10. Chapter Nine Laurent #2
Moving around the final corner, I spot the library and we slip inside before anyone notices.
Knox and Brighton hover over a glass case, and my attention zeroes in on the book I’ve sought for far too long.
Does Voss even know about the clues within its pages?
Did he already figure out the gem’s location, or is he completely unaware?
He’s calculating and smart, so I wouldn’t put it past him to already have a team of thieves and mercs halfway to its supposed location.
“How’s it going?” I release Savannah’s hand and move up beside Knox. He gives me a shit-eating grin and makes a show of punching in the last number of the four digit code that appears on the decoding machine screen attached to the lock. With a silent swish, the case opens.
Hmmm. I’d hardly say he figured out the code. If anyone deserves praise, it’s the handy-dandy decoder. But I have heard he’s good with numbers—rumored to be a human calculator—so, again, I keep my mouth shut because I still need him and his crew.
“Excellent.” I reach for the book, lifting it up, and flip through the pages to verify its authenticity. True 1866 firsts are identified by two specific things—an inverted “S” on the last line of the contents page, and page thirty incorrectly numbered as page “3.” Check and check.
But, most importantly, I need to see the telltale mark left by the book’s last owner.
The eccentric character who initiated this whole quest. Holding my breath, I turn to the final page.
I can’t help but smile as my fingers touch the slightly-raised bottom corner where he embossed an “X.” Because we all know, “X” marks the spot.
And checkmate. Sublime.
“You’re certain there’s a clue to the sapphire in there?” Knox asks skeptically.
“That’s the rumor,” I answer vaguely, then tuck the small book inside my tuxedo jacket.
“Consider us even now, Laurent,” Addie states through my comms.
“Even Steven, Addie-Baddie,” I answer, and I can practically hear her rolling her eyes.
“C’mon,” Brighton urges. “We need to go before the fireworks end.”
A part of me wants to tempt fate. Escort Savannah out onto the terrace and watch the rest of the show while savoring a celebratory glass of champagne. But that might be a bit too bold. Even for me. So, instead, we close the empty case and leave the library.
The four of us hurry along the hall, making our way back to the ballroom.
Brighton leads us, and as she turns the final corner, she collides right into a very tall, broad-shouldered man all in black except for the silver along the edges of his mask and sprinkled at his temples.
Intense silver-gray eyes, too. I notice a long scar that looks like a knife slashed from his cheek down to his jawline.
Something about him instantly puts me on edge, and I tense.
But his attention is solely focused on Brighton as he lightly holds her elbow. “I’m so sorry,” he apologizes, voice deep and gravelly. “Are you okay?”
It takes her a moment to respond before she rasps out, “I’m fine.”
They’re just standing there, staring at each other like long-lost lovers, and I tow Savannah around them. We don’t have a moment to spare.
“B, let’s go.” Knox tugs her away, but she seems reluctant. No time to dawdle and make new friends, but halfway to the exit, she’s still looking over her shoulder.
“Do you know him?” I ask, glancing back, but the big stranger all in black is gone. Completely disappeared.
“No,” she responds, sounding disappointed. “But I’d sure like to.”
“No time,” Knox states, and she makes a displeased sound.
Once we’re safely off Voss’s property, I climb into the backseat of Linc’s Range Rover, dragging Savannah in with me and onto my lap.
The closer she is, the better. The overpowering need to know she’s safe, to have my arms around her, is insanely strong.
Curling my fingers into the soft blue material of her dress, I lean closer, breathing in her bright scent.
Zesty citrus with warm, sun-drenched notes—bergamot, orange blossom and musk—infuse my lungs.
We’re safe, we have the book and now it’s time to celebrate. Once I discover the clues inside, the real adventure will begin.
Pulling off my mask, I rake a hand through my hair, while keeping the other firmly pressed to her thigh. I want Savvy to come with me on the journey to find The Heart of Azure.
I’m not sure where that reckless thought comes from, and I know she wants to get back to her restaurant.
I will give her an obscene amount of money to rebuild everything she lost and then some.
But a part of me is reluctant to let her go.
We have unfinished business. And I’m hoping we can settle that tonight.
Back at my hotel. Where I plan on peeling that fitted blue dress off and fucking her into sweet oblivion.
Then, I suppose, we’ll go our separate ways.
Earlier, I told her I was infatuated with her, and it’s the truth.
I’ve never met a woman who bewitches me quite like she does.
The memory of her coming on my hand and the sounds she made have me shifting on the seat, and I adjust her pert bottom brushing against my eager dick.
I need to know if she’ll come back to the hotel with me.
And I’m fucking desperate enough to ask.
“Savvy,” I whisper, threading my fingers through hers. I keep my voice low, for her ears only. “Will you stay the night with me?” Her pink lips part then press together thoughtfully. “I’m not done with you, ma chérie. Not even close.”