Thank you for becoming a part of the A.R. Society! As a thank you, here’s a sneak peek into Veil of Deceit with the scene that this character art depicts!

———

“I’m going to do much more than glare at you if you don’t show me where we’re supposed to go,” she groused. 

“Don’t tempt me with sweet promises, little thief. I can’t be distracted from the job at hand.”

Lucianna’s mouth dropped in indignation. Finnick started down the corridor, smirking the entire way. 

“The only temptation present between us is the one to kill you in your sleep,” she snapped as she followed him. 

A group of young maids in green linen dresses passed by them, holding baskets of silk—likely wedding decorations. All three of them turned red as rubies at the sight of Finnick. They broke into a chorus of girlish giggles. Lucianna pierced them with a glare, which made their eyes widen and their feet shuffle faster. 

“Don’t think you can take me while I’m awake?” Finnick teased, seemingly unaware of the group of women who’d been enamoured by his presence. 

Frustration overcame Lucianna. At their situation, Finnick’s teasing, and those women who had the audacity to stare while holding decorations from her wedding. In one swift move, she swept Finnick’s feet out from under him. He stumbled to the ground, catching himself on his hands and knees with a startled exhale. No sooner had he pushed up to his knees than Lucianna unsheathed her dagger with one hand and fisted his hair with the other, tipping his head back to look up at her. 

She held her blade to his throat. He grinned. Mischief glittered in his sapphire gaze. 

“If you wanted to put your hands in my hair, you could have just asked.” 

Lucianna tightened her hold. 

“Let this be a warning: insult my capabilities again, and you’ll find yourself here once more. Only, I won’t hold back.”

His smile widened. 

“Promise?” 

Lucianna rolled her eyes and released her grip on him. Her dagger found its home again at her waist. Finnick stood and brushed his hands over his clothes, still grinning. 

She scowled. “You’re insufferable.” 

“And you’re very pretty when you’re threatening to murder someone.” He winked. 

Want more of Finn and Lucianna? Preorder Veil of Deceit, book one of the Hopelessly Bound Trilogy!