Chapter 17 #2
But that still left a great need for a woman to be able to slither her way into the Murrieta household and steal the information I need. To be my eyes and ears deep within the enemy's circle; a place I would never be welcome.
I remember breaking into the Hall of Records in the Judicial District late at night, scouring file after file to find an incarcerated woman who possessed skills that would be of use to us.
When I found Ines' sheet, I knew her burglary skill set would be perfect.
Her physical description and the sketch of her likeness clipped to the list of crimes I knew were most likely added to sweeten the pot of a swift execution immediately made me realize she bore a striking resemblance to Dona Otero's niece from the country.
Everyone knows the Lozanos are wealthy and powerful seeing they're merged with House Otero, but their daughter is also a well-known recluse.
Perhaps, we could chalk that up to gossip and have her woo Severo's son.
It was the best and only true plan I had, so I acted on it.
I forged documents to have her released immediately and delivered the message myself in an unmarked carriage.
Whoever had a grudge against Ines de la Vega had thrown their weight around and pushed her execution date up earlier than expected.
Had I waited another day to break into the Hall of Records, she would have been cold and lifeless. Fate was on my side.
What I hadn't expected was for Fate to also be so cruel and bring a woman who mirrored my darkness to rip inside my chest and grab ahold of my heart. If she asked it of me, I'd carve it out myself and hand it to her willingly.
What is happening to me?
My carriage comes to a halt outside my house – or rather, Don Rafael's house.
The white stucco of the two-story mansion almost glows under the full moon.
Green shutters frame each window, and the well-maintained rose bushes line the outside of the structure, giving me the privacy I crave.
When I purchased this home years ago, the bestselling features were the sloped terracotta rooftop and it being a corner lot near the canal.
It would make it increasingly more difficult for someone to attempt to sneak onto my fenced grounds or scale the roof.
Believe me, I've climbed my fair share of buildings over the years and sloped terracotta is by far the worst.
I don't wait for the driver to open my door.
I climb out, stride up the three front steps, and glide inside as my butler holds the door open.
To keep up with my elite status, I have a full staff to maintain my house in the Golden District.
All of them are Venturans, hiding in plain sight.
I know my secrets will be kept safe with them, and they won't be subjected to hide underground like the rest of our people.
"You have a visitor, Senor." Manuel takes my hat and coat in the foyer.
"A visitor?" I never receive guests here to keep everyone in my service safe.
"He said he'd wait for you in your office."
Clearly Manuel isn't worried, so I shouldn't be. I don't bother to ask who it is because I have a sneaky suspicion of who it might be, and he knows better than to be out this late on his own.
I march down the hall to the second door on the left and burst into my own office, which I somehow feel like I'm intruding upon.
A crackling fire illuminates the study, and I notice my private liquor stash has already been raided.
My eyes dart to the two leather armchairs positioned in front of the fireplace and find Cassius has already made himself comfortable.
"A little late for a visit, Cas." I close the door softly and shove my hands into my pockets.
He shrugs, lifting his glass to his lips. "I was in the neighborhood."
I know Cas better than anyone and when he jokes, I know he's on edge. But it's his strained smile that hurts most because he's putting on a brave face for my benefit.
"You know it isn't safe to be out on your own."
"Then it's a good thing I'm not alone." He points an index finger up at the ceiling. "Olli went to sleep over an hour ago. See, you were ready to give your Always-Travel-With-Someone speech, and I was ahead of you."
"For once," I snip. "If you came here wanting to know if our plan is working, let me put your mind at ease." I pour myself a whiskey neat and claim the twin leather armchair. "She captured his attention. Soon she will hold his heart in her hand."
"That's great news!"
I nod, swirling the amber liquid in my glass absent-mindedly. "Yes. It's great news, indeed."
"You seem annoyed," Cas narrows his gaze. "Why?"
I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. "It's been a long day. I grow weary of the charade."
"It's an unfair burden you bear, Remus," Cas says softly, wearing his heart on his sleeve. "If I could take your place, I would."
"I know," I take a swig of my drink, the alcohol burning the back of my throat. "But we both know I'm a much better liar than you."
Cas' laugh fills the study and my chest swells at the sound of his unapologetic joy.
"Even you couldn't pull a fast one with the Tias."