Page 34 of Forever a Thief

“I want you to come with me to Turkey,” he enunciates more slowly. “Let’s find the sapphire together.”

The temptation is nearly overwhelming, and I’m on the verge of caving when he adds, “There must be more clues in the book. We’ll figure it out together. We make a great team, non?”

Oh. My heart sinks and disappointment floods through me. He just wants me to go so he can use my knowledge of the book.

Trying to move out of his arms, I shake my head. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” His hold on me tightens, but I manage to pull free and stand up.

“Because…”

I search for the right words, the numerous reasons why, and fall short. Because the stupid truth is I want to go to Turkey with him and continue this crazy adventure. But that would be suicide for my poor heart. I just freaking know it. I’m already falling for the dashing man before me, and if I don’t bail now, he will soon enough. Then I’ll be left with nothing but the pieces of my broken heart. Again.

No. It’s better to walk away now with my head held high while I still can.

“I’m not like you, Laurent. I don’t have endless money in the bank, and I can’t just flit from one heist to the next. I want different things.”

“Like what?” His intense stare holds me hostage, and I can’t look away.

“For one, I want to rebuild Charlie’s Place.”

“And I’m going to help you do that.”

“Are you, though? Really?”

His eyes narrow. “Yes. I already told you that. It was a part of our original deal. You don’t believe me?”

“I don’t know,” I say, choosing to be as honest as possible. “Men have made me promises before and then broken them. What makes you any different? Right now, you’re talking about going to Turkey. Gallivanting off on some grand adventure to find a hidden gem. But I just want to go home and hang out with my sister and my niece. To be a good aunt and take Sienna to Disneyland. I want to sit down on my patio and read my book with a glass of wine. Maybe a Kir Royale.” My lips lift in a sad smile. God knows, Brighton has me hooked on the sweet drink. “I’ve been wanting to get a puppy. A little fluffy rescue who I can walk to the beach.” I heave out a hard, truthful sigh. “I don’t want to run around the world chasing after shiny objects, and I don’t need a sapphire as big as my fist. I’m simple. And you’re…not.”

When he doesn’t respond, I know I’m right. I could never make such a worldly and sophisticated man like Laurent happy long-term. I’m a homebody, and simply not enough to satisfy his lust for adventure.

“If that’s what you want,” he finally murmurs. I don’t miss the flash of disappointment on his face, but then he musters up a charming smile. It doesn’t feel entirely genuine and his dimples remain hidden. “I only want you to be happy, chérie.” In true Laurent fashion, he lifts my hand to his lips and brushes a kiss across my knuckles.

Our eyes lock, and I’m on the verge of throwing myself against his chest, when he lets my hand go and pushes up off the couch.

“I’ll have a private jet take you back to San Diego.”

“That’s not really necessary—”

“Give me your account number, and I’ll wire three million over to get you started on rebuilding your dream. When you need more, let me know.”

Stunned, my mouth drops open. I snap it shut with an audible click. That’s far more money than I was expecting. Suddenly, he’s all business, and this feels like a seedy transaction. But what can I do? The time to go our separate ways is here.

“So, this is it?” I can’t help but ask, sadness piercing my soul.

“Unless you want to board the jet bound for Turkey.”

I clasp my hands together, looking down at them. It’s time to leave Wonderland and wake up. It’s been a lovely dream, but… “I think I’ve had enough adventure.” I dare to look up at him, trying to memorize the exact shade of his green eyes, the cut of his sharp cheekbones, the indent of his dimples. “I’m not cut out for it like Harper or Alice. I’m just me—a boring ol’ homebody.”

“There’s nothing boring about you.” He places his fingers under my chin, lifting it. “You’re an amazing woman, sexy and so damn smart. Spending time with you has been a privilege and an honor, ma chérie. I’ll never forget it.” His lips brush over mine. Soft. A goodbye kiss. “Time to go,” he whispers.

Yes, time to go. As sad as it makes me, my adventure with Rhys Laurent is officially over.

Chapter Thirteen: Laurent

Standing on the tarmac, glaring at the jet that’s about to whisk Savannah away, has me questioning everything. Particularly my life choices. The one woman who I’d like to spend time getting to know better is about to leave me, and there’s nothing I can do to stop her. Apparently, I’m too adventure-y for her.

Once she’s given the okay to board, she turns to me and a half-smile curves her lips. “I guess this is it.”