Page 200 of This Bitter Sweet Temptation
My entire body misfires, soaked in adrenaline, and it’s only PopPop’s smiling face in my mind that keeps me moving.
He left me the Hera Egg because he knew I’d find it a home. He understood I’d admire it and I’d share it with like-minded people who appreciate beauty like we do.
I’d never hand it off to some savage second-rate mobster.
Not for anything.
The desk isn’t far, and I can only milk it for so long before I have to drop the bag delicately on the sleek mahogany surface.
My nerves scream, begging me to release the bag with the heavy case inside. But I can’t have it clunking down and making any metallic sound.
My breath stalls.
Humid sweat drips down my spine as I finally lay the bag down and tangle my fingers in the straps like they just happened to get caught.
Just as I hoped, Guchkov steps closer, impatient and towering over me.
He reaches for it before I’ve pulled my fingers away.
Greed. In his head, he’s already won.
He’s trying to see through the briefcase, picturing the marvelous treasure inside.
That’s why he’s distracted as I grab the handle and plow it into his face.
26
GOLDEN HOUR (HOLDEN)
Every second feels like a damn eternity passing as I pace by the guards at the end of the hall.
My feet scrape the marble floor.
Beyond the velvet ropes, a few kids stare as I stalk past. I must look like a madman, unable to keep still, and dammit, I don’t care.
I don’t care about anything except Cleo emerging safe and sound, free from the curse of the jeweled egg.
I shouldn’t have left her.
I shouldn’t have let her push me away.
Still can’t believe Talbot offered to have me evicted, but fuck, I guess he was just anxious to get this done. I can respect that.
A good sign, even if it doesn’t feel like one.
Here I am, stuck in my head, replaying every hour of the last few days where I could have done everything better.
When I pushed her away, I could’ve been gentler. I could’ve found the right combination of words to convince her this is for her own good, and mine.
Then she wouldn’t be alone in there, open to God only knows what.
Clee doesn’t have my instinct for liars.
I still don’t like the look on Talbot’s face, the way his eyes jumped around. There’s no good reason a man should be that sweaty over a standard hand off for a prearranged deal.
No reason Fairfax should be in there, either.
Nofucking reasonFairfax should have gotten in touch.
