Thief: The Dove in the Darkness
Page 9
Ashley stretched, the morning light illuminating her as she worked the stiffness out of her muscles. Basking in the glorious way her body felt, she opened her eyes to see Lance propped on one elbow watching her. He reached out to rub his fingertips along her taut belly to the curve of her hip. He started to pull her to him, but she rolled away giggling and came off the bed to toss a mischievous grin his way.
"I think I need another shower."
"Is that right?" he chuckled in reply, sounding only slightly disappointed as he watched her bounce to the bathroom. After a few moments, she poked her head back out.
"I think I need someone to wash my back." She smirked, and Lance needed no more prodding. He was beside her within moments.
The luxurious warmth of the never ending stream of water sustained them for well over an hour. Ashley stumbled out of the bathroom to fall on the bed exhausted, her body still dripping wet. Lance followed her out, toweling himself dry before moving to wipe the water droplets off her body. That turned into a massage that felt absolutely exquisite when his fingers gently kneaded her sore muscles.
"Oh god, what time is it?" she mumbled into the covers.
"Just a little past eleven," he replied, and Ashley stared at him dumbly as something close to panic rose inside her.
"Craig would never let us sleep this late." She shot up, grabbing her bag to pull out a small t-shirt and panties. "We should have been on the road already. Something must be wrong."
"Well, what's this?" Lance pointed to the door. Neither had noticed before, but there were four bulky envelopes that looked to have been pushed under the door during the night... or early morning as it was.
Ashley stopped her panicked rush to get dressed, and dropped to her knees in front of the door. She already had an idea of what it might be, and her heart was doing somersaults in her chest as her stomach sunk with sadness. Blood pumped loudly in her ears with both worry and exhilaration. Reaching for the envelopes with trembling hands, she was sure of what was inside from the shape and weight. Her nervous fingers could barely pull the flap open to confirm her suspicions.
Cash. As much cash that could be stuffed in an envelope and fit under the door.
She grabbed the second, the third, the fourth; all stuffed with cash. The last envelope had a letter with a key wrapped inside it. She could hear Lance getting dressed, and with a quick glance over her shoulder, she saw him fishing for something behind the bed. She sighed as her fingertips traced the folds of the paper before she opened it to read the letter, her eyes welling with tears.
Lea,
It's been quite a ride, hasn't it, kid? I think it best you get out while you can. I'll take care of Nikki. Just disappear for a while, and she'll stop looking for you eventually. Here's your cut and mine, and a little something extra. I wouldn't keep the Sentra too long. Ditch it the first chance you get. Just stay clean and take care of yourself. This was never the life for you. Never forget you, kid.