This is technically a beach party, so I figured showing some skin would fit the job. Based on the number of women with bikini strings visible, I made the right choice, but that doesn’t mean I’m half-naked. I chose a midnight blue coverup that goes down to my ankles. It also has slits up to my hips and is mostly see-through.
It made tonight’s lift child’s play.
Jasmine gives me a subtle salute with her champagne from nearby Trips, not on the comms, but here to watch us work. “You know this was the best way to do this,” I say, pointing out the obvious to Trips.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I like it,” he gripes, his eyes still blazing.
On the back balcony, I saunter to the corner, gazing over Lake Como at dusk like it’s a sight worth taking in, even as I keep most of my attention on the people around me.
The viewisgorgeous. A girl could get used to these international jobs.
As it turns out, my vigilance is useless. There’s a tap on my shoulder, and I jump as I spin, finding Jansen smirking atme in the half-light. He pins me to the dark exterior of this mansion, his lips warm against mine.
“Trouble, you’re going to ruin my cover,” I whisper.
“Who cares? I’ve wanted to taste you all night.”
I snag his chin, forcing him to look at me. “Are you looking for a punishment?”
“They’re always fun-ishments with you.”
I laugh, handing him the key card. “Go get this done, and we’ll celebrate back at the villa.”
His eyes glint with the urge to disobey, but with one last peck, he disappears into the dark.
“I hope this will work. I haven’t done a lot of forging on the fly,” Walker says, his voice somewhere between joking and not.
“It’s just a signature. You made a fake Gem Black in the back of the van using RJ’s shirt and some paint from a Walgreens. This is a walk in the park for you,” I say.
He chuckles. “At least I didn’t have to clamber across a roof that time. But you’re right. This should be easier.”
RJ cuts into our banter. “Incoming, Clara.”
I plop a hazy grin on my face as the brother of my mark saunters into view. We knew he could be trouble. It looks like we were right.
“Trips?” RJ’s concern echoes in my ear.
“On it,” he replies.
The man steps close, caging me in against the railing. “A pretty lady like you shouldn’t be all alone out here. Who knows what could happen?”
“Oh, I’m not worried,” I say, wishing I had a glass of champagne to sip leisurely. Next time.
His grin grows dark. “Maybe you should be.”
He leans in to kiss me, and I push him back. “I’m not interested,” I state, giving him a chance to back off before the cavalry makes it to us.
“But I am,” he says, moving to pin me again.
I slip out of his grip, slam him against the wall, then lock his arms, using them for leverage. He kicks back, a growl of frustration snaking from his mouth. “Better hurry,” I say. “He’s stronger than he looks.”
Trips gets there right as the man breaks free, taking a swipe at me. I duck, and Trips comes in with a right hook that knocks him unconscious on the first try. We catch our breaths as he slumps onto the expensive tile, then look at each other.
“Over the balcony?” I ask.
“Yeah. Go get a glass of something strong while I figure out where to toss him.” His kiss is welcome, fire and fight in the way his tongue tangles with mine, the heat of his palm on my hip making me want to linger.
I twist away. “Tease.”
