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I nod, finishing my beer. “Yep.”
We pay the bill and return to our individual rooms. Normally, I might’ve lingered, eventually making my way up to the bar if I spotted a pretty woman. Or sometimes we like to hit the town, check out the newest and hottest club. I usually only do that if I’m in the mood to get laid. Other times, we just happen to have invites, courtesy of The Man, to a party on a yacht or a movie premiere or something equally glamorous. It’s a great way to mingle with potential targets and let off some steam.
To be honest, what used to be fun and exciting has lost some of its shine. It’s just as well, because I’m not in the mood right now. Besides, tomorrow is a big day, and today has already been too long. I’m ready to crash.
“See you bright and early,” Deck says, opening his door.
“Not too early,” I call as he disappears inside with a chuckle. The man loves getting up at the ass-crack of dawn for some ungodly reason. But me? I need my beauty sleep.
I take a quick shower, climb into the big bed and automatically reach for my phone. I already texted Addie to let her know we’d arrived, and we’ll make contact again before and after the heist. I avoid social media like the plague, but I check my email, tomorrow’s weather and spend some time playing a game I’m addicted to which involves puzzles and numbers. After easily beating ten levels, I grow bored, toss my phone aside and turn out the lights.
Stretching, I yawn loudly, and it occurs to me this is an awfully big bed for one person. Guess it doesn’t matter. If I’dinvited anyone in here to join me, it would only be for a couple hours, anyway.
Better to sleep alone and get some shut-eye, because morning will arrive far faster than I’d like.
∞∞∞
Deck and I spend the day going over the mansion’s layout and the safe’s schematics. Preparation and research are key components to any successful heist—but knowledge will only get us so far. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of skill and experience, too.
While I’m going in as a guest, sporting my custom-tailored Tom Ford tuxedo, Deck is practically anonymous in black pants, a white shirt and tie just like all the other waiters. Normally, you’d think a big guy like him would stand out, but nope. Linc Decker is just that good, easily blending in with his surroundings. It’ll be child’s play for him to slip into the side door, then bypass the kitchen and head straight for the safe located in Torres’ office. Meanwhile, I get to rub elbows with the guests for a little while.
“Ready?” Deck asks.
I tuck my trusty Glock 19 in the holster hidden beneath my jacket. As prepared as I always am, you can never be too careful. “Let’s go.”
The elevator ride down is quick, and once outside, I give Deck a nod. This is where we go our separate ways. Lucky me, I get to drive the rental car over—a silver Lamborghini Aventador that is everything I imagined it would be and more. Sleek, fast and comfortable. It screams look at me, stopping people deadin their tracks. The Lambo certainly lives up to its name, and I wouldn’t mind owning one. Two million for a car is a bit steep for me, though.
But they sure are fun to drive.
“Have fun Ubering,” I call out, tossing my duffel in the supercool front trunk, and spinning the heavy key fob in my hand with a smirk.
“Eat me,” Deck responds flatly, and I laugh. I’m sure he’d love a ride over, but what hired help would arrive in a sexy beast like this?
The iconic scissor door opens upward and pivots, and I slip inside, settling into the seat and looking over the instrument panel.Oh, yeah. She’s a thing of beauty.The car starts with a growl, and I make sure to give Deck an obnoxious salute as I drive by, leaving him waiting on the corner for his ten-dollar ride.
Of course, he flips me off.
The next time I see Deck, he’ll be meeting me at the rendezvous point with a huge emerald that could buy a warehouse full of Lambos.
The drive to Alejandro Torres’ estate takes about twenty minutes. The place is lit up like a Christmas tree and guests are arriving in an endless parade of Ferraris, Bentleys and Rolls Royces. My door scissors up in a smooth lift and I get out, handing the key to the valet. Glancing up, I check out one of the biggest mansions I’ve ever seen, flawlessly pretending like I’ve seen bigger. It’s imposing with huge stone columns, and I walk up the wide stairs and extend my invitation to the woman at the door.
But she’s not looking at the engraved piece of paper. Her brown eyes are currently sliding down my bespoke suit, checking out my assets.
“Buenas noches, encantadora,” I murmur, dialing up my charm and turning down my voice to a husky tone.
“Buenas noches,” she responds with a little giggle.
I have no idea how good that invitation is, but I’m assuming if it’s from The Man, it’ll do its job and get me through the door. However, stranger things have happened, so I whisper more flirty Spanish words—I know enough to get by—intending to leave this woman distracted and panting for a few more.
She’s a flustered, blushing mess as I sweep past with a dazzling smile and a light touch to her elbow. If experience has taught me anything, it’s that women like to be noticed. They enjoy flirting and hearing compliments. My goal is to make them feel like the only woman in the room. Make them fall in love with me, if only for the evening.
As I walk through the large foyer covered in black and white marble flooring, I lightly touch the comms unit in my ear. Deck will check in once he’s in position. If he needs a distraction, he’ll let me know. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the party.
The moment I step into the main ballroom, three female servers approach me with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and a multitude of batting lashes. With a sexy grin, I accept a glass of bubbly and take a sip.
Ah, it’s the good stuff.But I wouldn’t expect any less. Alejandro Torres can certainly afford it. The man is loaded, mostly due to his penchant for selling arms and intel to guerrilla soldiers. He has houses around the world, so if it gets too hot in one location, he picks up and goes somewhere else.
“Hello,” a feminine voice purrs near my ear.