Page 101 of The Auction Block

"I'm taking the shot," I say as he looks up, eyes locking on mine.

I squeeze the trigger.

I've seen Lily do a lot of things over the last few months and heard enough about her time with Shannon. I thought I was immune to just about everything. Watching her take out another sniper, and the controlled celebration that followed, put things into perspective for me.

I love her, but the fact is— her abilities scare the shit out of me. After she pulled the trigger, she showed no emotion other than elation. High fives went all around between her, Dresden, Vlad, and the others. Even Sammi came out, heard about it, and hugged her, giving her several praises.

Lily has moved around the apartment all day, and all I can do is sit here while she's meticulously planning the capture and murder of several people. Part of me wonders if I'll ever be able to heal her enough that she could live a normal life outside Interpol— away from all this violence and pain. I want her too, so bad. I'd give Lily the world if she'd let me, though, she'll hardly let me buy her a meal let alone her heart's desires.

"Viper," Sammi says walking into the room. "I've searched the CCTV system continuously for the last few hours. There's nothing suspicious in the area. I think we're clear for now."

Lily huffs, puffing out her cheeks. She pulls her brows together, etching her face with worry. It's easy to see how no one questioned her age. She looks and acts much older than her time when she's in agent mode. She's so mercurial and it's hard to keep up with her constant mood changes at times.

"If you're sure, then I'll trust you. Let the Masons get some sleep. Vlad is looking over the apartment blueprints anyway. Said he'll have a plan by nine," she says, running her fingers through her hair.

I grin to myself, remembering the way her hair feels in my hands— full and soft, feather light. No matter what, I can't deny the need I have for this woman. I'm so wrapped up in her spell that if I don't watch myself, I might end up in another dimension one day. Even the parts of her that scare me are lovable.

How could you not love a woman who's willing to die to keep you safe?

Lily walks over, stopping on the other side of the coffee table.

"Everything's clear for now. Vlad will brief us with a better plan later this morning."

I stay on the couch, wanting to get a moment alone with her. I can tell she's upset about tonight. Lily always thinks about the worst 'what ifs' and will continue to think about them until she's driven herself mad with worry. I need to find a way to get her to stop. It's going to be the death of her. Not a sniper or trafficker, she'll die of a heart attack.

My stepmother rises, moving around the table to stand in front of Lily.

"Thank you," she says in an affectionate tone.

"Uh . . . for what, Mrs. Mason?"

Lily shifts her weight, uncomfortable with Carmen's tone and probably closeness. She said the other night it doesn't bother her to be touched anymore, but I worry about it all the time. I do everything possible to show Lily that not everyone will hurt her, but I know her past runs deeper than any of us can or will ever understand.

"You and your team probably saved our lives tonight. We owe you a great deal. Especially Blake," Carmen says, glancing at me.

I narrow my eyes. She's the last person who should be telling anyone about owing others. The only reason I tolerate her, or my father, is for Shannon. I love my sister dearly, but my relationship with Carmen and my dad is nothing more than a beautifully crafted smoke screen. It has been for the better part of twenty-three years. Lily seems to think we're the perfect family.

Oh, if she only knew.

Before my mother killed herself, she made me promise to be nice to my father— to try and be a good son. I was twelve. Had I known what she'd planned . . . things might be different. I've detested Carmen since even before that moment. She'd been my father's mistress and taken him away from us. He'd done everything for her, bought her everything she ever wanted. Yet all the time he was married to my mother, he treated her like a servant and helped her with nothing.

I hate both of them. What they did to my mother is why my entire being is geared toward taking care of Lily. I won't be like my father and let the woman I love struggle through life. No. It's a thought that makes me grin in a sinister way. Schooling my father on how to be a man, how to treat a woman, and if all goes right in the future, be a real husband.

"Blake doesn't owe me anything, Mrs. Mason. I'd say it's my job, but with him, it's more than that." She shoves her hands in her back pockets. "You guys really should get some sleep."

Carmen nods, and I glare after her as she walks away with my father. Even after they disappear from my sight, my eyes stay glued on the hallway. I wish my mother were alive to meet Lily. To get to know the woman I want to spend my life with. I know Carmen likes Lily, since she gushes over her all the time to my father. Rolling my eyes, I huff.

Fuck Carmen.

"Hey," Lily says softly, startling me as she sits close to my side on the couch.

"Hey, hon," I whisper, turning to gaze at her.

Her eyes are the most beautiful things I've ever seen— sapphire blue with deep gray around the edges. It's the first thing I noticed about her, and I'm lost staring into them. She searches my face, a small frown forming on her lips.

I lean forward, pressing my lips to hers. She's warm, inviting, and before I can stop myself, I reach over, running my hand up her leg. Her hand slides up my shoulder and tugs my hair roughly, sending a round of shivers down my spine. It's the same every time we touch each other. My erection stresses against my pants, and I moan into her mouth.

I want her, right now on this couch.