“I think that would be wonderful, Magnus.”
“I suppose I’ll be hearing from you when they finally arrive.”
“You never know, she may surprise you and call herself!”
“In which case, she really must be a changed woman.”
“Just give them a chance, Magnus. That’s all they want.”
“For you, I promise.”
“I suppose that will have to do. Well, I know how busy, busy, busy you are so I’ll leave you be. I have a crossword here I’m finishing up. Goodbye, Magnus.”
“Goodbye, Mona.”
I hang up, still feeling the smile on my face. I allow it to linger, enjoying something other than juggling a hundred headaches for once.
Perhaps there’s something to be said for old fashioned. Even when we were young, Mona was like this, though it took Estelle and I a while to fully appreciate it. Playing board games, turning off the TV to read books, baking cakes from scratch, those were things that seemed disdainfully dull to the adolescent I was at the time. Now, I sometimes find myself longing for the days of such tranquil simplicity.
Especially as all of this nears to an end.
“And then what? It seems all you know how to do is destroy. Have you tried living?”
Sloane’s words have the effect of irritating me out of those absurd fantasies. My life certainly wasn’t cut out for white picket fences, or summer picnics, or playing with puppies, or whatever else it is the shiny happy people of the world get up to.
I still have a hunger that needs feeding.
I pick up the phone and call Sloane.
“Monsieur Reinhardt, how can I be of service today?”
An amused smile curls my lips. “I think after last night, we’ve moved beyond the formal address, don’t you?”
“Well, I serve at the pleasure of His Majesty. I’ll call you whatever you prefer,” Sloane replies in a nonchalant manner.
Who knew she’d be so skilled a huntress?
“Magnus will do.”
“As you wish.”
I knew calling her would sate something in me. Just hearing her voice combined with whatever curveball she’s throwing my way at the moment eases something inside of me that I wasn’t aware was balled into a knot.
It also stirs up feelings that might be something more than simple admiration for her.
Then, of course, there was what happened last night. Even after such a satisfying night, she still managed to make me hungry for more. Dropping those sheets, knowing damn well she had no intention of allowing me access to her body again. Cock tease. Blue balls. The Americans have such a way with words. Allumeuse seems more fitting for someone so…very like Sloane Alexander.
“We’ll be having dinner again at eight p.m. At the same restaurant.”
“Should I give you a few minutes so I don’t interrupt any new criminal enterprise this time?”
“You are the only one I have on my plate tonight, Sloane.”
“I certainly hope that’s metaphorical.”
“Interpret it how you wish,” I say, smiling toward the wall opposite me.
“Very well, I’ll be there exactly at eight. Please inform Neville I won’t be needing an escort.”
“I have no doubt you can find your way to me, Sloane.” Interpret that one how you wish, as well. “I should add, it will be more formal tonight than the first night. We’ll be going to the casino at some point after dinner. I would be more than happy to send up another dress and shoes…and recover them again when the evening is over.”
“I think perhaps I should buy my own clothing and accessories from now on. I certainly wouldn’t want to confuse you as to my role as hired counsel.”
I have to stop myself from laughing. “There’s no confusion on my end at all. I know full well who you are.”
“You seem awfully certain of that.”
“I couldn’t be more certain of anything if I tried.”
There must be something in my voice with that last comment since Sloane for once is at a loss for a witty comeback.
“As I said, I’ll buy the dress, and I’ll be there at eight. Will there be anything else, Magnus?”
“That will be all—for now.”
She says goodbye and hangs up.
In thirty-eight days, this will all be over. By then, both Jan and Gabriel will have been taken care of. The only man left on my list will be left for his son to handle, an idea I’m beginning to find more and more appealing.
And then what?
Sloane’s partnership at her law firm will be guaranteed; I’ll make sure of that. It’s what she wants, a prize that seems almost trite compared to my own goals in life.
Then again, what will I have when all of this is said and done? Mission accomplished, one year ahead of schedule. The rest of my life to do with as I please.
Without Sloane.
The thought stirs the beginnings of something new inside of me. Something thrilling and almost as mouthwatering as that promise I made to myself as a boy of thirteen.
Fuck that.
When the full forty days are up, Sloane will finally be mine.
Chapter Thirty-Eight Sloane
After calling Magnus, I check in with Jamie Reaves. His distracted voice answers.
“Sloane, you do realize that it’s still only five o’clock in the morning, don’t you? We’ll have to schedule a more regular time for you to call.”
“Sorry about that,” I say with all the regret I don’t feel. “It’s just that…I really should be working around Magnus’s schedule, don’t you think?”
“Yes, yes, of course!” He says, practically stumbling over his words.
I smile with pleasure. “And today is going to be especially busy.” After all, who knows how long it will take me to find a dress?
“Right—don’t forget to bill those hours!”
“Naturally.”
“What exactly is it that he has you working on?”
“I don’t think he would appreciate me telling you. He made it clear that he didn’t want very many people in on it until the deal was more formalized.” Close enough to the truth.
“Need I remind you that I’m a partner?”
“I could certainly pass that along to him,” I say, trying hard not to
