Page 74 of The Hunter's Empire

Nothing feels simple anymore. Not after Roisin. Not after seeing the fear in her eyes when Conall touched her. Not after watchingan entire room applaud while her future was traded away like a business contract.

A slow breath leaves my lungs. Tonight changes everything. Or it changes nothing. There is no middle ground left. The realization settles heavily in my chest as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

Outside the bedroom, the estate is already alive with activity. The muffled sound of music drifts faintly through the walls while distant voices echo throughout the manor. Guests have been arriving for hours.

Every powerful person connected to the Keegan empire seems to have gathered beneath this roof tonight. Which is exactly why Nico and I chose this evening.

While everyone else is celebrating Darragh's succession, we will be searching Fergus's room.

The thought should make me nervous. Instead, it sharpens my focus. My eyes drift over my reflection once more.

The emerald gown drapes elegantly over my body, its intricate beadwork shimmering beneath the warm light. Matching emeralds adorn my throat and ears, while my hair is pinned into a sophisticated updo, completing the illusion of a woman who is graceful, refined, and completely harmless.

The illusion is ruined somewhat by the pistol strapped securely against my inner thigh beneath layers of fabric. Nico handed it to me this morning.

I still have no idea how he managed to smuggle a gun here. When I asked, he looked up from his coffee and smirked.

"Baby, if I told you that, I'd have to start charging for lessons."

"Don't call me baby."

"Noted, Elf."

"Nico."

"The important thing is that you have the gun."

The bastard never answered the question.

My gaze drifts back to my reflection in the mirror. To anyone looking at me tonight, I am nothing more than an elegant fiancée preparing for a celebration. No one would suspect that beneath the silk and carefully crafted smiles, I am preparing to break into Fergus Keegan's private quarters before the night is over.

My fingers tighten slightly around the edge of the vanity. Nothing can go wrong tonight. The thought repeats itself over and over inside my head. Nothing can go wrong. Because if it does, Nico and I won't simply fail. We won't leave this estate alive.

A soft knock interrupts my thoughts. I meet my own gaze in the mirror for one final second before speaking. "Come in."

The door opens behind me. I don't need to turn around to know who it is.

A moment later, Nico's reflection appears in the mirror. For a second, neither of us says anything. His gaze slowly travels over my appearance. Not hurriedly. Not casually. Slowly enough that heat immediately creeps into my cheeks.

A familiar smirk appears on his face. "Well."

I close my eyes. "Don't."

"You look stunning."

I let out a groan.

His smile only grows. "I'm serious."

I finally turn around to face him. The sight waiting for me does absolutely nothing to help my composure. The black tuxedo fits him perfectly. Which is unfortunate. Very unfortunate. Because he knows it.

And judging by the look on his face, he knows that I know it too.

"You're staring. Again"

My eyes immediately snap back to his face. "I am not."

The smirk widens. "Right."