Page 101 of Morally Corrupt

I don't address her, and I don't look at her.

But then Vlad happens.

I should have guessed he had something under his sleeve when he sparred with me. I just didn't realize how much he knew about my old identity.

And now Bianca knows too. I'm almost apprehensive about her reaction. But then she throws herself at me,saying how similar we are, the expression on her face almost dreamy. I'm caught in her eyes for a second.

Just for a second.

Then I remember she can't feel.

And now, Vlad's saying he wants to help with Jimenez. I almost snort. Why do I feel that I can't trust him? There's just something about him that rubs me off. Mostly when he seems to be too cheerful without reason.

"So, let me see if I have this right. You want us to bug Enzo's house. How do you even know the party's going to be at his house?" I ask. I'm surprised that Marcel has been quiet this whole time, but he seems to be more interested in observing than participating.

"I knew about it long before you did. Rest assured; it's going to be at his home."

"But why don'tyoudo it?"

"Enzo and I aren't the best of friends." Vlad smiles ruefully. "Thankfully, he has no idea you know me, or believe me, you wouldn't be invited either."

"We'll do it," Bianca readily agrees, and I frown at her.

"Wewon'tdo it," I correct, and she cranes her neck to look at me.

"I'll do it then," she says, shrugging, and her ready support of Vlad is getting a rise of me.

"No." The word slips my lips before I even think it through.

"What? I'll do it, don't worry," she dismisses me by redirecting her attention to Vlad, and I'm… flabbergasted.

"No," I say again and add, "Why should we do anything foryou?"I motion to Vlad, a little more aggressively than I would have liked.

"I said I'll do it, for fuck's sake. You don't need to concern yourself with it." Bianca's exasperation fuels my own unreasonable ire.

"That's it, children." The subject of my displeasure intervenes, and my lips compress in irritation. "Hastings, if you don't want to get involved, don't worry. Bianca can do this on my behalf. On the other hand, I also won't give you any information on Jimenez."

I snort at his vanity. What does he think he has that's so valuable?

"What kind of information could you possibly have?"

"Nothing much…" he starts sarcastically. "Only the location of the club he frequents."

"You're bluffing," I accuse, given how elusive Jimenez has been for years.

"Am I… "

"He's not bluffing," Bianca affirms, and Marcel shifts nervously in the corner.

"I'd trust his word," he adds on a strained tone, but I don't have the time to ponder that.

"So, what will it be? The offer will expire in five… four…"

"Fine." I put one hand up to stop him, while the other rubs at my temples.

He smiles.

"I knew you'd come around. You and Bianca will make a wonderful team." He winks at her, and my fists clench. Why is he winking at her?