“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Maybe I wanted you to know I have your back even when you’re an arrogant son of a bitch. Even when…”
“What?”
Marco shook his head. “You can count on me on this mission. It’s true I don’t have your training, but I’m taking this seriously. We’re going to get what we need and get out of there safely. I’ve never had to do things by the book, but I’m not reckless. I’m actually pretty damn cautious. If it didn’t offend your law-abiding sensibilities, I’d tell you to ask around about my business. You’d find out that when it comes to the goods I take in, I’m very selective.”
His eyes were full of heat, and I wasn’t sure if we were talking about stolen items he fenced or something else.
“I’m sure you are.”
“Good. Don’t forget it.” He pushed back from the table.
“Wait. Aren’t you going to have lunch?”
“No, I was just waiting for you.”
I frowned at him. “But why?”
“I wanted to see you all bronzed.”
“You were going to see me tomorrow.”
He shrugged. “Maybe I wanted to see the look on your face when you realized I was still here, ready to piss you off some more.”
I scowled as he rose from his seat.
“I’ll see you tomorrow for a fun day of shopping.” I watched him as he walked away. Damn, he looked good. For just a second, I considered calling him back and dragging him into the café’s bathroom. Fortunately, I wasn’t that far gone. Yet.
9
Marco
I was about to leave for my day of shopping when my phone rang. It was Elena. She told me Brianna needed to talk to me, then put her on.
“How are you?” I asked.
“Good. Miss Elena is real nice. I like it here.”
“I’m glad.”
“I talked to the girl I told you about. The one that escaped.”
“I remember.” I tried not to sound as impatient as I felt.
“She gave me two more names. Orly and Compton. They were both on the yacht when she was.”
“That’s really helpful. Thank you.”
“Yeah. Sure, and, um… thank you for… helping me.”
“Any time.”
Half an hour later, I pulled up on my bike in front of a snooty looking shop called Finley Richardson’s. I would never normally set foot in such a place. The kind where you needed an appointment to speak with a stylist. X had made appointments for me and Niall and insisted I be there for both so Niall’s clothes would suit my tastes.
X, who might not know I was into men, thought it would be easier for me to pretend I found Niall attractive if I chose what he wore. I was all for dressing Niall to my specifications, but there wasn’t a chance in hell I’d stop wanting him, no matter what he had on.
Niall had protested X’s plan, but ultimately, he’d given up. Making him back down had become my new favorite thing. It seemed fair since his way of fighting what he needed and then giving in so fully he made my head spin was forcing me to admit I didn’t hate him like I’d thought. I might even like him.
When I stepped into the shop, I was glad I’d changed clothes before heading over. The t-shirt and scruffy jeans I’d had on would’ve probably gotten me kicked out. Even in a cabled sweater and black pants, I felt underdressed. No wonder X had been certain I needed new clothes to look like someone who’d be lying around on a private island. I doubted I’d wear any of the clothes again, but X was footing the bill, and if looking like some country-club douche was necessary for me to bring down these bastards, I would do it. Getting to watch Niall while he paraded his clothes for me was a bonus.
The best part of it was that X had told the stylist Niall and I were friends of his, so as far as he was concerned, our relationship was real. This would be our first real test, and I was looking forward to it.
Niall was already there and wearing a sour expression when I entered. Not a good start.
“Hi, baby,” I called as I hurried over to him. He scowled at me as I pulled him into a hug. At least he was facing away from the hovering stylist who was no doubt nervous about pleasing X’s friends. I imagined X’s good word for the shop meant a lot.
“Don’t push it,” Niall snarled, his face pressed against my neck.
“I intend to push it to the limit, maybe further.”
His anger only turned me on, and his hot breath against my skin made my cock start to swell.
“I’d hate to have to kill you when this is done.”
“I’d like to see you try.” My hands slid down his back and clutched his ass pulling him tight against me. Niall stiffened, and I chuckled against his lips. “Remember your role.”