Page 72 of Steal My Heart

His eyes meet mine, and they’re…pissed?

That’s rich, considering one, he bought this damn dress, and two, oh yeah, he just got seduced by Laurie right after fucking me.

Unflinching my fists, I tell him coolly, “I definitely need more thanyourassurance.”

The doorbell rings, and our little standoff is interrupted when Maks escorts Nic inside. “Hello, Nic.” I smile sweetly at him just to rile up Angelo.

“Hey, Remi,” he says nervously. “Boss.” He ducks his head in respect to Angelo.

“So you’re going to be my duke man,” I comment, ignoring the hole that Angelo is boring into me with his gaze.

He nods. “You pass off the phone to me, and I run it to Maks. Sounds easy enough.”

My fist raps on the wooden coffee table. “Don’t jinx us.”

“You’re superstitious?” Nic asks me.

“I’m careful,” I correct him. “Once the grab’s been made, and the phone returned to me, I’ll slip it back to the mayor and make my way to the extraction point.” I go over the plan one more time. “If for some reason I’m unable to make it to the extraction point, then I’ll find my own way to Hotel D’Amico.” And hope Sienna doesn’t recognize me, being that I did sort of steal her cat. But Angelo and I were both in agreement, meeting back at the apartment to settle up would be too risky, and so a hotel room is on standby.

“You’ll do no such thing,” Angelo says dismissively.

“I’ll make that call in real time, but we’re not ruling anything out preemptively.” Ignoring his scowl, I continue, “If we’re unable to verbally communicate, three taps on my chest and a cough means we abort.” With the flat of my hand, I demonstrate with a fake cough.

Maks glances at his phone, announcing, “Remi, your ride’s here.”

I nod.

“Give us a moment in private,” Angelo commands, and the room clears out.

“Good luck, Remi,” Alessandra calls.

“Thank you,” I call after her.

Angelo angrily strides toward me, but I stand my ground. He stops inches from my face, his warm breath fanning my face. “Don’t make me kill the mayor tonight.”

“I’m not going tomakeyou do anything. This is a business deal, nothing more.”

He grabs my cheeks, causing my lips to puff out like a fish. “So pretty, even when you lie.” He moves in for a kiss, but I lift my knee, blocking him.

“Fuck.” His hand drops from my chin, cupping his balls where I nailed him.

I take a step back, mentally preparing for his anger, but he surprises me by laughing. “I’m stealing a kiss from my little pickpocket tonight, that I promise.”

“I’m stealing the mayor’s phone tonight, that I promise. Don’t lose sight of what’s important here.” I hurl his words back at him as I march out.

Maks is there to lead me to the garage, where a windowless van idles. He pulls open the sliding door, and I say, “Oh my God, Angelo wasn’t kidding.”

A kidnapping would’ve been me snatching you off the street, tying you up, and tossing you in the back of a windowless van while you prayed for your life.

“What?”

“Never mind. Wish me luck.” I climb into the back, taking a seat on the floorboard.

“Let’s hope you’re as good asyouthink you are.” With that, Maks slams the door.

Remi

As promised, “Devon” breezes through the check-in, and I’m now on stage with the band getting set up before the guests arrive. “Hey, everyone. I’m filling in for Devon on the piano.”