Page 61 of Fallen to Thievery
Jason stopped at a door and opened it. “Sorry, just need to let Max know about you. Hey, Max?” he called to get his friend’s attention, who was sitting with her back to us, on her phone, instead of monitoring thebunch of screens against the wall. “This is Candice. She’s going to use the bathroom real quick.”
Max turned and gaped at me. It was clear in Jason’s tone, that he wasn’t letting Max know about me for security reasons, so I took the opportunity.
I looked Max over and bit my lip, before turning towards Jason. “You didn’t tell me you had a friend,” I smiled devilishly, tugging his tie lightly.
Jason and Max exchanged a look that started out as surprise, but quickly turned into excitement, like they had won the lottery. I took a few steps forward towards Max and the screens. “Pronouns?”
She blinked in surprise.
I guess this small town wasn’t as accepting as it ought to be.
“He/him,” Max answered a little shy.
I smiled sweetly at him. “So, what do you boys do in here?” I made a show of surveying the room and all the screens, but my eyes flitted up towards Grayson for a split second. It was obvious what this room was, but my question wasn’t really directed at them. Grayson was quick to understand, and he pointed down between his knees towards the control unit of the camera system, with his hand that rested on one knee, completely at ease where he crouched. He still had that grin on his face.
So, he had to get to the control unit and Max was in the way. He obviously needed to get rid of video of him in this place, and now me too. There was no way he could have avoided all the cameras. I had to think of something to get Max out of the room.
“This is what I call the Observation Deck,” Max broke through my thoughts. “I can see every inch of this building from here.”
If only he actually observed the screens. I smiled at him brightly, like I was in awe and dazzled by that fact. Max grew an inch taller with pride at my reaction.
“Everyinch you say?” I bit my finger and strolled over to him. I let that finger trail down his chest. He was frozen by my brazenness, swallowing loudly. “So there is no place that’s a bit more… private?” I glanced back at Jason, an invitation to come closer. Which he did. But he didn’t try to touch me.
“This room doesn’t have a camera,” Jason declared, his voice thick with anticipation.
I took hold of Max’s tie and twisted towards Jason, the tie pulled tight over my shoulder, keeping Max close. “Mmm…” I contemplated. “I was thinking someplace a little more exciting.”
Jason eyed Max, his mind whirring for someplace to take me. Except for my heart hammering in my throat, I was strangely enjoying the interaction. They were practically fumbling at my feet. I was in control, and I liked it. And I couldn’t help but wonder if my bravery stemmed from the fact that Grayson was nearby. I knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to me, let things go too far. And if I was completely honest with myself, maybe I was putting on a show for him. There was no reason I had to flirt this hard. I could have gotten them out of the room some other way. But maybe I hoped it would make him feel a tinge of jealousy.
“There’s a Mustang stored in one of the units, and we have a key.” Jason took a tentative step forward. He was close enough to touch. I was caught between the two men.
I guess that a Mustangwouldbe an exciting place for them, so I smiled seductively. “You wouldn’t mind sharing me, would you?” I asked, looking between the two.
They looked at each other for a second, then Jason shrugged, and grinned over my shoulder at Max. “We share everything else.”
“Then where would you boys like me? In the backseat or on the hood?” I whispered, brushing my finger across Jason’s lower lip. I caught a glimpse of Grayson. He wasn’t smiling anymore. But his expression was unreadable.
“The hood,” they answered in unison, and I chuckled.
“Then you should take me there… after I use the ladies room.”
“Oh, right.” Jason straightened a bit and took my hand, leading me out the door. I glanced back at Max, who was loosening the top button of his shirt, looking nervous. So, I blew him a kiss.
I closed the door of the bathroom behind me and exhaled a breath. Gods, I was flying too close to the sun. I was glad I had an excuse to come to the bathroom so I could gather myself. I already knew what I was going to do next, and I hoped it would leave Grayson enough time to do what he had to, and leave.
I fixed my hair in the mirror and crafted an expression of disappointment on my face. I swung the door open and found both men waiting a few feet away.
“Is everything okay?” Max asked as he noticed my face.
“No,” I mumbled as I sauntered over to them. I had one hand on each of their chests as I looked between them. “My brother just texted. He’swaiting for me. And he’s furious,” I added, pouting. “I have to go,” I whispered with reluctance.
They looked completely put out, Jason’s shoulders sagging as he dropped his head. I ran my fingers through his hair and batted my lashes at Max.
“Will you be here tomorrow night?”
They both perked up. “Yes,” Max answered, his eyes glued to me.
“Absolutely,” Jason said at the same time, straightening.
