Page 4 of Merciless Heir

“Midnight Raven thrives on the impossible.”

“Rumors. Notoriety.”

“The truth. I want the best. I want results. I want you.”

We stare at each other as something loaded passes between us. “I’ll take that on advisement,” she says. And then Sadie Hess downs her drink and strides out of the bar.

I don’t even realize I’m on my feet until I go to stand.

My head spins slowly.

I’m not sure if I like her.

But she’s the hottest woman I’ve met in a long time.

And I pull on my coat and go to get my wallet to give the bartender a little extra in a tip.

I rarely carry much cash, just some for the bar tonight.

There’s nothing in my pocket.

Or my other one.

Not even in my coat.

My wallet is gone.

No, not gone.

Stolen.

By Sadie fucking Hess.

Chapter Two

Sadie

Lifting Kinston Sinclair’s wallet was stupid.

But fun.

He’s a billionaire. He could destroy me a thousand times over. If he chooses to.

Still, it was definitely fun and he didn’t notice.

Call it practice, making sure my skills are still honed. Or whatever you want.

I took it and he didn’t notice. I half expected he would.

He comes across as that sort of man.

But he’s clearly not.

I slide into the cold darkness, a street away, leaning back against the recessed building, my spot given extra shadow from the stoop and where a street light is out. I’m still, silent, and not one of the scant handful of passersby even flickers a look my way.

Satisfied I’m not noticed, I pull the wallet from my coat, the leather smooth and supple that comes from age and quality. I flip the black envelope open and go through the wallet’s contents.

Part of me expected a gold or silver money clip. These days most people have all their payment systems on their phones, but it’s nice to see a wallet that’s not just for show. Something that’s used.