Thief of the Heart

by M. J. Williamz

  “Why is that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s just that I’ve never seen you gamble.”

  Savannah laughed but it sounded forced.

  “And you’ve seen me how many times?”

  “True. True. But you’re always on the fringe when I do see you. I’ve never seen you at a table.”

  “Maybe I’ll surprise you sometime.”

  “Maybe you will.”

  Kit wanted to press her but decided to hold off. She’d play nice. For now. Eventually, Savannah would out herself and Kit just had to be patient. Easier said than done.

  “Tell me, Kit. What’s a nice, attractive woman like yourself doing single? Why has nobody snatched you up?”

  Ouch. Dare she be honest? Why not. She took a deep breath to steel herself.

  “Someone snatched me up several years ago. But it didn’t end well.”

  Savannah sipped her wine.

  “What happened?”

  “Let’s just say she wasn’t as into me as I was to her.”

  “That’s vague. But okay. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

  “Thanks. And your wife? How did she die if I may ask?”

  “She was killed by a hit-and-run driver.”

  “Did they ever catch the guy?” Kit had to know.

  Savannah shook her head. Kit was amazed that she could tell the story with dry eyes. Unless it really was a story; some made-up scenario as her cover.

  “What?” Savannah said. “You’re looking like you want to kill me.”

  Kit recovered quickly.

  “Not you. The guy who killed your wife.”

  Savannah fought the chill that threatened. Kit had said that so bluntly. Was she capable of murder? Or did she simply rob unsuspecting women? And who’s to say she was the jewel thief after all? She was so friendly. So amicable. So charming. But then, wouldn’t those traits help her seduce rich older women?

  She was so confused. She took another sip of the wine Kit had ordered. It was really good. Smooth, just like Kit.

  “My turn to ask,” Kit said. “Where’d you just go? You’re lost in thought. What are you thinking about?”

  “Oh, lots of things. My wife. You. Wondering why I’m here.” She laughed. “My brain’s rather jumbled.”

  “I see.”

  “Oh, it’s not bad,” Savannah assured her. “I know you don’t want a relationship, yet you could have had a fling last night and you turned me down. And here we are on a date. See? My brain goes a million miles an hour.”

  “I just want to get to know you better. Is there anything wrong with that?”

  “No,” she said softly. “Nothing at all.”

  “Good. Now that that’s settled, would you like some more wine?”

  “Yes, please.”

  She studied Kit as she poured the wine. Not only was she charismatic as hell, but she was damned easy on the eyes as well. Savannah chastised herself and reminded herself she was there to catch a thief, not fall for the main suspect.

  “What did you do for a living, Savannah? Before you inherited your windfall?”

  “I was an accountant many years ago. But as I’ve said, my wife was very well off, so I was a happy housewife for years.”

  “Lucky you.”

  “Oh yes. I’ve lived a charmed life.”

  She wondered if she should bring up the thefts. Just to gauge Kit’s reaction. She would later. For now, she just wanted to relax and enjoy herself. No. That’s not why she was there.

  “Have you heard of all the robberies that have been happening at the casinos? Terrible.”

  She studied Kit’s reaction. No noticeable sign of nerves. Her hand was steady as she set down her wine glass.

  “I have. Disgusting. Some guy preying on rich women.”

  Savannah nodded.

  “I agree. I hope they catch him.” Or her.

  “As do I. I admit I could hold my own and I don’t wear jewels like you. But I still get nervous at times cashing in my winnings.”

  “I’m sure.”

  Maybe she was innocent after all. Maybe Savannah had been dead wrong about her. Part of her wanted that. Part of her wanted that desperately.

  “And yet, even with a thief on the loose, you still wear jewels. Aren’t you nervous?”

  Savannah laughed and hoped it didn’t sound forced.

  “Oh. You noticed.”

  “Of course.”

  She fingered the diamonds at her throat and watched Kit study them. What did she see in her eyes? Lust? Envy? Simple admiration?

  “I do worry at times, but I feel naked without my jewelry. Does that make sense?”

  “I suppose so. Although I can’t really relate.” She shrugged. “They look nice. For whatever that’s worth.”

  “Thank you.”

  Savannah felt the heat rush to her cheeks. Was she blushing? At a compliment from Kit? She needed to reel in her hormones before she forgot her purpose.

  Kit sat back in her chair.

  “Did your wife buy you all your jewels?”

  “Most of them. Yes.”

  “She had exquisite taste.”

  Savannah raised her eyebrows.

  “So you know jewelry?”

  Kit laughed.

  “Not really. But I know what I think looks good. And you always look impeccable.”

  More blushing. This wasn’t good. She was losing control.

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “You seem more nervous tonight, Savannah. Are you feeling okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired. It’s almost time for me to head back to Maryland and recharge.”

  Kit simply nodded. Did she believe her? Savannah needed to relax. She had to be flirtatious and try to get Kit into bed. She didn’t need to moon over her like a lovesick teenager.

  “So where did you learn to play roulette?” Savannah said.

  Kit laughed. She seemed so at ease. Why couldn’t Savannah share some of that?

  “I actually learned at a casino on a reservation near where I live. The game intrigued me, and I soon discovered I had a knack for it and it just kind of took off from there.”

  “Well, you’re obviously very good at it.”

  “I do okay. Can’t complain.”

  “No. I don’t suppose you can.”

  Dinner was over and they were almost through the second bottle of wine.

  “I’ve really enjoyed myself tonight, Savannah. We should do this again.”

  Savannah felt the pain start deep inside her. She couldn’t say good night. Not yet. She had to take Kit to bed.

  “The night is young, Kit. Why don’t we go to the casino for a while?”

  “I’m hardly dressed for the casino.”

  “You look fine. Very nice actually. And it’ll be slow on a Sunday night. Let’s go. You can teach me how to win at roulette.”

  Kit cocked an eyebrow.

  “You’re actually going to gamble?”

  “Sure. Why not?” She laughed. “I’m no stranger to gambling you know.”

  Kit smiled at her.

  “I suppose not. But I’ve never seen you place a bet, so I was beginning to wonder.”

  “If you must know, I prefer slots. They entertain and relax me.”

  “Fair enough. We’ll play some roulette and then we’ll hit the slots. You’ll have to show me your favorite game.”

  Shit. Savannah had no clue which slot machines were fun. She hadn’t gambled in years. She needed to think fast.

  “Oh, I don’t really have a favorite. It’s pretty much whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.”

  “Got it. Okay. We’ll finish our wine then go play.”

  “Thank you, Kit. I wasn’t ready for the evening to end.”

  Again, Kit raised an eyebrow. She didn’t say anything though. She simply took another sip.

  “I’m not going to sleep with you Savannah,” she finally said.

  “What? I didn’t mean to imply…”r />
  “You said what you wanted last night. And I told you, I’m not ready for a commitment.” Savannah opened her mouth to protest, but Kit held up her hand. “I like you, Savannah. You’re different from most women I interact with. And sleeping with you would only cause more confusion for me. And I don’t need to be encumbered by thoughts and memories. So I’ll continue to spend time with you, but please don’t expect me to sleep with you. Not yet anyway.”

  “Then is there any point in going to the casino?”

  Kit smiled.

  “Of course there is. To spend more time together. Who knows? Eventually, you may melt the ice that’s grown around my heart.”

  “I hope so, Kit. I truly hope you’ll let me in.”

  Chapter Eight

  Savannah linked her hand through Kit’s elbow, and they walked to the casino. Kit was struggling inside but was determined to play it cool. There was so much about Savannah that she liked, really liked, but she couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to her. But really, who cared? Even if she was an FBI agent, she’d never catch Kit. Kit was sure of it.

  Of course, everything Savannah had told her could have been a lie. She probably never had a rich wife. Who knew if she even lived in Maryland? Still, she was worming her way into Kit’s heart and that was decidedly off limits. So why couldn’t Kit stay away? Why hadn’t she simply left the restaurant and left Savannah in her rearview mirror?

  They arrived at the casino and Savannah looked chilled to the bone.

  “Are you okay?” Kit rubbed her hands along Savannah’s bare arms.

  “It’s much warmer in here. I’ll be fine, but thank you.”

  Savannah was looking longingly into Kit’s eyes. Kit was so close to her now. She was a mere breadth away from their lips meeting. What harm was there in a kiss? Just one kiss? She lowered her mouth and brushed it against Savannah’s. The shock waves that coursed through her body only reinforced how dangerous this little liaison was.

  She forced herself to step back.

  “I’m much better now,” Savannah said. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

  Kit pulled Savannah to her in a long embrace.

  “I’m still not sleeping with you,” she whispered in her ear.

  “I’ll never give up.”

  Kit stepped away again and laughed.

  “You’re persistent. I’ll give you that much.”

  “Now, if this public display of affection is over, will you teach me how to win at roulette?”

  “I’ll do my best.” Kit placed her hand on the small of Savannah’s back and guided her through the nearly empty casino to the roulette table. They spent several hours there with Kit trying to teach Savannah everything she knew. Savannah seemed to have a grasp of the basics but kept losing. Kit doubled her efforts, and soon Savannah won big. She threw her arms around Kit’s neck and kissed her. Right in the middle of the casino. Kit was shocked but was soon kissing her back. She almost regretted it when the kiss ended.

  “Do you want to keep playing?” Kit asked.

  “What are my options?” Savannah’s eyes twinkled.

  “Slots, my friend. Roulette or slots.”

  “Fine. Let’s play here a little more.”

  When Savannah had won several games in a row, she announced it was time to cash in her winnings and try their hands at the slot machines. When they arrived in the area filled with one-armed bandits, Kit wondered just how lucky Savannah was at slots. Or even if she ever played them.

  “I love these animated games.” She sat in front of a game featuring dragons and knights.

  “Fair enough. Show me how it’s done.”

  They played the machines for a couple of hours and each had significant cash-outs when they called it quits.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to play anymore?” Kit asked.

  “I’m sure. It’s really late. I think it’s time to go to bed. Are you sure you won’t join me?”

  She looked at Kit as if daring her to say no. Kit’s stomach tightened. Her hormones were running amuck. Still, she played it cool.

  “Not tonight I’m afraid. Perhaps another time?”

  “Who knows when our paths will cross again?”

  “We seem to be at the same casinos on nights they have big tournaments. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

  “I hope so, Kit. I don’t want to scare you off, but I really like you.”

  “I like you too. Which is why I don’t want to fall in bed with you. Like I said, I really want to get to know you better.”

  “You know everything there is to know about me,” Savannah protested.

  “Do I?” Kit arched an eyebrow.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Kit told herself not to give anything away.

  “It means you’re a wonderful woman, and I’m sure there’s so much more to you than I already know. For instance, I don’t know your favorite color. Favorite food. Best friend from elementary school.”

  Savannah laughed out loud.

  “I can answer those questions right now for you.”

  “Those are just examples. Now, come on. Let’s take a cab back to your hotel so you don’t freeze.”

  The ride was short, and Kit walked Savannah to her room. Logic and reason warred with desire as they rode the elevator. She wanted Savannah. That was for sure. But she was strong enough to fight that urge. The question was, should she kiss her again? What harm would there be in a simple good night kiss? She’d keep it short and sweet. With a promise for more in the future. She could do that, right?

  After they had said good night, Kit rested one hand on the doorjamb and looked into Savannah’s eyes. She saw passion there, but something else. What was it? Fear? Confusion?

  “I’m going to kiss you good night now,” Kit said. “I mean, if that’s okay?”

  Savannah merely nodded, her gaze focused on Kit’s mouth. Kit leaned in and captured Savannah’s lips with her own. It was a powerful kiss, and Kit found herself growing dizzy with need. She tried to straighten, but Savannah wrapped her arms around her and held her close. She felt Savannah’s tongue on her lips, and her resolve wavered. She opened her mouth and welcomed Savannah in. She leaned into her so their bodies were pressed together. She lost herself in the kiss. Completely lost herself. Her boxers grew damp with need, and she moaned into Savannah’s mouth.

  The kiss lasted longer than it should have and, when it was over, they were both breathless. Savannah slid her hand into Kit’s.

  “Come inside with me? Please?”

  “I’d love to. I really would. But I can’t. Good night, Savannah. Sleep well and sweet dreams.”

  With every ounce of self-control she had, she turned and walked off down the hall.

  Savannah watched Kit walk away then turned and let herself in her room. She latched the door then leaned back against it. What the hell was wrong with her? She was supposed to be trying to arrest Kit. Not falling for her. But she was falling for her. Hard and fast. She needed to get a grip, to get some perspective. She definitely needed time away from her. Sure, there was a major pai gow tournament coming up in Singapore. Maybe, just maybe, Kit wouldn’t be there. She could only hope. And maybe no one would be robbed either. Could it be just coincidence that Kit was always where there were robberies? Doubtful, but Savannah could hope. She’d love to catch the thief and then be free to pursue something with Kit. That would be ideal.

  She was too keyed up to go to bed. Her hormones were racing through her body at breakneck speed. She poured herself a drink and stripped. She ran a hot bath and made herself close her eyes and try to relax.

  But she couldn’t relax. The warm water caressed her fevered skin like a lover. Like she wanted Kit to do. Why was this so difficult? Why couldn’t Kit be like any other suspect? Why had she wormed her way into the very fabric of Savannah’s being? Unable to resist any longer, she slid her hand under the water and found her center wet and throbbing. With her mind on Kit, she fantasized that it
was Kit touching her and she took herself to an explosive orgasm.

  Still restless, but knowing she needed her sleep, she toweled off and slid between the sheets. She tossed and turned, unable to get Kit out of her mind. Finally, she fell into a fitful sleep and woke the next afternoon feeling anything but rested.

  Savannah ordered room service for herself and the team at eight and they discussed strategies on how to finally bring the elusive jewel thief to justice.

  “As you no doubt know by now, there’s a high stakes pai gow tournament in Singapore coming up. That’s our next stop. Any ideas on how to catch this guy?”

  Or gal, she thought but didn’t say out loud.

  “Why don’t we post guards at each of the exits up to the rooms?” Li said.

  “We would. If we had the manpower. Which we don’t.”

  “How is it that the camera has never caught the victims going to their rooms?”

  “That’s a really good question. We need to check out the cameras in Singapore before the tournament starts. Make sure they’re all working. Li, I want you on that.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  They spent the next several hours brainstorming and, while she truly believed they were on the right track, she was riddled with doubt that they’d catch the criminal. She believed in her heart of hearts it was Kit and she was afraid she was too good to get caught. Or maybe Savannah simply didn’t want to catch her. No. That was ridiculous. She wanted to catch her and put her away for good.

  * * *

  The trip to Singapore was long but uneventful. The team arrived and set up headquarters in Savannah’s suite. With whiteboards everywhere detailing the crimes, Savannah knew she wouldn’t be able to bring Kit back to her room. Unless she put everything away, which she might the night of the tournament. She was sure Kit was simply biding her time. She knew that her jewels, at least, were irresistible.

  Savannah spent the next two days making sure any safeguards they could afford were in place and catching up on her sleep. They worked long hours, but she was sure to be in bed at a reasonable hour. It was almost showtime again and she needed to be on her game.

  As the day of the pai gow tournament approached, Savannah was more excited than she cared to admit. She was certain she’d see Kit again and the thought had her heart fluttering in her chest. No matter how she tried to rein it in, her body betrayed her.