Shadows of deceit

escape. And for the first time since I had been brought in

dangerous game I was not sure I wanted to play, but I had no choice.Jack's orders were c

g his own game, and I was

I had noy ventured to before. The air smelled of stale smoke and expensive liquor. Luca had arranged

ned back against the bar, watching me closely. He had a way

alant, but I could feel the tremble in my hands. The fear was alway

ng with amusement. "But you came, did y

o his twisted compliments. I was here because Jack had o

slowly. The air between us seemed to crackl

Hazel," he said, his voice dropping an octa

o meet his gaze. "I do not kn

not see it? You are working for Jack, but I can tell there is more to

just trying to rattle me? Either way, I could not le

oves," I said, my voice low. "

"That is what they all say. But I k

ost too casually. But the touch sent a jolt through me. I

st too smooth. "But I am not Jack's either. An

pped in a game I did not understand. But I co

stepped back, his gaze unwavering. "But I would be

g that something was wrong. Jack had warned me about Luca's unpredictability, but there was a strange attraction in

mething harder. I could not tell if it was my imagination or if he had noticed the shift in my behavior. His presence alone

ickening at the thought of what he might want this time. His desk was cluttered with

ommanded, h

he air between us was thick with unspoken words, and I had a feel

at calculating look that sent a chill down my spine. His dar

a," he said finall

t show. I could not let him see that I was rattled by the way Lu

aid cautiously. "He is just a

e was no warmth in it. "Is that so? I think yo

. "I do not kno

hardened. "You a

ry straight. I had to make him believe that I was

eplied as I shook my