Thief of the Heart

by M. J. Williamz

  “I’ll be happy to.”

  While she mixed drinks, Kit looked around the room. Everything was neat and tidy. The safe must be in the sleeping area. Not that she’d need the safe. She’d just take the jewels Chen was wearing. They’d be worth a fortune.

  Chen emerged wearing a short red satin robe.

  “You look delectable,” Kit said.

  “I hope I haven’t misjudged your intentions?”

  “No. Not at all.”

  “You have me very curious, Dani. And my imagination is running wild. I want to feel everything you can make me feel.”

  “Now? Or would you like a drink first?” She held up the drinks she’d just mixed.

  “One more drink. To steel my nerves.”

  Kit smiled at her. Chen would be fun. Of that she had no doubt. And, once she was asleep, Kit would take her rubies and let herself out. Easy peasy.

  They finished their drinks and Chen led Kit to the bedroom. Chen turned out to be very experimental and Kit thoroughly enjoyed herself. She lay there waiting to hear the soft snores of slumber coming from Chen. She was surprised to hear her voice.

  “Make a couple more drinks, Dani? I want to celebrate.”

  “You got it. Let me use the facilities first.”

  She washed her face and hands and tried to quell her racing heart. How could Chen possibly not be asleep? Maybe one more drink would send her on her way to dreamland.

  But after two more drinks, Chen was wide-awake and chatty. Kit knew the night was a loss.

  “I hate to do this, Chen, but I need to get going. It’s getting late.”

  “I understand,” she said. “Thank you for one of the best nights of my life.”

  Kit was glad it had been a good night for Chen since her night hadn’t ended how it should have.

  “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll never forget you, Chen.”

  “Nor I you.”

  Kit let herself out and hurried down the street. She had five minutes to meet Savannah. She hoped Savannah would be late.

  * * *

  Savannah checked her watch again. It was almost five. Where was Kit? She had her hand on the door and was about to go look inside again when she heard a familiar voice in her ear.

  “You’re not leaving, are you?”

  Savannah turned and smiled at Kit. Kit claimed her mouth in a searing kiss that left Savannah breathless.

  “More, please. I need more.”

  Kit kissed her again before taking her hand and leading her to another hotel down the street.

  “How was your night?” Kit asked.

  “I don’t know. I was really restless. I couldn’t stay focused very well.”

  “What’s up with that?”

  “Beats me. Maybe I was just passing time until I saw you again.”

  “Aw, babe. You’re very sweet.”

  “What? You don’t believe me?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do. I was missing you tonight as well.”

  “You should have texted me. Maybe we could have met sooner.”

  “We had plans,” Kit said. “I intended to honor those plans.”

  “We can always meet early. Please know that.”

  “Sometimes you seem like you’re on a mission. I don’t like to interrupt your concentration.”

  On a mission? Was it possible that Kit knew she was with the FBI? No. How could she?

  “It’s true that sometimes I lose myself in the wonders of the casino.” She hoped her voice didn’t shake. “But I’ll make myself available for you.”

  Kit just smiled at her. Savannah swore she could see the wheels in her head turning.

  “I appreciate that,” Kit finally said. “Now how about some breakfast? I’m starving.”

  They had stopped in front of another casino.

  “Breakfast? Here?”

  “I understand they have quite a breakfast buffet here. Come on. Let’s check it out.”

  Kit let go of Savannah’s hand and held the door for her. Kit was everything Savannah had dreamed of in a woman. She thought again of how handsome, attentive, and chivalrous Kit was. But did Savannah want to settle down? Or was she ready to admit her job to Kit?

  Her job. No. Not until she was sure Kit wasn’t behind the string of robberies. And while she hadn’t heard of any robberies that night, her stomach was still in knots that they might yet hear from a victim.

  “Are you okay?” Kit said. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”

  “Sorry. I’m here. I guess I’m just getting tired. And I know I’m famished.”

  They found the buffet and Kit paid while Savannah loaded her plate with fruit and eggs and seafood. Everything looked so good and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten.

  “Look at you go.” Kit joined her. “I enjoy a woman with an appetite.”

  “How could you not load up with all this wonderful food here?”

  “I agree. When you’re finished, go ahead and find a table. I’ll join you.”

  Savannah found a table not far from the buffet and sat. Her mouth watered in anticipation of all the good food, but she waited for Kit.

  “Eat up, babe. Thanks for waiting for me, but it wasn’t necessary. Enjoy your food, please.”

  Savannah dug in. Everything was marvelous.

  “How’d you hear about this place?” she asked Kit.

  “I asked around. This place was mentioned more than anyplace else.”

  “Well, thank you for doing your due diligence. This is delicious.”

  Kit smiled at her. Her dimples were on display and Savannah’s heart melted.

  “My pleasure,” Kit said. “I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.”

  After breakfast, Kit took Savannah’s hand and led her back to the other casino. They stopped in front of it.

  “Won’t you walk me to my door?” Savannah didn’t want their time together to end. She hadn’t heard from Li and wasn’t planning on calling a meeting until Kit was gone. Whenever that may be.

  “Sure,” Kit said. “Lead the way.”

  Savannah led Kit through the almost empty casino to the bank of elevators. Kit kissed her while they waited for an elevator and then kissed her with much more ardor when they were in the elevator. Savannah grew weak in the knees as the kiss went on. Kit’s tongue was gentle yet insistent and Savannah couldn’t help but imagine that tongue all over her body. She moaned into Kit’s mouth.

  The elevator stopped and Savannah leaned against the wall trying to gather her strength.

  “Coming, babe?” Kit held the door open.

  “Damn near.”

  Kit threw her head back and laughed.

  “Come on. Let’s get you to your room.” She extended her hand and Savannah took it. They walked down the hall until Savannah stopped at her room.

  “Please tell me you’ll come in.”

  “Tempting though that may be, I’m going to have to decline. Soon I won’t have to, my dear.”

  “Soon? How soon?”

  “Very.” Kit smiled at her. She kissed her passionately and made Savannah dizzy with need. She squeezed Kit’s hand.

  “Please?”

  “Sorry, babe. Now you get inside and get some sleep. When do you leave?”

  “Monday.”

  “So we’ll do Old Town again tomorrow. That is, if you’d like.”

  “You should know by now I can’t say no to you.”

  Kit flashed her dimples.

  “I’m counting on that. Good night, Savannah.”

  “Good night, Kit.”

  She closed the door behind herself and leaned against it, breathing hard. Damn. She was actually falling for the rogue. She needed some distance. But distance from Kit was the last thing she wanted.

  Chapter Twelve

  Savannah’s phone buzzed as she pushed herself away from the door. It was Li asking what time their debriefing would be. Savannah knew they should meet right then, but she was tired and still on cloud nine. So she said t
hey’d meet at three that afternoon. That would give everybody time to get some rest.

  If you hear of any robberies, call me.

  Will do. Sleep well, boss.

  Savannah was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. She stripped out of her clothes and climbed into bed. The feel of the cool sheets on her naked body awakened her hormones again. She couldn’t wait to be naked with Kit. She needed her with every ounce of her being. More importantly, and scarily, she liked Kit. She was falling for her. It was so hard to remember Kit was a suspect when she was being so suave and debonair. But she was a suspect. Or was she? She was there in Macau and there hadn’t been any robberies. That she knew of. Maybe Kit wasn’t the thief after all. The idea made her smile. She held on to that thought as she drifted off to sleep.

  Savannah woke at one, famished and happy. No one had woken her with reports of any jewels missing. She checked her phone to make sure she hadn’t missed anything. There were no missed calls and no texts. Maybe the string of jewel thievery had ended.

  She took a quick shower and headed downstairs for a bite to eat. She was back at her suite at two fifty, ready for her three o’clock meeting. Li showed up five minutes later and Savannah was excited to see him.

  “No robberies last night?” she said.

  “Not a one. Strange, isn’t it?”

  “Have you checked other casinos around the world? Maybe we were at the wrong one.”

  “Nothing,” Li said. “Nothing reported anyway.”

  “That’s great. Maybe he or she is through.”

  “I wish. Somehow I don’t believe that.”

  “Must you always be a pessimist?”

  “I’m pragmatic. I can’t help it.”

  Savannah laughed but was spared any further discussion by a knock on the door.

  The rest of the crew was there. She welcomed them in, and they went over what had gone right the previous night. Everyone seemed in agreement that their diligence had prevented another robbery. Savannah wanted to believe that but couldn’t shake the feeling that whoever was behind them had quit. Or retired. Or whatever. She was convinced the string of thefts was over.

  “Our next stop is Lisbon.” She stopped speaking when her phone buzzed.

  Are we still on for this evening?

  It was Kit. She fought to keep the smile off her face. She set her phone down. She’d reply later.

  “I want everyone there Friday. We’ll meet at nine in my suite to set up a plan of action. Enjoy your week off.”

  One by one her team left. Li hung behind.

  “What’s up, Li?”

  “I feel like we’re missing something, boss. Sure, our presence could have been felt, but I feel like there’s more to it.”

  “Whatever the reason, let’s thank the powers that be for a quiet night. Now go home and get some rest.”

  “When do you get into Lisbon?”

  “Tuesday.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Li, really, that’s not necessary.”

  “Maybe not. But I’ll be there. Maybe I’ll do some sightseeing. Maybe I’ll sleep until Friday. Who knows?”

  “I have friends in Portugal. People I haven’t seen in years. I’ll be visiting with them. I won’t be working all week,” Savannah said. “So you should go back to the US and recuperate. We’ve been traveling for a long time.”

  “Thanks, boss. I appreciate that. But I’ll be in Lisbon.”

  He left and Savannah shook her head. He was dedicated. That was for sure. She reached for her phone. There was another text.

  Kit: Savannah? You okay?

  Savannah: Sorry. I was in the shower. Of course we’re still on. What time and where?

  Kit: Seven o’clock. Let’s meet in front of the ruins of St. Paul.

  Savannah: Sounds good. I’ll see you then.

  Savannah had just three hours to kill. She soaked in a hot bath with scented oils. She got out of the bath and rinsed off, then dressed in a gray pencil skirt with a baby blue blouse. She brushed her hair until it shone. Satisfied with her appearance, she went down to the street and hailed a taxi to Senado Square.

  The place was bustling, and she felt alive. She inhaled deeply of the myriad scents from the selection of restaurants. Her stomach growled. She couldn’t wait to meet up with Kit and get some food. But she still had a half an hour to kill.

  Savannah revisited some of the shops where she and Kit had window shopped. They weren’t open that Sunday evening, but she still enjoyed the sights. Finally, it was five to seven, so she crossed the square to St. Paul.

  She spotted Kit as she approached. She looked dapper in her white slacks and periwinkle golf shirt. Savannah’s heart raced at the sight of her. Her palms grew damp, as did her panties. Maybe that night they’d finally get together. She was throbbing with unquenched desire. God knew they’d waited long enough in her opinion.

  Kit finally saw her and waved. Savannah couldn’t help but smile. She was with Kit again. Kit hadn’t robbed anybody the night of the tournament. All was right in the world.

  “You look like you’re in a good mood,” Kit said.

  “Of course. I’m with you.”

  “You’re so sweet.” Kit kissed Savannah’s cheek. It burned at the contact. She wanted more. Savannah wanted a real kiss. The kind of kiss that made her toes curl. She knew Kit had it in her. She’d just have to be patient.

  Kit took in the sight of Savannah in front of her. Her blouse really made her eyes stand out. Savannah was a looker. Plus, she was intelligent, confident, and seemingly independent. All traits Kit would have looked for. Had she been looking. Which she wasn’t. Why then could she not get Savannah out of her head?

  “You look lovely this evening,” Kit said. “I feel underdressed next to you.”

  “Nonsense. You look quite handsome yourself.”

  “Thank you.”

  Kit’s willpower quickly dissolved. She swore to behave and not maul Savannah in public, but she couldn’t resist. She leaned in and kissed her. The kiss started out tame enough, but as was the norm, it quickly evolved into an open mouth tongue dance. She came to her senses slowly and remembered where they were.

  “Come on,” Kit said. “We should get some dinner.”

  Kit ignored the looks they got as they held hands and strolled through the square. They finally stopped outside a restaurant that smelled amazing.

  “We’ve got to try this place,” Savannah said.

  “Your wish is my command.”

  Dinner passed with good food and pleasant conversation.

  “Purple, by the way,” Savannah said.

  “What about it?”

  “You said you couldn’t sleep with me because you didn’t know my favorite color. So I’m telling you.”

  Kit burst out laughing.

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

  “I can’t remember what else you said you needed to know.”

  “I feel like I’ve gotten to know you very well,” Kit said. “Now I just have to decide if I follow my head or my heart.”

  “What are they saying?”

  “My head is telling me I’m not the settling down type.”

  “And your heart?” Savannah said.

  “It’s telling me to give up my globetrotting ways and follow you back to Maryland. To spend the rest of my days relaxing with you as the years melt away.”

  “That sounds idyllic.”

  “I admit that it does.”

  “You know, Kit,” Savannah said, “no one’s forcing you to make a decision right now.”

  Kit took Savannah’s hand in hers.

  “And I appreciate that. I’m glad there’s no pressure. But I can’t make love to you until that decision has been made once and for all.”

  She watched Savannah’s face fall.

  “I’m really leaning toward following my heart, if you must know.”

  Savannah smiled.

  “That makes me very happy.”


  “But what about you? Could you give up being a world traveler?”

  “Why couldn’t we travel the world together?”

  “I suppose we could, couldn’t we?” Kit said.

  Dinner was finished and they walked around the Square some more.

  “I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Savannah said.

  “As have I.” For the most part. “And you’re a big part of that.”

  “Aw. Thank you.”

  “Where are you off to next?” Kit asked.

  “Lisbon. You?”

  “Same.”

  Savannah beamed.

  “When do you arrive?”

  “I fly there tomorrow.”

  “Can I see you?”

  “Of course, Savannah. I can’t stay away from you.”

  They snuggled together on the cab ride and then Kit walked Savannah to her room. Savannah unlocked the door and held it open.

  “Won’t you come in?”

  “Savannah…I can’t.”

  “Just for a few minutes. I just don’t want this night to end.”

  A battle raged inside Kit. She should go in. She should give in and make love to Savannah. She should enjoy everything her body promised. On the other hand, she should leave. Say good night and go back to the safety of her room. Alone.

  “Honest,” Savannah said. “Just come in for a nightcap.”

  “Just a nightcap?”

  “I promise.”

  Kit stepped inside and heard the door close behind her. She hoped she was strong enough to stick to her guns now that she and Savannah were all alone. In total privacy. Out of the view of curious onlookers.

  Savannah kept to her word. She was standing by the bar.

  “I don’t have a wide selection. Or any choice for that matter. How does scotch sound?”

  Kit relaxed enough to laugh.

  “Scotch sounds wonderful.”

  Kit took her drink from Savannah. Their fingers met and Kit felt an electric shock start at her fingertips and pulsate its way to her center. Her whole body vibrated, and she barely managed to take a sip without spilling.

  “You’re shaking,” Savannah said. “Are you okay?”

  Kit managed a weak smile.

  “I’m fine.” Savannah glanced over her shoulder one last time before she took her drink to the bedroom. “Where do you think you’re going?”