Page 136 of Blood and Thorns

Arabella

Margot’s nails dug into my skin, her fingers encircling my wrist as she guided me to the large fabric sofa. The room was in the process of being cleaned, the maids scattering as soon as we’d entered.

“There was a party, and I wasn’t invited?” Ryder said, grinning at me as he was escorted inside from another door. “Maybe next time.”

Margot crossed her legs, the slit in her dress baring the skin.“Cherchez des armes.”

“Hey, easy now,” Ryder chuckled as he was patted down, the guards thorough. “That’s my cock, mate.”

“Clair.”The guards stepped back, and Ryder took the opposite sofa, his arm stretching across the back and his legs spreading, giving off the aura of complete ease. A coffee table separated us, the wood covered in uneaten fresh fruit, crackers and cheese.

“Nice place, this,” he said, whistling through his teeth. “Bet it cost a pretty penny.”

“Hmm.” Margot sat rigid beside me. “How did you find my home?”

“The same way I find everything I want.” He shrugged,nonchalant as his attention brushed around the room. “Did you get a mortgage? Or could you afford to buy this place outright?”

“Is there a reason you’re here?” Margot’s tone darkened with impatience. “Our business has concluded.”

“Oh, of course.” Ryder leant forward, his eyes holding a hard intelligence when they met mine. “Sebastian Devereaux, aka, the Beast.”

Margot cocked her head, her red hair sweeping forward delicately. “What of him?”

“I just had this thought that maybe you’d want to… you know… win?”

Margot stilled, her nails clamping down on my knee. “I’m listening.”

Ryder smiled, and I could see how many women would find him irresistible even if a snake lurched beneath his skin. “So, you want to tell me about this feud?”

“How is that important?”

“It’s important enough that he hired me to steal your brooch, sorry about that by the way, and you hired me to stealher.” His eyes met mine again, glittering with amusement. “You popped my cherry, love. I’ve never stolen a person before.”

“If you’re here just for gossip, then my men will escort you out.” Margot snapped her fingers, and two armed men pointed their guns at Ryder.

“If you do that, then you won’t know where I’ve hidden Sebastian.”

“Hidden?” Margot held up her hand, her face twitching. “Where is he?”

“Not so fast.” Ryder reached over for one of the crackers, adding cheese before munching down, seemingly unconcerned with the guns pointed in his direction. “Let’s talk payment.”

Margot chuckled, gesturing for her men to step back. “How much?”

“One million. That’s pound sterling, not euros, by the way.” He picked at a grape next, throwing it up into the air before catching it in his mouth. “Oh, plus hazard pay.” He held up his right hand, showing his three middle fingers splinted together.

Margot let out a controlled breath. “Is he alive?”

“He was when I left him.” Another shrug, his movements relaxed. Almost controlled.

“Deal.”

“Great.” Ryder jumped up like an overexcited child, brushing his hand down his dark T-shirt to get rid of any crumbs. “Then if you’d like to follow me.” He went to turn but was blocked by the guards. “Look, I know I’m pretty, but I’m just not into guys. So you’ll just have to back the fuck off.”

Margot stood, holding out her hand for me to take. “Let him through,” she said, her grip like iron when she pulled me to my feet.

Ryder grinned, patting one of the guards on the shoulder as he passed. “Good boy.”

Margot yanked me along, her guards trailing behind us as we followed Ryder out the front of the house to a large SUV. He stopped at a car, sweeping out his arm dramatically.