Marked By Lies: A Reverse Harem Series (The Marked Series Book 1) by Paige Orr (the red fox clan TXT) 📗

don’t tell me something else happened after I got off the phone because the last I heard he was kind of holding you hostage? That doesn’t sound like a fucking savior to me!”

I can’t stop the chuckle that slips out at the indignation in her voice. At least I know she will always keep me straight and she will always call me on my shit. A true friend won’t let you make too much of a fool of yourself.

“Well, if you would let me finish the story, you would find out what happened after our little phone call. We kind of came to an agreement that I would do a job for him and he would make sure that I got out with no one else finding me.”

“So you're telling me that someone found you stealing from their Prince and just let you go. That doesn’t even make sense, Mel. Why would he agree to let you go?”

“That’s the thing, I don’t think he was Seelie. But what I don’t get is why there would be Unseelie Fae there, it doesn’t add up. It’s only a guess that he’s Unseelie, but he used shadow magic, so it’s the closest guess I have. Could you do me a favor and check over the quest list and find out if there was any Unseelie invited for me?”

“Sure I can chicka, just give me a few minutes to get into their system.”

I can hear Nika’s fingers flying over her keyboard as she hacks into the Seelie Prince's security with bated breath, and I can't help but replay my conversation with the mysterious stranger after he got us out of the house.

Once the shadows drop away from us, the stranger grabs my hands pulling me through the hallways. When we get to the corridor leading back into the room filled with the party guests, he pulls me down the opposite corridor. After a few minutes, I can feel myself getting more nervous that we haven’t come to an exit.

I know he said that as long as I did a job for him he would help me escape, but what if it was all just a ruse to make me trust him so that he can hand me over to security without me fighting him?

I don’t have long to worry though as finally; we turn into a kitchen and he pulls me outside through the back door. The door slams behind us causing me to nearly jump out of my skin. I turn to the man with my arms crossed over my chest and look at him expectantly.

“No need to worry little songbird, I’m sure I’ll be able to find your office for you to uphold your part of our deal. You can expect me tomorrow since this issue is rather time-sensitive. Now run along, we don't want you to be caught when you're still needed.”

In the next moment, I blink, finding that the man is gone, leaving nothing behind but a trail of shadow that quickly disappears. I don’t wait around to see if the Prince has realized that the necklace is gone, I just turn on my heel and run towards where I left my car. I just have to hope that I really can trust the stranger, otherwise, I’m fucked.

 

I’m snapped out of the memories when I hear Nika calling my name, and I clear my throat before letting her know I’m still on the line.

“Well chicka, you have royally fucked up. The only Unseelie that was on the list was the Prince who was standing in for his father. The tales that I’ve heard of Prince Zaphyr aren’t pretty. All you can hope for now is that he thinks you could be useful for something because without this job that he wants you to do, I don’t think he would have been so lenient.”

“Fuck! He didn’t exactly give me much information when he was dragging me from the house. He told me to expect him tomorrow so hopefully, then I’ll have more information. I’m going to go so I can contact my client, but as soon as I know more information tomorrow I’ll be in touch, I doubt whatever it is will be easy so I’ll more than likely need your help.”

“Alright, if I don’t hear from you before three pm tomorrow then I’ll be round to your office to kick some royal ass. I doubt I could win but I’ve got your back girl, Love ya.”

“Love you too, you crazy bitch, speak to you tomorrow.”

With that, I hang up the call and get to my feet, pulling the now completely knotted wig from my head, groaning at the relief of finally taking it off. Removing a wig is almost as pleasing as taking off your bra at the end of the day, and that’s saying something. I walk over to my wardrobe, pulling out a pair of sweats and a baggy t-shirt before finally slipping out of my heels and taking the dress off.

I seriously hate dolling myself up and if it wasn’t for my job, then I never would, but needs must. Once I’ve stripped down to nothing but my underwear, I throw on my comfy clothes and walk towards my vanity, picking up my phone from the bed on the way past. Sitting down at the vanity, I begin removing my makeup as I dial Mr. Sullivan’s number.

When he finally picks up the phone, I’m halfway through removing the makeup, and his agitated voice sets my nerves on edge.

“Who the hell is ringing me at this time of night!”

I grit my teeth at his tone of voice and take a quick breath to calm myself before replying to him.

“I apologize, Mr. Sullivan, It’s Melissa Greene from Crimson Investigations. I’m just calling to let you know that I have your item and It’s ready to be