“I’ve held my own so far, and I did just help security catch Corvid. They caught him without realizing I was a few feet above their heads.”
“I know, and you’reawesome,my friend, but that’s not why I’m worried. The Ombra operates without honor. They won’t let you get in their way, and what’s more, they won’t let any guards get in their way either.”
“What do you mean?” Sable asked, suddenly worried about Cash.
“The security guard whose life you saved,” Peter said. “The Ombra has officially placed a target on his head. They want him gone, and I’m nervous about you being around the other thieves. They’ll be gunning for that poor man after this announcement, and if you get in their way, you’ll be nothing but collateral. I would steal the egg before someone takes out that guard. This game could get bloody.”
Bloody.Sable almost choked on her wine.
“What was that?” Peter asked. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she said. “And, are you sure?”
“Yes. During this competition, it’s open season on him.”
Sable swore, trying not to get sick over the sink, and all thoughts of quitting fled her mind. Every day that egg sat in that museum was a day where a thief might decide winningwasn’t enough and they wanted Cash’s headas well. She’d been so close to giving up her spot in this competition to choose a future with Cash, but this changed everything. If she backed out, someone would kill him, and she couldn’t live with herself if that happened. She couldn’t quit. She had to break his heart because if she stole the egg,thenthe price on his headlifted. Winning was the only way to save him, and his survival was more important than her heartbreak. He would hate her for this betrayal, but he had to be alive to experience hatred, and his life was worth her suffering.
“Anyway, I just wanted to update you,” Peter said. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
“Nothing,” Sable lied, because there was no point in confessing her feelings now. She had to steal the egg and stop the clock on The Ombra’s bounty. She had to save Cash’s life.
“What are you guys watching?” Cash asked.
“That treasure-hunting movie where they use history as clues,” Clover said.
“That’s a good one. You’ll have fun.” Cash fixed his son’s bowtie and then pulled out his phone. “Smile for me. I want a photo of you in this suit.”
“Oh, come on, Dad,” Clover whined.
“I know, I know, I’m so uncool, but do this for your poor father. He wants a photo of how handsome you are.”
“Okay, fine.” Clover backed up until he stood against an ornate pillar and smiled wide as his father snapped a few shots.
“Would you like me to take a photo of you two together?” a woman asked as she walked by. She was one of the volunteerswho’d beenassigned to watch the kids. The museumhad set up a kid’s event for the evening, complete with a movie and dinner in the Ancient Egypt exhibit, and at Cash’s insistence, the security surrounding the children was strict. He wanted his son to have fun during the gala, but he wasn’t taking any chances while Clover was on this property. He didn’t think anyone would try to steal the egg during such a populated event, but then again, it might be the ideal time. He’d be downstairs watching over the high society guests. The party would be the perfect distraction.
“Yes, please.” Cash handed the woman his phone, and she snapped a few shots of the father and son.
“You both look so handsome in your suits,” she said as she returned his cell.
“Thank you,” Cash and Clover said in unison as the volunteer rejoined the crowd.
“Okay, I have to get back downstairs, but I wanted to check on you before it got busy.” Cash knelt and pulled the boy into a hug. Clover made a slightly embarrassed sigh, but he didn’t care. He would rather be the dad who embarrassed his kid with hugs than the one who ignored his children. “Have fun. Call me if you need me, and please be careful. Don’t leave this exhibit without a security guard, okay? With everythinggoing onat the museum, I don’t want you alone.”
“Okay,” Clover agreed. The boy was well aware of the theft attempts, so thankfully, he understood the need for caution. “But can I say hi to Sable when she gets here?”
“Of course.” Cash brushed his son’s wayward curls off his face. “When I get a free minute, we’ll come up.”
“Thanks.” Clover looked over his shoulder at his friends, and Cash recognized his cue to leave.
“Enjoy the movie.” He kissed the boy’s head and watched as he rejoined the horde of children. He’d been worried about moving here. Yes, Clover had wanted a house, but they’d lefteverything and everyone they knew behind. Cash was nervous his son wouldn’t feel at home in this new city, but by the way he’d abandoned his father for his friends, he realized his fears were unwarranted.
“Love you, buddy,” Cash whispered, and with a nod at the guards he’d stationed at the Egypt exhibit’s entrances, he returned to the main level. The museum was swarming with ornately dressed guests, and while all the women were gorgeous in their designer gowns and sparkling diamonds, Cash barely noticed their beauty. There was only one woman he wished to see, and he almost felt nauseous at the thought of her clad in formal wear. He hadn’t seen her since their night on his couch, but she was so unbearably beautiful that his heart rate was thunderingout of control. He’d arrived at The Merveille De L’art that morning to prepare, which meant she had to meet him here, and with every passing second, his nerves fired more violently. What if her beauty distracted him from his job? What if she never showed up?
A tingle raced down his spine, and Cash stiffened at the sensation. Sable was here. He could feel it, and as if guided by a magnet, he turned toward the entrance.
The entire world disappeared as their eyes met. The museum went silent, but his heart beat a wild rhythm within his chest. She was a goddess, a vision, a beautifully sweet addiction. She was a work of art that put every piece in this museum to shame.
Sable walked through the ornate front doors, and Cash’s gravity instantly dragged her into his orbit. She’d barely crossed the threshold, but her eyes had already foundhis, and he was a glorious sight to behold. He wore an entirely black suit that hadher imagination running wild, and for a moment, she ignored her guilt and enjoyed the masterpiece before her. He was unbearably beautiful, and he gazed at her like she was the only woman in the world. To be the object of such affection broke her heart into a million pieces because shewas going toruin his life tonight. Shewas going to steal the egg, but not because she wanted the prize. She no longer cared about the money. She was falling in love. She’d met her soulmate, but another thief had put a price on his head. This heist was no longer about her. This was about Cash and the little boy who needed alivingfather.
