Page 35

Maybe this is all a test for me.

It doesn’t matter, really.

If it’s a test, I’ll pass. And if it’s not, he’ll be dead before he can do anything with my intel.

“What then?” I ask.

“Then you’ll help me with the next step.”

“I don’t remember you being this bossy,” I say.

He smiles, but it’s not the Matteo I recognize. It’s different. Sharper. Sexier too. “You have no idea how bossy I can be, diavolessa.” A playful tone drops into his voice. One that adores this side of me. This game we’re playing.

“If we have to work together, we might as well enjoy it,” I say.

“Who says I’m not enjoying this?” he asks, in a wry tone.

My heart thuds against my chest. He doesn’t mean it that way. That he wants to slip into our old roles.

The way he means it is better⁠—

We’re cat and mouse now.

My lips curl into a smile. “You’re going to make me cream my panties, baby.”

“You don’t come that easily.” His voice is wry. His posture too.

It’s just so… Matteo.

And so surprising too.

For a moment, we’re back in that before time.

Then he shakes his head, catching himself again. How ridiculous. How could I ever play house with a woman who kills for a living?

“Are you going to tell me what you really want?” he asks.

“Would you believe me if I did?” I ask.

“Probably not.”

“I do have a job at that party,” I say. “And I do need to keep you alive until then.” Sort of.

“And after?”

My stomach drops. I don’t look forward to what happens after. But I can handle it. I force my expression to stay neutral. “That’s a later problem.”

He chuckles at me adopting his old expression about subterfuge. Whatever it takes to survive to play another day. Anything else can be fixed.

He nods. Okay. A later problem. “Give me something I can use.”

“Do you have a pen?” I ask.

He pulls one from his pocket.

I scribble a code on his palm. “One of my lock boxes in Zurich.”

“What’s inside?” he asks.