Page 31 of Stolen Vows
Someone purchased the clone at auction a year ago for half a billion dollars. Rampion Core—the genetic research lab I work at—doesn’t have the funds to compete withthat, so I’m hoping this crowd is less interested in this particular item, and that I’ll have a chance to get it for us. Especially since there are royal jewels and socialites rumored to be up for bid as well.
My options for getting promoted at the lab are either securing this ultrarare orchid or sleeping with my boss, Barry, and hoping he makes me a tech someday.
A couple of the other assistants are already trying their hand at the latter and have been unsuccessful so far. And I’mnot interested in him anyway. In fact, I haven’t really been interested in anyone these past seven years, and it’s taken me a long time to come to terms with the fact that a forced marriage broke my libido.
Well, sort of. I’ve explored by myself, of course.
But unfortunately, there’s only ever been one image I can get off to, no matter the porn I watch or the nights spent listening to Val get railed by various individuals in the room beside mine.
Only the memories of one man’s tongue, fingers, and dirty mouth really do the trick.
The car approaches the mansion slowly, and my nerves fire on all cylinders. I stuff my hands into my lap, trying to keep the anticipation from boiling over.
I don’t want to seem too eager.
Eventually, the driver rolls to a stop behind a long string of vehicles lining the curved, paved entrance.
The main house itself is ostentatious, its looming stone walls composed of expansive windows and multiple floors, and complete with balconies and warm, inviting lighting. People spill out like fish spit from the sea at every conceivable doorway, and I tighten my grip on my overnight bag.
Anxiety lances my gut the longer I stare up at the mansion. Every atom of my being is frazzled, screaming at me to lean forward and ask the driver to turn around.
But Ican’t. I’m not willing to give up on my chance to climb Rampion Core ranks so easily. Not when I’ve worked this hard.
Plus, Val might kill me if I waste her invitation.
The car door flies open, and a gust of wind rushes into the back seat with the motion, rustling my hair.
I didn’t even realize we stopped.
Outside the vehicle, a valet attendant—wearing a red silk vest with a black rose corsage pinned to the left lapel—stands with his hand outstretched.
“Ms. Ricci,” he says cordially, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. They’re almost soft enough to disarm me, but that fact only puts me more on edge—along with his immediate knowledge of my identity. “Welcome to the Black Rose Auction.”
13
LEO
As I study my reflection, my fingers tug at the silk knot beneath my chin. For a brief moment, I’m tempted to pull at the fabric until oxygen becomes scarce. Not that it would do me any good—Frankie would waste no time in rushing to aid me, even as my face turned a familiar shade of purple.
I didn’t consider how nervous I’d be after all this time.
For seven years, I’ve let her do her own thing despite the backlash that ensued. I wonder if she realizes the lengths I’ve gone to in order for her to have her own life. The lives I’ve ended, the secrets I’ve kept, the deals put into place. All for the protection of the woman who fled my condo before the ink on our marriage license dried.
Forged ink, but still. What are the chances she’ll remember that she didn’ttechnicallysign?
The floor creaks as Frankie shifts in the doorway, shuffling inside and closing us in together. He’s in dark jeans and a sports jacket, the gold chain he stole off some Fed a few years ago bright against his black T-shirt.
“Where is she?” I ask, careful to keep emotion from my voice. I prefer he thinks my interest is simply transactional andnothing more. That Stella and I have a deal she hasn’t fulfilled and my presence in New York is merely to see her follow through with it.
When men in this world know you have a weakness, they’ll use it. I’m not stupid enough to fully trust even those in my own circle.
Not when I would exploit the same thing, given the chance.
There’s a pause as he hesitates. “She’s arrived at the Black Rose Auction. They admitted her immediately, as she showed up with an invitation and key in hand.”
My brows twitch in the mirror but don’t fully lift. I keep my expression neutral. “I see.”
She’s early, that wicked girl. As if she thinks she’ll be able to get in and out with no trouble.
