"Little jumpy, aren't we?" Maddie steps out from behind a tree, looking perfectly unharmed. No signs of distress, no visible injuries. She's wearing black jeans and a dark jacket, her hair pulled back in a ponytail.
"What the hell, Maddie?" Relief and anger war for dominance. "I thought you were in trouble."
"Did I say I was in trouble?" She approaches slowly, something calculated in her movements. "I said I needed help. Different thing entirely."
"Help with what?" I look around the deserted area. "What are we doing out here?"
"Waiting." She checks her watch. "For about ten more minutes, if my intel is correct."
"Waiting for what?" Frustration builds. "Stop with the cryptic shit and tell me what's going on."
She studies me for a long moment, like she's making a decision. "I'm working a job. I could use an extra pair of hands."
"A job." I repeat the words flatly. "What kind of job requires meeting in the middle of nowhere at night?"
"The kind that pays very well." She pulls a small case from her pocket and removes what looks like a wireless earpiece. "Here. So we can communicate if we get separated."
I don't take it. "I'm not doing anything until you tell me what's happening."
She sighs. "Fine. Short version: A valuable package is being moved through Pine Haven tonight. I've been hired to intercept it. Simple grab and go, no one gets hurt."
"You're talking about stealing something."
"I prefer 'strategic asset redistribution.'" Her smile is quick and sharp. "Look, it's a cargo of luxury watches being moved without proper documentation. Insurance will cover the loss, and no one will look too hard because the whole shipment is off the books anyway."
"And you want me to help you steal it."
"I want you to be my lookout." She holds up the earpiece again. "That's all. You don't have to touch anything."
"This is insane." I rake a hand through my hair. "You set me up. Made me think you were in danger so I'd come running."
"Would you have come if I'd told you the truth?"
"Of course not!"
"Exactly." She doesn't look remotely apologetic. "But you're here now, and in about eight minutes, so is the truck. So, what's it going to be? Are you in or out?"
I should walk away. Get on my bike and ride straight back to the clubhouse, tell Reaper everything. That would be the smart play, the safe play.
But I've never been good at smart or safe.
"What exactly would I have to do?" I hear myself ask.
Her smile is triumphant. "Just keep watch. Signal me if anyone approaches. The driver will take a bathroom break at the old gas station two miles up. I'll have about three minutes to get in the truck, locate the package, and get out."
"And that's it? No one gets hurt?"
"Scout's honor." She raises three fingers in a mock salute.
"Were you even a scout?"
"God no. But the sentiment stands." She holds out the earpiece again. "So? Are you gambling with me tonight, Dice?"
There it is again, that uncanny ability to see right through me. She knows exactly what buttons to push, what words to use to get me on board.
I should say no. I'm a prospect for the Outlaw Order. I can't risk my standing in the club for some crazy heist with a woman I barely know.
But then she smiles that wicked smile, and I'm reaching for the earpiece before I can stop myself.
