Page 21 of Thorns of Deceit

Every time I sighed too loudly, his body would react. It was subtle at first—a twitch of his eyebrows, the faint narrowing of his eyes—but it was enough for me to notice. And when I shifted in my seat, as if I was about to leave, his head would snap toward me and he would study me with his worried eyes, the heat of his gaze settling on me like a hand pressing into my shoulder.

It gave me time to observe him and somehow made me wonder about my father. My mother had clearly indicated hewas a criminal but never elaborated on what kind of criminal. Was he a mobster like Aiden or something else entirely?

I gave an inadvertent shake of my head. My father had to be something worse. So far, Aiden didn’t seem to be violent, but then the image of the beaten mayor flickered to mind. Okay, scratch that, he was violent and ruthless, but not toward me. Maybe his reputation for cruelty only extended to men. And let’s not forget the fact that Aiden was incredibly handsome.

Dammit, he checked all three boxes, just like my father. Yeah, this wouldn’t bode well for me.

“Are you writing a book?” Aiden asked, his gaze never leaving the television.

My brows knitted. “A book?”

“Yeah, you’re studying me like you’re doing research for a book.”

Jesus, he was too observant. I’d have to keep that in mind. Besides, if he’d done homework on me, he’d know I could barely put a paragraph together.

“Is that a yes?” he asked, reminding me I hadn’t answered his question.

“No, I’m not writing a book about you,” I muttered. “I avoid writing and reading if I can help it.”

His eyes flicked to me.

“Really?” I nodded. “Why?”

“You first,” I retorted sarcastically. “What is it thatyoudo?” I gave my head a shake, realizing my mistake right away. “Never mind, don’t answer that.”

Witnessing what he did had landed me in this mess to begin with.

“If I was smart, I’d be terrified of you,” I added.

“I’d never hurt you.”

“Would you let anyone else hurt me?”

“As long as there’s breath left in me, I’ll never let that happen. As I said last night, I’m happy to deliver karma in your name.” I didn’t know if it made me stupid, but I believed him. “Back to you, Raven. Tell me what you like to do.”

“I like to paint.” I sighed, wishing I had my materials with me.

He tilted his head. “By that wistful breath, I think you love to paint.”

I smiled. “Adore it. I’m happiest with a paintbrush in my hand.”

He picked up his phone and started typing, and I shot him an annoyed look that he clearly missed.

“Am I boring you?” I asked sarcastically.

“No, not at all.” He didn’t lift his head, his fingers flying across the phone. Freaking rude, if you asked me. But then he met my eyes. “My apologies, I just wanted to get something. You have my undivided attention now.”

I shrugged. “Well, the moment’s passed.”

He didn’t seem bothered. “Tell me what else you’re good at.”

I could pout, but I didn’t think it’d get me anywhere with this man. “I’m also pretty good at playing music.”

“Impressive. Which instrument?”

“Guitar.”

He tilted his head, then, almost pensively, said, “We could probably set aside one room for your hobbies. It wouldn't be hard to soundproof it either.”