Page 24 of Forever a Thief

“That was easy,” I whisper as we join the other guests, stepping into a lavish ballroom. “Oh, wow.”

Talk about going all out. It’s like we just wandered into a magical, wooded wonderland complete with real trees lit by fairy lights and cascading waterfalls strategically placed in the corners. It’s beyond extravagant, and it’s clear Voss spared no expense fulfilling the night’s theme. Opulent buffet tables loaded with food line the walls, champagne fountains flow and masked waiters offer every kind of hors d'oeuvre and appetizer imaginable.

Laurent hands me a glass of sparkling bubbly and, as I take it all in, I’m not quite sure how I got here. I’m on the arm of the most dashing thief in Denver, playing dress-up in the most exquisite gown I’ve ever worn, all while on the search for a clue that will lead to a priceless sapphire.

I truly feel like Alice, and I decide I’m going to enjoy this Wonderland fully.

And that includes the insanely good-looking man at my side. Yes, we have a book to hunt down, but don’t I deserve a few stolen moments with the disarming rogue who just leaned down and is now whispering seductive promises in my ear?

Yes, I think I do. Because once my adventure is over, I’m going to wake up back in Coronado, completely alone again.

“You tempt me beyond all reason, ma douce Savannah.”

Tilting my head back, I meet his vivid green eyes and lay a hand against his clean-shaven cheek. “So why don’t you do something about it, Monsieur Laurent?”

His nostrils flare, and then he’s dragging me through the crowd, deeper down the rabbit hole.

Chapter Nine: Laurent

I’ve truly never seen a sight as beautiful as Savannah. The moment she swept into A-Squared, resplendent in sapphire blue, my throat went dry, my pulse skyrocketed and my dick was ready to slip his party hat on. Stunning doesn’t even begin to do her justice. Elle est magnifique.

Walking through the sea of costumed guests with Savannah on my arm had me puffing out my chest like a proud peacock. But when I told her how much she tempted me, and she looked up and told me to do something about it? Fuuuuuck.

She will never have to ask me twice—to touch her, to hold her, or to do something about it.

I’m dragging her through the crowded ballroom like a neanderthal heading toward his cave. But since we’re not in prehistoric Europe, I’ll settle for a library, a sitting room… Hell, anywhere private. I veer away from the ballroom and step into a long hallway with flickering sconces lining the walls. After I took my first job from Voss, a long time ago, I memorized the building schematics of this mansion. Even though it may look like I fly by the seat of my pants at times, I always come prepared. Partway down the hall, I push the door open to the music room.

A grand piano takes up one entire corner and several guitars hang on the wall. I nearly trip over a harp as I tug Savannah inside and quickly shut the door. Spinning around, I eye her like a predator about to take a bite of its prey. I am so ready to taste her. I’ve held myself back with remarkable restraint. But no more.

Time seems to stop as I lock eyes with her and run my hands up her arms. Skim my fingertips over the top of her shoulders and across her collarbone. Up and around to carefully untie the ribbons holding her mask in place. Then I remove mine.

“You do realize we’re supposed to be searching for the book,” she murmurs, wetting her lips. Seeing that pink tongue dart out makes my dick swell, and I toss our masks on top of the closed piano.

“Fuck the book.” Wrapping an arm around her waist, I draw her small body against mine, letting her know exactly what page I’m on—and it has nothing to do with a book. “You laid down a challenge…and I accept.”

Her gaze drifts down to my mouth, and that’s all the invitation I need. Pulling her up onto her toes, I drop my head and take her mouth with mine. There’s so much I want to take, but we’ll start with a kiss in the music room.

Tilting her head back, I keep one hand on her lower back and my other slides around her neck, cupping it. Her fingers grip my shoulders, nails digging into my tux jacket when I wish they were scratching my bare skin. I’d like nothing more than to peel her dress off. It fits her curves like a glove, and it’s making me a little crazy. I can only imagine what treasures lay hidden underneath it. Trailing my hand up, I feel the band of her bra and wonder what color it is. Black? Pink? Is it satin or sheer lace?

I thrust my tongue past her lips, exploring her mouth, tasting her. Getting drunk on her. She tastes sweet, the champagne she was just drinking mixing with her own delectable flavor. Her fresh scent surrounds me, intoxicates me, and I breathe it in deeply. Like freshly-peeled lemons dusted in sugar.

She moans into my mouth as I deepen the kiss, pressing closer. Her curves seem to wrap themselves around me, fitting perfectly against my body. Like we were made for each other. I suck her bottom lip, releasing it with a low pop, then start kissing her neck. Skin so soft, I can only imagine what her naked body would feel like pressed to mine. Fucking heaven.

Licking at the curve where her neck and shoulder meet, I slide the collar of her dress aside, zeroing in on her bra strap. My vision might be hazy with my fervor for her, but there’s no mistaking it’s black. Hooking a finger around the satin strap, I pull it to the side, dropping kisses in its wake.

“Laurent…” My name comes out so breathy. So damn sexy. And she drops her head to the side, allowing me better access. Her breasts heave against my chest, and I’m about to continue my exploration south, when a loud boom makes us jump apart.

“Fireworks,” I say, feeling her relax again in my arms. Moving toward the large window, I place her in front of me, keeping my hands on her hips. Together, we look out the glass and up to where an impressive fireworks show lights the sky. One boom after another, every color of the rainbow. A crowd gathers on the lawn to enjoy the spectacle, but I lose interest quickly and refocus on Savannah’s satin neck.

Running my tongue along its side, I splay my hands over her flat stomach, drawing her backside tight against my front. She arches in my arms, that curvy ass shoving right below my groin and circling. Fuuuuck me. My fingers dig into the dress’s material, scrunching it up, as I drop a little lower to get the full impact of her gyrating ass right where I want it. My dick is rock hard, straining against my zipper, and desire like I’ve never experienced before crackles through me hotter and brighter than the fireworks shooting off above us.

“Fuck, Savvy,” I groan, not sure where the nickname came from, but it sounds right. Feels right.

Tugging her dress up, I get it above her hips then gently kick her small heeled foot to the side. My large hand moves to her satin-covered mound, sliding down and gliding over the seam of her panties. A half gasp, half whimper tears from her throat at my touch.

“So needy. Does that feel good, chérie? Do you need more?” She makes an incoherent sound, hips rocking between my cock and my hand. “I’ll take that as a yes,” I whisper, sliding her panties aside. She’s wonderfully soaked. Just for me. “So wet, Savvy. So goddamn wet.”

I slide a finger inside her and the walls of her pussy tighten, trying to draw it deeper. Adding a second finger, I thrust them in and out, teasing her clit with my thumb, while my other hand cups one of her perfect breasts, lightly squeezing. “You feel so good, so ready. I want to fuck you, Savannah. You have no idea how much.”