The Temptation of Thievery

twelve

i disappeared for a whole week and said nothing. i'm sorry 💔💔. i've been disgustingly slow with updates. to the nine people who've been following this story, i hope y'all become filthy rich and live happily ever after. i appreciate y'all so much.

i will continue but not super actively. i have a published book coming this year, and i'm working on another fantasy novel.

(vigilante shit by taylor swift)

RAIMONA

A wild beast was trampling my head. I cursed Oslo for baiting me into so many drinks in hopes that I'd reveal my card. It was wishful thinking, but at least he tried.

I roused alone and went along my day as the headache gradually subsided. I had to make some calls, but I wasn't at peace enough to fully engage in business with an enemy a few rooms away.

Speaking of which—he might be exploring the place again. Sanfrico had been calling all morning, and it was only now that I returned it.

"Let me guess—Ciro's wandering again," I spoke. The pile of documents on my desk would have to wait until he left. He might be staying a few nights, but he wasn't going to be cooped up in his suite during the day.

"No," came Sanfrico's gruff reply. He was probably just a few rooms down. "Unfortunately, we have another guest."

"What." My voice was sharp, filled with dread and exhaustion. With a defeated exhale, I left for the suite's living room.

And was greeted with a gasp so dramatic I thought I might look grotesque and drenched in mud.

I heard a vague "So pretty" before my palm was grasped with a firmness that startled me. In front of me stood a man I have heard of and seen but never met. He was lean and handsome but not striking. Not like his brother, anyway.

Evandros. Ciro's half-brother. They shared a father, I heard. And unlike his brother, Evandros took his father's last name.

I looked at Ciro and had to take a moment to breathe before speaking. I didn't hope to sound hoarse and unsure, though it was hard not to when he stood shirtless, his pants hanging low on his waist. "Why is he here?" I asked.

Evandros tutted as if disappointed. "We're family now, aren't we?"

He was known for having debunked plans aimed to demolish his family business. He was the reason my security team failed to breach his database. A fine worker, this man. I'd have to keep an eye on him.

"Of course." I nodded, and the beaming expression on his face left me wary. He was so excited to see me that I couldn't help but think he had a malicious plan up his sleeves.

Evandros and Ciro existed in sharp contrast. Whereas the former's smile was brighter than the moon with a dimple on his right cheek, Ciro was bored. Irritated, judging by the lines on his face. He looked almost like he wanted to apologise but couldn't find enough fault in himself.

Evandros had started babbling about how long he'd waited for our encounter. Apparently years, from my first debut on a magazine cover, if he was to be believed. "—and that summer publication? Flawless. When I heard the snakes wasn't a green screen—"