“I don’t mind at all. Come on up to my room with me and I’ll put on some clothes.”
“I’ll wait for you in the lobby if that’s okay.”
“That’s fine,” Kit said. “Come on.”
She picked up her laptop and they walked to the lobby where Kit left Polly and went upstairs and took a quick shower and donned some white linen slacks and a short-sleeved, button-down, light blue top. She slicked her hair with gel and was back downstairs fifteen minutes later.
“Sorry that took so long. I opted for a shower.”
Polly must have appreciated it as she favored Kit with a bright smile. Her teeth shown white against her bronze skin.
“No problem at all. Come on. I’ll drive you to my favorite watering hole.”
She drove them to a lovely spot, the Side Street Pub. They sat on the patio under an umbrella and Kit felt more relaxed than she had in longer than she could remember. Polly was engaging and funny and oh-so-easy on the eyes. She’d ordered each of them a Bahama Mama and Kit had to admit, it was delicious. It was also clear that she was a local as the drink was much stronger than any she’d had there to date.
“Where are you from, Polly? And how did you end up here?”
“I’m from here. Born and raised. I’m going to school in the States, but I come back here and work on my breaks. I love my job but need more to do with my life.”
“What are you studying?”
“I’m going to be a social worker.”
Kit was impressed. That took hard work, compassion, and brains. Maybe she should consider Polly for more than just an afternoon delight. But no, her own lifestyle demanded she stay single. She couldn’t gallivant all over the globe if she had a woman at home.
“That’s great,” Kit said. “But it must take a lot of school.”
“It does. But it’ll be worth it when I start working.”
“Do you plan to stay in the States?”
“Oh, no. I already have a practice waiting for me here.”
“Excellent. You’re lucky to be able to live here year-round. It’s such a beautiful spot. Truly paradise.”
“I agree. And you? What do you do that allows you to spend a leisurely Wednesday afternoon with me here in St. Thomas?”
“I work on Wall Street, but I can do work from anywhere.”
“Ah, yes. I saw you on your computer earlier.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“I bet that’s exciting.”
“It is. Not as compassionate as a social worker, mind you, but it more than pays the bills.”
“We all have to answer our own callings,” Polly said.
Beautiful, intelligent, and insightful. Kit set the walls around her heart in place. She was only here for fun. Besides, she’d be leaving the island soon and didn’t plan on leaving a woman pining for her.
“Well, thank you for agreeing to a drink,” Kit said. “I figure you must get tired of tourists hitting on you all the time.”
Polly laughed her melodic laugh.
“It can get old. But you’re different. You seem kind. Besides, you’re not a man and that helps tremendously.”
Kit held up her glass.
“Here’s to lesbians.”
“Hear, hear.”
They enjoyed a few more drinks, then Kit convinced Polly to let her take her out for a late lunch. Polly took her to a little hole in the wall that was a favorite among the locals. After lunch, Kit broached the subject that had been on her mind since she’d first laid eyes on Polly.
“I don’t suppose you’d like to go back to your place, would you?”
Polly’s whole face lit up.
“I can think of nothing I’d rather do.”
Polly lived in a small bungalow not far from the beach. It was cute and quaint, and Kit tried to show her admiration rather than simply salivate over Polly.
“I like your place.” She fingered some seashells on the mantle. “It’s homey and beachy. It’s nice.”
“Thank you.” Polly sidled up behind her and wrapped her arms around Kit’s waist. “But I don’t think you came here to admire my house, did you?”
Kit turned and took Polly in her arms.
“No, Polly. That’s definitely not why I’m here.”
Kit lost herself in Polly’s beautiful, soulful eyes before dropping her gaze to her parted, full lips. She lowered her head and brushed her lips over Polly’s. There was an almost forgotten stirring inside her. She was here of her own accord. It wasn’t an assignment. She could relax and enjoy herself. It was almost too good to be true.
As soon as their lips met, Kit felt a jolt in her belly. A current of electricity coursed through her body, and she held tightly to Polly to keep from falling over. The meeting of their lips was brief, but it promised so much.
She straightened up, but Polly pulled her back. She opened her mouth and welcomed Kit in. Their tongues danced, and Kit felt her world tilt. She could lose herself in Polly, forget the world, her world, and her next assignment. She stepped away again to catch her breath and Polly took her hand.
“This way.” She led Kit down the hall to her bedroom. Her windows were open, and Kit could hear waves lapping the shore. It was a seductive sound, but nowhere near as seductive as the woman standing before her.
Kit pulled Polly to her and kissed her again. While their tongues tangoed, she slid her hands under Polly’s blouse and unhooked her bra. She made short order of her blouse and bra before removing her shorts and thong. Polly stood naked before her and Kit was certain she’d never seen a more beautiful sight.
Polly was not only stunning, she was obviously comfortable in her own skin. She didn’t squirm at all under Kit’s scrutiny.
“Your turn,” Polly said. “Let’s see you in all your glory.”
Kit quickly stripped and took Polly in her arms again. The feel of soft skin against her own caused Kit to overheat. Her need to have her was complete.
“Bed,” was all Kit could manage.
“This way, stud.”
They fell into bed, limbs and tongues entwined. Kit’s desire was all-consuming. She wanted Polly so desperately yet didn’t know where to start. Her full breasts won the debate, and Kit gently and tenderly caressed them before she lowered her mouth to take first one nipple and then the other in her mouth. She felt them grow and pucker under her attention, and it fueled her onward.
No longer capable of thinking, Kit let her instincts guide her down between Polly’s legs where she feasted on her flavor. Kit couldn’t get enough of Polly and continued to please her even after she’d cried out several times.
When Polly had finally claimed she’d had enough, Kit kissed her way back up her body until she could share Polly’s flavor with her. The kiss lasted forever, and when it was over, Kit’s whole body hummed with its need for release.
Polly proved herself as capable at giving as receiving, and she skillfully took Kit over the edge not just once but twice.
Sated, Kit pulled Polly close and held her as she felt a necessary nap approaching.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” Polly said.
“Hm? Why not?”
“It’s about time for me to get you back to the resort.”
Kit was surprised at her tone.
“Seriously? I thought we’d take a nap then have a go at seconds.”
“Not today. It’s been fun. Don’t get me wrong. But I just think it would be better to say our good-byes sooner rather than later.”
Disappointed, but understanding, Kit picked her clothes off the floor and dressed in silence.
“Will I see you again?”
“I doubt it.”
“I’m here until Friday. Maybe we can have drinks again.”
“Thank you, but no thanks. Look, I like you. I really do. And, if circumstances were different, who knows how this might have played out. As it is, I’m not looking for anyone right now and I doubt you are either. So let’s part as friends and keep the memories.”
&
nbsp; Kit nodded her understanding. She watched as Polly put her clothes on then followed her out to the car.
“Well, thank you for this afternoon anyway. I really enjoyed myself.”
“As did I. And I wish you nothing but the best in life.”
No strings attached. Just how Kit liked things. So why was she so bummed?
* * *
Savannah got off the plane and drew in a deep breath. The island air felt good in her lungs and she wished she was there for pleasure and not on business. But she was on a mission, and nothing, not even the call of the tropics, could veer her off course.
She turned to Li as they deplaned.
“I know it seems like all we’ve done is review notes, but I want to go over them again. Meet me in my room in an hour to go over everything again.”
“But, ma’am, we haven’t even picked up our bags from baggage claim. Will we even be at the resort in an hour?”
“I believe we will. I’m sorry to be such a hard-ass, but I can’t stand the thought of someone else being robbed.”
“Yes, ma’am. I hear you there.”
They convened in her suite an hour later.
“What are we missing?” Savannah said.
“I hate to disagree with you, ma’am, but I think we’re dealing with more than one thief here.”
“You do, huh?” Savannah respected Li’s intuition. He may be young, but he was good, with a keen eye for detail. “And why is that? Please convince me because I’m going out of my mind trying to find just one.”
“Some say it was a man. Some say it was a woman. Could be we’re dealing with both. Maybe even a tag team.”
“You honestly believe that?”
He nodded slowly.
“I do. I truly think they’re a couple who get their thrills robbing women.”
“There’s never any struggle, Li. That’s what perplexes me the most.”
“No. And seldom is a weapon used. Out of the twelve robberies we’re looking at right now, only three claimed a weapon was used.”
“True statement,” Savannah said. “And what does that mean?”
“I don’t think a weapon was ever used, to be honest. I think people use that excuse to cover up the fact they were duped.”
“Interesting. That’s very interesting. And, while we can’t prove or disprove that, we’ll certainly keep our options open. It’s as good a theory as any we have so far.”
“Do you think we’ll find whoever’s behind it here? At the Bahia Mar?” Li said.
“I hope so. I hope we can stop whoever’s behind this before they nab another victim.”
The handsome butch from Monte Carlo flashed in Savannah’s mind. Could she be the guilty party? Why couldn’t Savannah get her out of her head? She was obsessed with her and wanted to prove her guilty so badly she could taste it.
Or maybe she just wanted her. She couldn’t deny the stirrings between her legs whenever she thought of her. If only she had time for a little fun. She really needed to get that woman out of her system. But there was no time for that.
But what if she was really the thief? Savannah could seduce her and let her steal her jewels and then she’d have her. Yes. That was definitely a great idea.
“What are you thinking about, boss?” Li interrupted her musings.
“Hm? Nothing. Why?”
“You were smiling. You don’t smile very often. You should do it more often.”
Embarrassed that she’d been caught fantasizing, she brought herself back to the present. She needed to focus on the task at hand and not daydream like some pathetic schoolgirl with a crush.
“I was just thinking how nice it will be when we finally catch the thief. Or thieves.”
“It’s going to be amazing.”
“That it is.”
Chapter Four
Kit made her way along the walkways to the resort. The noise, though muted, rang out on the night air. The sounds were of voices and machines and the occasional laughter. Kit tried to remember the last time she’d laughed sincerely. Or at least when she wasn’t on a job. But it seemed she was always on a job. She’d damned near perfected her skills, so she was constantly being called upon.
She stepped into the casino and surveyed the crowds. The dress code was much more lax than at Monte Carlo. Kit wasn’t wearing a tux or tie. She was wearing a simple white linen suit with a cobalt blue shirt underneath. It was her lucky shirt. Now she just needed to get lucky. In some form or fashion.
The big poker tournament had been going most of the day. She wasn’t interested in that. She needed to find a poker widow. Just one and she could fly out a richer woman. As she glanced around again, she noticed lots of expensive jewelry adorning women’s necks and wrists. Even though they weren’t dressed in formal wear, it was still a competition to see who had the most bling. She smiled to herself. It should be a good night.
“You look amused,” a husky voice spoke in her ear.
She turned to see a lovely older woman with chestnut hair and emerald eyes. Her eyes shone like the green jewels that clung to her chest and dangled from her ears. She was a looker, sure, but that wasn’t why Kit turned on the charm.
She flashed a smile she knew showed off her dimples.
“I’m always amused,” she said.
The brunette arched an eyebrow.
“Oh you are, are you?”
“Indeed. It’s the only way to go through life.”
“Is it now?” Her smile was radiant. “Buy me a drink and tell me more.”
It really wasn’t a suggestion, but Kit nodded nonetheless.
“What’s your favorite spot for a drink here?” she asked.
The woman led the way out to a bar that overlooked the pool. It was a warm night and the sea breeze felt cool to Kit’s excited, fevered flesh.
“What shall we drink?” the woman said.
“I’m a sucker for those Bahama Mamas.” Kit’s mind flashed back to her afternoon with Polly. She shook it off though. She was here for business, not pleasure.
“I’ve never had one. Order two while I go powder my nose.”
Kit had to smile. This woman, whoever she was, was clearly used to being in charge. Kit wasn’t one to complain. As long as she ended up with those jewels at the end of the night, the woman could be anything she wanted to be.
She was back and joined Kit at a small table.
“I’m Midge, by the way.” She extended her hand in such a manner Kit had no choice but to bring her knuckles to her lips.
“Pleasure to meet you, Midge. I’m Randi.”
“And what’s your surname, Randi?”
Kit smiled slowly.
“Come now, let’s save some mystery for later.”
Midge laughed loud and hearty.
“Fair enough, dear Randi. Fair enough.”
Midge wasn’t a small woman, but that was fine. Kit didn’t discriminate. She’d seduce her, rob her, and forget her. It was the story of what had become her life. And she couldn’t complain. She had a feeling Midge could even teach her a thing or two. Nothing wrong with that. She just needed to drop some more hints, put out some more feelers that they were on the same page, and the fun could begin in earnest.
“Are you here with your husband?” Kit felt her out.
Midge rolled her eyes.
“I suppose you could say that. He’s in that godforsaken poker tournament so it’s more like I’m here alone.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must be hard being a poker widow.”
Midge shrugged.
“It’s not so bad. I meet interesting people when left to my own devices.”
She winked at Kit, who lifted her glass to Midge.
“To interesting people,” she said.
“I’ll drink to that.”
Midge had finished her drink while Kit still had half of hers left. She forced herself not to show surprise.
“Must be time for another drink,” she said.
“Oh, be a dear
and get me one please.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Kit jumped when she felt Midge slap her ass. Maybe they’d better go easy on the drinks. Nah. Kit was sure Midge could hold her own. No matter the stakes.
“Did you want to go gamble?” Kit asked when she returned to the table.
“I don’t want to bore you.”
“How could you possibly bore me?”
“I only play slots,” Midge said.
“And what’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing I suppose. What’s your game? Surely you didn’t come to Bahia Mar to pick up old ladies.”
Kit laughed genuinely. That was, in fact, exactly what she was doing there.
“I like roulette,” she said.
“Wonderful. Let’s go watch you play.”
“And then slots?”
“Yes, my dear. And then slots.”
Once again, Kit was on a roll at the roulette table. Soon, a crowd had gathered around her and she tried to block out all the jewels she was seeing. She had a target for the night already. She didn’t want to mess that up.
As she gathered her chips to wager again, she sensed a somewhat familiar presence. Then she caught a whiff of familiar perfume and her heart raced. Was one of her victims there? Should she keep her head down and hope she wasn’t recognized? Or look to see danger?
She opted to look up and found herself locking gazes with the beautiful blonde she’d seen in Monte Carlo. She was stunning in a black cocktail dress. And the diamonds that clung to her neck said she was loaded.
But what was she doing there? Was it a mere coincidence? Or was Kit being followed? The thought chilled her to the bone. And, just like that, the blonde disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kit both terrified and aroused. If their paths crossed again, Kit vowed to make her her next target. Of course, she knew she’d likely never see her again. While some people ran in the same circles at these casinos, the likelihood of seeing the same person was pretty slim. At least Kit counted on that.
* * *
Savannah felt her heart leap to her throat when she looked into the stunning eyes of the stranger again. Something passed between them. Something she couldn’t name but felt, nonetheless. It took her a moment to regain her composure and check the area for any woman who might be with the gorgeous brunette. But there was a crowd around her as she was clearly winning, and she couldn’t tell if any woman in particular was more interested than the others.
Thief of the Heart Page 3
