchen any chef would dream for.

Moving around the island, my eyes slid over the cabinets which stretched the length of the wall to the high ceilings. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to reach anything above the middle shelf, I continued over to the door on the other side of the room. A huge pantry stretched out in front of me, the shelves stocked full of foods that I knew Jace wouldn't have the time to buy. Shutting the door in awe, I continued to the next one, opening that to find a wine cellar, shelves of bottles expanding out in front of me.

Feeling the need for something that would take the stress off my mind, I gripped the first one I saw, sliding it under the baggy sweatshirt and against my warm body. I quickly shut the door, feeling anxiousness rise in me as loud footsteps started my way towards the kitchen. Wrapping my arms around my torso and keeping the bottle glued to my side, I stepped away from the cellar, moving around the island as Linc entered into the kitchen.

"I'm going to take a nap. Don't wake me up." I smiled sweetly, moving around him quickly, forcing myself to keep my expression neutral and my steps calm.

"Do you need me to show you where the room is?" He questioned, leaning against the counter-tops as I skirted around him.

"Nope," I steadily replied, giving myself a mental high-five for my voice not shaking. "I know exactly where it is." I lied, knowing that I exactly did not. For a penthouse, the thing was overly large and I would surely get lost in the halls as soon as I made my way up the first set of steps.

"Are you sure?" He repeated, his gaze suspicious. I had no doubt that he knew something was up. After-all, he worked for Jace - he had to be able to sense when something wasn't quite right. I knew for sure that Jace wouldn't want me stealing this drink to go guzzle it in the first room I stumbled upon.

"Positive," I replied, quickly making my way out of the kitchen before avoiding Duke's prying gaze as he watched me stiffly move towards the winding staircase up to the second floor.

Letting out a sigh of relief when I was out of their view, I stumbled around until I found the next set of stairs. Only once on the top floor, I let myself slow down, taking the time to find the farthest room possible from where they were. I knew that they would come regularly check on me, there was no question about it. Based on their cautious looks, I knew that Jace had filled them in on my 'attitude', 'tactics', and previous escape.

This was technically 'Jace's' floor as they had put it and I could tell from their expressions when they were showing me around that the trio wasn't sure whether I was suppose to be up here or not.

Skirting past his bedroom door, I continued down the hall. Picking the doorway at the end of the hall, I pushed it open.

His huge desk sat in the middle of the room. If he was sitting in the plush leather chair that sat before it, his back would be facing the french doors that led to a large balcony. A door to the left of his desk led to a private bathroom.

Not caring to know any information I could gather from snooping around his office, I made my way to the balcony, unlocking the doors as I let myself onto the space.

The warm night air hit me and I let out a blissful sigh- momentary freedom.

I knew my bliss would only last a short while before someone would ruin it.

I let out a giggle as my eyes skimmed over the name of the bottle. It was some fancy name that I would surely not know how to pronounce. I stumbled backwards, collapsing into the comfy chair.

“You’re not supposed to be here.” A low voice spoke from behind me. The voice was only slightly familiar, not registering with my drunken mind.

Not daring to glance back at the man who had caught me, I forced myself to relax against my seat, instead propping my feet up on the rail of the balcony. “Well then, so are you.” I shot back, waving the champagne in the person's direction. "Yet, here we are."

An amused chuckle left the person's mouth. "I'm sure Jace will love to see that you found his wine cellar."

I felt nervousness swell in my gut, though I refused to let that thought affect me, the alcohol in my blood making it a little easier to confidently reply. "I don't care about him. I'll drink his whole cellar if I want to. In fact, let's go get some tequila and you can join this party!" I shrieked excitedly, standing up and raising my hands in the air,

"What are you wearing?" The voice spoke, sounding absolutely horrified as I turned to face him in my underwear.

"Jared!" I squealed, waving to him excitedly. "Hi! I like you, you know that? You should have a drink too!"

Jared shoved a finger towards my discarded clothing. "Put those on - shit, Jace is going to kill me."

"It's too hot." I complained, shaking my head. "This is such fancy champagne. I bet he has fancy tequila too-"

"Did you find her?" I was interrupted by a voice coming from the office and I strained my neck curiously to see who it was.

"Don't come out here!" Jared explained, sounding frantic. "Cameron, go get her a-"

"Cameron! Come join the party!" I slurred, proceeding to move past a frozen Jared.

"Is she drunk, Jared?" Cameron spoke, his voice getting closer. "Holy-"

"Champagne?" I offered, waging the bottle in his face. "Jace has quite the collection! Is he coming home anytime soon? We should steal all his food! Let's do it!" I started marching for the office door. "Then we can make a run for it! Cameron, if he comes home, you distract him and I'll grab-"

My footsteps were halted by a hand gripping my arm. "Hold on there, Savannah."

"Or," I interrupted, whoever had been speaking. "We can stuff peanut-butter in his shoes!" I pondered the thought, before nodding seriously. "Okay, you guys get the peanut butter - I'll get his shoes."

I chugged down another gulp as I started for the door before the bottle was ripped from my grip. "Hey!" I cried out, protesting at whoever had stolen my bottle. "That was mine!"

"I think you've had enough." Cameron pressed, handing the bottle off to Jared. "Where are your clothes?" He peered over my shoulder and onto the balcony. "How did you even get in here? Jace usually has this locked."

I didn't reply, instead crossing my arms. "Traitor."

"Jared - go get her a blanket." Cameron commanded, slapping a hand to his forehead. "You're in trouble." He pointed to me. "Duke, Linc, and Trevor thought you escaped."

"Wouldn't be the first time," I grinned, cheekily. "But, I don't think any of you really want me to mention that." I winked.

Cameron continued as if he hadn't heard me, though from the way his eyes darkened, I knew he had. "Okay, you need to sober up. As soon Trevor called, Jace sent us here though since we haven't called him with any information, I know he'll be here soon."

"Stop looking so serious," I waved my hand around carelessly. "Everything's going to be okay - in fact - things are going to be great!"

"And you need to put your clothes on." Cameron ushered me frantically in the direction they were laying. "He's going to kill Linc, Duke, and Trevor." He muttered, shaking his head.

My eyes went wide and I clasped a hand to each of my cheeks. "Oh no! He is?" I cried, slurring as I shook my head frantically. "He's going to kill them?"

"No - not like that." Cameron slapped a hand to his forehead. "He'll-"

But, I didn't hear him. Dodging past Cameron, I started for downstairs. "I don't like them, but they don't deserve to die!" I shouted, hearing footsteps pound out behind me which only made me increase my speed. "We need to stop him!"

"Savannah!" Both Jared and Cameron roared out and I let out a yelp. "He's not killing anyone! You're just drunk!"

Not hearing them, I continued my dash for the lower floor. "We have to save them! Before, it's too late!" Feeling like James Bond, I practically flew down the steps.

Unfortunately, I reached the bottom of the staircase the same time Jace did, a stormy expression situated on his beautiful face.

"Oh no!" I cried, shaking my head in desperation. "He did it! He already killed them! We have failed."

When Linc, Duke, and Trevor all appeared frantically behind him, my nose crinkled in confusion. "What-"

"What are you wearing?" Jace thundered, stopping directly in front of me. "Are you drunk?"

"Oh this?" I waved my hand, feeling my confusion rise. "What's wrong with this?"

My words only made his expression more furious, so I figured that more of an explanation was needed.

"Well, you see," I began, staring up at him in puzzlement. "I was sitting alone and I began to felt very hot, like really, really hot. So, hot that I needed to strip of my clothing and Jared came in and-"

"What?" He growled out, his hands tightening into fists. "Jared-"

"She stole a bottle from your cellar and decided to have a bit too-much to drink." Jared explained, his voice tinged with nervousness.

"Why is she half-naked?" Pulling his jacket from his shoulders, he wrapped it around my frame. His eyes were dangerous.

"She broke into your office and camped out on your balcony. I don't know why she decided to get drunk." Jared explained, his shoulders lifting and falling.

"I didn't break into it!" I denied, viciously stabbing a finger into Jared's chest, though Jace pulled me closer to his towering body instead. "It was open!"

"What did you do?" Jace sighed, shaking his head.

"Nothing happened-" Jared began speaking, but Jace shot him a deadly look.

"Everyone leave." He ordered, just as Cameron appeared with my discarded clothing. "You're all dismissed."

"Okay." I shrugged, starting for the doorway, but I was quickly pulled against his hot body.

"Not you," He stressed, shaking his head as he secured an arm around my waist. "Linc, Duke, and Trevor - I'll be speaking with your tomorrow."

"Don't leave!" I reached towards Jared who was quickly walking to the door. He shot me a sympathetic look as I scrambled for a way to release myself from Jace's grasp. "I'll die! He'll eat me! Traitor!" I screamed at the men's backs as they left the room.

Once they had exited, Jace slung me over his shoulder. "You're in big trouble." He snarled out and I was smart enough to keep my lips locked shut.

Leading me up to his bedroom, I stared down at his ass the whole way up. Hanging over his shoulder the way I was really gave me a great advantage to see such a sight. It was like the ass of perfection. Letting out a blissful sigh, I resisted the temptation to reach down and poke it, though I was distracted by the fact that we were nearing his room.

The door slammed shut as soon as he had stepped a foot into it.

I gulped nervously, feeling his anger continue to envelope the air around him. He continued past his bed, moving into the bathroom. Jace placed me on the counter-top and I shivered as the cold granite stuck to my thighs. I frowned as the warmth his body had been surrounding mine with disappeared. Walking to the gigantic tub that sat in the corner of the room in front of yet-another massive window, he pulled the handle so warm water was gushing into the surface below.

Moving back over to me, his eyes ran over me dangerously. I could still see the fury in his eyes, though it was dulled with the presence of something else, something that I couldn't understand.

His hand planted themselves on the counter by my thighs and he leaned impossibly closed. I shifted as far back as I could, feeling like his prey while he the predator. "What are you doing?" I slurred slightly, suddenly distracted by his lips which were inching closer. "You-"

My words were cut off by his mouth viciously slamming down onto mine. A shiver of pleasure snaked up my spine as he molded himself to me. His lips kneaded into mine, his hand moving from the granite to the grip my thigh. I let out a low moan as he fingers massaged the skin there. This kiss had something more than the others usually did, there was a roughness in the way he moved his mouth. There was an animalistic touch to the way he abruptly clasped his other hand on my bare back, skin to skin, and pulled me impossibly close. I wrapped my legs around his waist, feeling nothing but him everywhere; his warm breath fanning against my face as I pulled away, the way his hand on my backside softly trailed lower, the way he attacked my lips again only a second later. I let out a soft moan as his grip on my thigh tightened, before sliding upwards.

One of his hands moved across the skin of my torso, over my stomach and upwards to cup my breast. I let out a slight gasp at the sensation as he kneaded my flesh, moaning lowly at the feelings he was eliciting from my lower region. I exhaled heavily as his other palm landed heavily on the back of my head, gently gripping my hair as he locked me to him.

I bit down softly on his lip, releasing a groan from him. I could feel his arousal pressing into me, the bulge alerting me to just how much I was affecting him. The thought made me smile slightly against his lips and I wanted more. Yanking his button-down away from his belt, I allowed my hands to slide over his muscular back, enjoying the warmth of his skin beneath my palms. Just as my hands brushed his belt, he let out another low groan before pulling away.

His breathing was heavy as his icy blue eyes stared into mine. He looked frustrated as he ran a thumb over my lips, dropping his other hand to his side. Casting him a confused look, I forced myself to slide my hands away from his body.

"You're drunk." He stated simply, shooting me another look full of agitation before he stepped away. He ran a hand through his messy hair.

I bit my lip, looking away. He groaned, seeming conflicted on what to do as his eyes flickered to my teeth digging into my lip. The bulge in his pants grew and he shifted uncomfortably. "Stop it," Jace finally commanded.

Suddenly, I felt embarrassed by my nakedness. I could a flush beginning to rise from my cheeks and I let my hair fall in front of my face to prevent him from seeing the stupid thing. He sighed, stepping forward to brush my hair away from my face.

"It's okay," He spoke softly. "You've had too much to drink. So, take a bath and then get some sleep."

I nodded at his commands, still feeling incredibly aroused at the sight of the man standing before me. He gave me a slow and sexy smile that practically had my toes curling. His hands curled around my waist as he helped me down from the counter. I leaned against the surface for support, feeling the weakness in my knees as his fingers lingered there before he stepped away.

"Get in the bath." He ordered once more, his eyes skimming over my body before he turned away, walking out the door.

Suddenly hot again, I fanned myself. Feeling the need to follow him out into the bedroom, I gripped the granite harshly.

I knew the champagne had nothing to do with the feelings Jace was creating in me.

_______________________________________________

The office door sat in front of me.

My eyes skimmed over the surface, eliciting memories of my drunken escapade the night before and I groaned pressing a hand against my throbbing forehead. I could strongly feel the regret from last night's decisions.

Bright-red warmth spread over my cheeks at the memory of the events that had played out in the bathroom and I swallowed thickly.

Did I want to face him? No.

Did I have to? Yes.

More than ever did I wish that I had Brooke by my side for advice on what to do in this situation. He had been there last night, to my surprise, silently waiting for me after my bath. I had crawled into bed tiredly and his arms had instantly wrapped around me. I knew what he was doing - keeping the nightmares that lingered away and I had no complaints - but the feelings his touch evoked made it hard to sleep.

He had been gone this morning.

I cleared my throat, rubbing my hands over my bleary eyes. I was tired, hung-over, and hungry, though I was determined to face Jace. I knew that he had wanted to talk to me, that much was obvious from the scribbled-out note he had left on his bedside table telling me to come meet him in his office as soon as I awake.

So here I was standing, bed-head and grouchiness in all.

Feeling very much like a child about to be scolded, I raised my fist and knocked gently on the door. It was obvious how angry he had been over the actions that I had taken last night. Stealing a bottle of his champagne and parading around in my underwear didn't exactly scream obedient.

"Come in," His low voice called and I quickly shoved the door open before I could over-think it.

Jace sat behind his desk looking wide-awake and delicious. For such early hours, I gawked at him and his perfectness. How was that fair?

The grey suit he wore and clean white-button down held no wrinkles. The light scruff covering his chin only added to his appeal. I scratched the back of my head, not understanding how to act with him after last night; though he quickly took the initiative not even looking in my direction as he shoved his finger to the two plush chairs in front of his desk. "Sit." He commanded.

I narrowed my eyes, instantly wanting to disagree with him, though I listened. Taking a seat, I fidgeted uncomfortably. He continued to scan over whatever he was working on, scribbling with a pen every so often. As soon as he was finished, he slid the stack of papers into a file before placing it in a drawer. Finally, he leaned back slightly, looking up to stare at me.

His lips curled up. "Rough night?"

"Shut up," I winced, rubbing at my temples. "What do you need?"

Jace cleared his throat, straightening. "After your behavior from last night, I want to apologize?"

I felt my heart stop. He regretted it all?

His eyebrows cocked at the expression that must've been on my face and a slow smirk curled his lips. "Not that, I don't regret what happened in the bathroom."

I tried to hide my relieved expression, waving my hand carelessly. "Oh -that. It doesn't matter."

The look he shot me let me know I wasn't fooling him. "I apologize for leaving you here with three men that you know nothing about after dragging you here. I realize now that it can be a little alienating - espcially after everything you've gone through."

I think my mouth was hanging open. "You don't mean that."

"I do," He pushed seriously, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, from now on you'll be accompanying to my office every day." He concluded, turning to his laptop.

"Excuse me?" I spat out, standing up abruptly.

Jace moved his eyes to lazily stare at my figure. "What?"

"I have to sit around an office all day with you and your office sluts? Hell no." I crossed my arms, glaring at him sharply.

Jace didn't seem shocked by my outburst, shaking his head. "Jealous, Savannah?"

"No," I scoffed, hoping that jealousy was not the emotion that was swirling in my stomach. "It just isn't something I want to do."

"It's happening." He solidified, shooting me a stern look. "After the stunt you pulled last night, I've deemed that the only person who can watch you properly is myself."

"Why does it even matter?" I cried, tossing my hands into the air. "I'll get more than enough protection with the trio than I need."

His eyes darkened. "They didn't do very well last night, Savannah. They didn't know where you were. What if you were kidnapped?"

"You know that's pretty much impossible in this building." I spat back. "You own the damn thing! Heck, the amount of security you have here is obscene."

"No more arguing," He rolled his eyes, "It's happening. We'll leave at seven-thirty every morning and I expect you to look presentable. I assume you picked up some clothing with the guards yesterday?"

"Just what you saw last night and a couple shirts." I moved to sit back down. "I don't need any nice clothing to wear because I'm not going."

"You are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, Savannah. You are."

Needless to say, he was right. Two hours later, I found myself in the back of Jace's car, Callum in the driver's seat as he drove us to wherever Jace worked.

The smirk that Jace wore on his face had me wanting to smack him and I crossed my arms tightly against my chest.

Jace had Duke run out and purchase a dress for me, insisting that he would be able to pick out some decent stuff with the help of the people who worked there; which was also how I found myself in a black pencil-skirt and a grey button-down. A pair of black heels had been practically forced on my feet. I shifted, wishing very much for the sweats I had been wearing.

"You know," Jace lowly murmured in my ear. "We haven't talked about what happened in the bathroom last night." He trailed a finger against the hem of my skirt. "I like this skirt. You look sexy."

Feeling my cheeks redden, I swatted at his hand. "Stop it," I hissed, my eyes flickering to Callum who hadn't seemed to notice Jace's straying hand.

"You blush so easily." Jace mused, shaking his head. "You sexy, little-"

"Jace!" I squawked, leaning as far away from him as I could as I tugged at the hemline, hoping that the scrap of fabric Duke had picked out would cover more.

He busted out laughing.

I stared wide-eyed at him, almost positive that I had never heard a laugh cross his lips before.

"Asshole." I finally muttered, crossing my arms once more.

My words only seemed to increase the chuckling pouring from his body and I shifted away.

___________________________________________

The building Jace owned was gigantic.

My head tilted back to see the just how tall it was and my eyes widened at the height.

On top of that, the architecture was beautiful and it was located in a prime location.

"Uh - wow." I forced out, quickly following after him as he started to the door.

"Thanks, Callum!" I called behind me, waving my hand behind me.

The man hurriedly yanked the door open as Jace approached it. I struggled to keep up with his steps in my treacherous heels, thanking the doorman as soon as I had passed through. A man in a suit began to move towards me, though Jace held up his hand. "Thomas, she's with me."

A woman appeared at his side and I was unable to keep up with the flurry of words that were flying from her mouth at an incredible rate. She was gorgeous and I felt envy wash through me. Her auburn hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail. She too wore a skirt, though her grey one was fashionably matched with a tweed blazer and a matching blouse. Her tanned skin and tall, imposing figure instantly had me understanding why Jace had hired her. She was beautiful and intimidating.

I stood awkwardly behind the two, shifting uncomfortably in my stupid outfit and feeling more out of place than I've ever been.

"Who are you?" The woman finally questioned, her eyes shifting disdainfully over me.

Jace turned to me, looking as if he forgot I had been standing there the whole time. "This is Savannah. Savannah, this is Sheila."

Of course it was.

I forced a smile on my face, reaching out to shake her perfectly-manicured hand.

"Oh," Her smile looked painfully made-up as well. "Savannah. Yes, hello." Her voice dripped with displeasure.

"Nice to meet you." I replied politely, eagerly ripping my hand from her grasp.

"I'm his assistant." She explained, her voice proud as she pressed her palm against his arm. "I have been for a year now."

"That's nice." I spoke, plastering a bland smile on my face.

Jace stepped away from her hand, reaching over to pressed his warm one against the small of my back. "Why don't we show my girlfriend up to my office?" He pressed, cocking his eyebrow at his assistant. "I promised her a look at the view it presents."

"Very well," Sheila nodded at the well-disguised order, looking disgusted at the term he used. Her lip curled back slightly as she followed us to the elevators. "Do you need me to stay late tonight like last night?" One side of her mouth curled into a suggestive smile and I felt my stomach drop.

"No, that won't be necessary." Jace replied cooley, the hand he had wrapped around my own tightening slightly.

I could see Sheila pout from the corner of my eye and I resisted the urge to grin.

Stepping into the elevator, Jace's assistant pressed the button for the top floor. "Mr. Lewis and Mr.Hudson are waiting in your office." Sheila informed Jace.

Jace nodded, turning to me. "Cameron and Jared," He explained, his head dipping slightly.

"Oh, really?" I eagerly replied, happy that perhaps today wouldn't be totally uneventful.

A tiny smile formed on his lips and he nodded.

Finally reaching the top floor, Jace tugged me out of the suffocating elevator. Sheila followed as Jace led up down a hall, his intimidating posture had people avoiding looking at him.

Pushing open the door, Jace gestured for me to walk through.

"Savannah!" Cameron clapped his hands together, before wiggling his eyebrows. "Glad to see you're alive after last night. I've heard this man is a tiger in bed!"

"Cameron," Jace growled, moving to sit at his desk. "That'll be all, Sheila."

Sheila let out a nod, her eyes narrowing slightly at me before she turned and left the room, shutting his door quietly behind him.

"I don't know how you deal with that devil." Cameron said, shivering as he looked in the direction Sheila had been.

"She's good at what she does." Jace shortly replied, not even looking at Cameron as he skimmed over some papers in front of him.

"You mean good in bed?" Cameron snickered and I moved towards the windows, not wanting to listen anymore.

"Anyways, Savannah, how's your head after last night?" Cameron pressed, before turning to Jace. "Man, you want to watch out for this one." Cameron shoved his finger in my direction "She wants to stuff peanut-butter up your shoes."

I was lucky I was turned away from them so no one caught a glimpse of the expression on my face.

"I don't doubt that." Jace spoke, a smile in his voice.

"Look at you, Savannah!" Cameron continued, his eyebrows once again raising up and down in my direction. "You look like a sexy assistant in that. In fact, just because of that outfit., I'm going to hire you as my secretary for the day. That way you don't have to sit here all day!" He clapped his hands together excitedly.

"No, you won't." Jace shot back.

I rolled my eyes, zoning out of their conversation and walking slowly around the office. A door to a private bathroom was off to the side, a couch and chairs stretched beyond it. A row of bookshelves spanned the wall behind his desk. A picture caught my and I picked up the paper.

"Who is this?" I questioned, scanning the unfamiliar faces.

My question immediately caused the mood in the room to darken.

"That's the Nixon family - or Ricardo's men." Cameron finally spoke up.

"Oh," I nodded, letting my gaze sweep over the image.

"Why do you need this?" I questioned, my eyes still fascinatingly taking in the faces who had been set out to kill me.

"For reference, I suppose. Any of my men can see-"

"Holy shit," I breathlessly interrupted him, shock spreading through me at a rapid rate. "Holy shit."

"What?" Jace was next to me in the next second. "What is it?"

Though I couldn't speak. My hands began to shake, the paper trembling in my grasp, my eyes unable to stray from the sight on the paper below me.

Because staring back at me was the sweet boy who had picked me up on the side of the road at night only a week ago.

Staring back at me was Noah's face.

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