Page 55 of Taken As Collateral

I need to focus. Focus on getting myself out of this situation and not let my libido get in the way. I can’t let Rafe’s seduction distract me any more than it already has.

Leaving the library, I decide to look for Rafe. I want to try calling my brother again, and Alessandro. Talking with Alessandro in person would be even better.

I bump into Vladimir in the hallway.

“Hi,” I greet with a friendly smile. “You think I can use your phone again to call my brother?”

“Get permission from Boss,” Vladimir replies.

“He already let me call my brother, remember?”

“That was last time.” Vladimir starts walking.

“Wait,” I say. Feeling more desperate today, I decide to take a chance. “How much do you get paid by Rafe?”

“Why? You want job?”

“I want out of here. Maybe I could make it worth your while?”

He stares at me stone-faced. “How?”

“The Morelli painting isn’t the only thing I’ve stolen that’s worth millions of dollars,” I lie.

“You must be stupid girl. If I help you, I am dead man. Money is no good to dead man.”

I pause, unsure if I want to try the next thing, but I’ve got little to lose. I lower my voice and say seductively, “Is there anything else you’d be interested in?”

“I don’t like skinny girls with small tits.”

I’m partially relieved by his response.

“You really think Rafe would kill you?” I ask.

“No think. I know.”

“Has he killed a lot?” I don’t really want to know the answer, but I figure the more information I have on Rafe, the better.

“Why not ask him?” Vladimir looks past me.

Crap.I don’t have to turn around to know that Rafe is standing behind me. How does he keep doing that to me? It’s not like he’s a small guy, so how is he so quiet?

Vladimir walks on. I brace myself and turn to face Rafe, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. He looks debonair in his black turtleneck and charcoal slacks, his hair styled back.

“Nice try,” he says, looking slightly amused.

“Have you killed a lot?” I ask, hoping to distract him with the question.

“You want a number? I don’t think you’ll like it.”

“Innocent people. Have you killed any innocent people?”

“Innocent people like you?”

“Yes.”

He saunters toward me. “Are you so innocent? You’re a thief.”

“What about the wife and child of the assembly member?”

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