Chapter 16
Chapter sixteen
Jericho
The crystal chandeliers in the Grand Palace Ballroom are blinding.
Tiny lights glitter across a sea of old money, wealthy criminals, and corrupt politicians.
I stand near one of the gilded columns at the edge of the auction floor.
I’m wearing the staff’s signature black tuxedo that’s slightly itchy and makes me miss my tailored suits.
My earpiece is a low, static hum in my left ear, but my focus is entirely locked on the floor.
Or, more accurately, on Skylar.
He’s currently working the room in his usual public persona, as Skylar King, porn star.
I’ve grown so used to Skylar, the smart and cunning serial killer, that the transformation is both terrifying and dazzling to watch.
He’s wearing a breathtaking, royal blue designer suit that makes him look like a sinful angel who wandered into a den of thieves.
He effortlessly glides through the crowd of billionaires with a sensual grace.
He’s completely intoxicating, and I’m not the only fucking person who’s noticed.
Right now, he’s leaning into the space of some tech mogul, laughing at a stupid fucking joke, his pretty pendant catching the light as he casually chats with the man in front of him.
“Just spotted. Franko’s new assistant is getting a drink at the bar,” Skylar’s voice purrs through the comms, his tone bright and bubbly to match the smile he’s flashing to the room. “He’s the man in the god-awful purple tux. Keep an eye on him, handsome.”
“Copy that,” I murmur into my collar, my jaw tightening as some other wealthy rando steps into Skylar’s space, boldly placing a hand on the small of his back.
My hand twitches toward my jacket lining, instantly calculating how fast I could break the man’s wrist before the security detail could tackle me to the ground.
Skylar catches my movement from across the room.
Without missing a beat in his conversation, he tilts his head back, his pretty brown eyes locking onto mine through the crowd.
He flashes a slow, wicked smirk. The fucking minx is doing this flirting shit on purpose.
He turns back to the man in front of him, leaning in dangerously close to whisper something that makes the man flush with a mix of lust and arrogance.
It’s brilliant acting. The rest of the world thinks Skylar is a pretty, shallow prize to win.
They have no idea they’re flirting with the White Amethyst Killer.
I make my way toward the bar, several people briefly stopping me for this or that, but I tell them someone else will be here shortly to help them.
I’m doing a shit job at playing staff, especially since I can’t keep my eyes off Skylar.
Damn. Maybe having such a sexy partner in crime is more of a distraction than anything. I’m seething.
Suddenly, Skylar’s signature scent surrounds me, and I know he’s there before I even turn. He leans in, lips grazing seductively against my ear. “Your jealousy is showing, big guy.” He pats me on the chest and begins pulling away.
Lightning fast, I snatch his wrist and yank him back to me. “How can I be jealous, little minx? I’ll be the only one fucking you tonight,” I growl. Just as quickly, I let go of his wrist and back away, disappearing into the crowd.
Two can play at this game. I smirk. Turning, I spot a blushing, flustered little minx frozen in the spot where I left him.
Skylar moves slowly, straightening his collar and looking dazed.
But then a faint smile tips his lips. My chest fills with warmth, knowing I put it there.
As if just now realizing he’s still in public, Skylar quickly glances around before he continues to mingle.