Savannah let the tears wash over her face. She was so torn. Her heart was fully vested in Kit. But her mind and soul were one hundred percent into catching the thief. She could only hope against hope they weren’t one and the same.
She got out of bed and took a long shower. She dressed in a long gray skirt and a pink blouse. She looked dressy enough to go somewhere nice and casual enough to go anywhere. Happy, she slipped on her shoes and waited. Kit should be there soon.
Savannah was reviewing her notes when she heard the knock on her door. She quickly tossed the notes in the safe, closed and locked it, and answered the door.
Kit looked adorable in charcoal slacks and a long-sleeved black shirt. She smelled heavenly and Savannah thought about skipping dinner and having Kit for dessert.
“Hey, babe,” Kit said. “Invite me in?”
“Sure. Come on in.”
Kit kissed her. Hard, passionately, with a sense of desperation. Savannah kissed her back tenfold. She needed Kit. Wanted to have her completely. And to be had by her. In every meaning of the word.
The kiss ended and Kit exhaled heavily.
“Come on,” she said. “If we don’t leave now, we just may end up skipping dinner.”
“I wouldn’t complain.”
Kit’s stomach growled loudly.
“Ah, but I would. I skipped lunch today. And you haven’t eaten in like twelve hours. You’ve got to be starving.”
“I am. We could order room service.”
“And waste an opportunity to show off how good you look? Not a chance. Let’s go. I saw a restaurant up the street I’d like to try. It’s a steakhouse. And I’m jonesin’ for a steak.”
“Fine.” Savannah had to laugh at how cute Kit was. “We’ll go have dinner.”
Since it was early on a Sunday evening, they didn’t have to wait long to be seated. They perused their menus, placed their orders, and sat back gazing into each other’s eyes. Kit shook her head.
“What?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know how you’ve melted the ice I keep in place around me.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“The jury’s still out on that.”
Savannah felt her face fall.
“Why?”
“Because I’m not sure about you yet. I want to be. God, how I want to be. But what if you’re not the perfect woman I’ve built you up to be?”
“Nobody’s perfect, Kit.”
“You know what I mean. Besides, you’re damned close.”
“And what about you?” Savannah said. “How do I know you don’t have some deep, dark secret you’re keeping from me.”
Kit glanced out the window for a long minute. Then looked back at Savannah.
“You’ll just have to trust me.”
Alarm bells rang in Savannah’s head. Would she ever know the truth behind Kit? Did Kit have secrets? Was seducing and robbing women one of them?
“Trust you? I suppose I have no choice.”
Kit felt horrible. She hated deceiving Savannah. But she had to. Especially if Savannah was the agent Kit believed she was.
“So where to next?” Kit said.
“South Africa. You?”
“Klerksdorp?”
“That’s the place. Will I see you there?”
“You will indeed. There’s a huge tournament going on there. We’ll have to plan on spending some time together. If you’d like.”
Savannah beamed at her.
“I’d like nothing more.”
“Great. So that’s settled. When do you arrive?”
“Tomorrow. Late. What about you?”
“Same. So shall we plan on lunch Tuesday?” Kit was hopeful Savannah didn’t feel smothered. But she couldn’t get enough of her. She wanted to spend every waking hour with her. And, hopefully, some sleeping hours, as well.
“That would be wonderful.”
“Excellent. I was planning on hitting the animal sanctuary Wednesday if you’d like to join me.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun. Let’s do it.”
“Consider it done. I’ll make all the arrangements.”
“Thank you.”
By the time they finished dinner, every nerve ending in Kit’s body tingled with anticipation. She wished she could make love to Savannah that night but knew it wouldn’t happen. Maybe Tuesday night? Or Wednesday? Hell, why not both? She smiled.
“What are you thinking?” Savannah asked. “What’s that shit eating grin for?”
“Just thinking of all the fun we’ll have in Klerksdorp.”
“We will have a good time, won’t we, Kit?”
“I promise you. And now, I should get you back to your hotel.”
“What’s the hurry?”
“We both need to pack and we both have long days ahead of us tomorrow. Flying takes a lot out of you. So I’ll walk you home, say good night. And then we’ll spend all Tuesday afternoon and evening together.”
“And night?” Savannah looked hopeful.
Kit smiled at her.
“One never knows. You may be tired of me by then.”
“I don’t think I could ever be tired of you, Kit.”
Kit stopped where she stood and turned to look at Savannah.
“Do you mean that? I mean, honestly?”
“I do.”
“You’ve just made me the happiest woman on earth.”
“Good. Now we just need for you to do the same for me.” She grinned lasciviously.
“I plan to, Savannah. Believe me. It’s on my agenda.”
“That’s good to hear.”
They got off the elevator and started walking to Savannah’s room.
“Hey. I meant to ask you. Was there some kind of commotion on your floor last night or I guess early this morning?”
“Not that I know of. Why?”
“I saw a bunch of suits get off the elevator. They looked like government types. They were in a hurry. They all seemed awfully serious. I just wondered what was up.”
Savannah shrugged.
“Beats me.”
They’d arrived at Savannah’s door. Kit said nothing more about the agents she’d seen. She knew FBI when she saw them. It didn’t occur to her until she was on the ground floor that she should have watched to see if they went to Savannah’s room. That would have been the smart thing to do. But she was sure they had.
Why had she let Savannah get so close? What did she want from Kit? Did she really want forever? Or was that an empty promise? Well, the woman in her may have caught Kit’s heart, but there was no way the agent would catch Kit. No way in hell.
“You want to come in for a night cap?” Savannah said. “It’s so early.”
“It is early. And I’d love a drink. Thanks.”
Savannah poured them each a drink.
“You know,” Savannah said, “we could make love for a few hours and still get plenty of rest for our flights.”
“Ah. Nice try. But we need to pack. And I’m not going to make love to you tonight, Savannah. I’m still working things out.”
“When then? In Klerksdorp?”
“I hope so.”
“What are you working out? I’m crazy about you and you seem to feel the same. Unless it’s all an act?”
“No, babe. Definitely not an act. You get the real deal. The side of me most people never see. I just get nervous thinking about the enormity of making love to you.”
“I’m just a woman, Kit. Don’t you dare put me on a pedestal.”
Kit laughed, mostly to relieve the tension.
“I can’t help it. I do hold you to higher standards because I really care about you.”
“Well, if you put me too high, I’m bound to crumble. I’m only human.”
“I won’t put you too high. Just high enough for me to strive for.”
“That’s fair. Now, if you’re not going to stay the night, kiss me good night and I’ll see you in South Africa.”
Kit was happy to oblige. T
hey kissed and kissed and kissed some more. Savannah wrapped her leg around Kit and pulled her closer. Kit came to her senses. If she didn’t leave then, she’d never leave.
She ended the kiss and leaned her forehead on Savannah’s.
“Okay. Okay. I’m leaving. Travel safe, babe. I’ll text you when I land. You do the same.”
“I will. Good night, Kit.”
Kit planted one more kiss on Savannah’s swollen lips and let herself out. She heard Savannah latch the door behind her. She was restless, keyed up. Her hormones were racing through her body at breakneck speed.
When she got back to where she was staying, she went for a walk. It was in a quiet residential neighborhood and it was still early enough for her to feel safe. After a couple of hours, she let herself back into the house she was renting. She began the tedious process of picking up her messes and packing. She’d definitely need a dry cleaner in Klerksdorp. That would be the first order of business. After seeing Savannah again.
Savannah. Don’t put her on a pedestal? Too late. Sort of. She adored her. Admired her. Craved her. But she also knew Savannah’s main goal in life was to throw Kit in prison. For a very long time. Still, she couldn’t stay away. She sent her a text.
Kit: Thinking of you.
Savannah: You’re so sweet. I’m thinking of you, too. Why don’t you come over?
Kit : LOL. Very funny. Get some sleep, my dear. I’ll connect with you tomorrow.
Savannah: Can’t blame a girl for trying. Sleep well, Kit.
Kit: Good night, babe.
Savannah: Good night.
Kit smiled to herself as she finished packing. South Africa was next on her agenda. South Africa with Savannah. She couldn’t wait.
Chapter Eighteen
Savannah landed in Klerksdorp at eight the next evening. She was tired and hungry. Hungry for food and hungry for Kit. Her hunger for the latter was a deep, throbbing ache. One only Kit could soothe. She knew she’d wait until Kit was ready though. She’d be worth it. Savannah was sure. And then there was that nasty business of the jewel thief they were out to catch. She’d have to stick close to Kit until Kit robbed her or they solved the crimes.
She’d worked herself into a foul mood by the time she exited the plane. She went to baggage claim, picked up her bags, and hailed a taxi.
It was chilly there. It was the wrong season to be in the Southern Hemisphere. Yet there she was. She pulled her coat tighter around her as she slid into the cab and told the driver she was staying at the casino.
She sat back and watched the city speed by. Her phone rang. She glanced at it. It was her boss. Shit. This wouldn’t be good.
“Hello?”
“Nguyen tells me you have a suspect you haven’t interviewed.”
“That’s not entirely true, sir,” Savannah said.
“You mean you still have no suspects? What do you think your job is? A paid vacation?”
Savannah rolled her eyes.
“No, sir. There’s one woman who may, and I emphasize may, be a suspect. All we know at this point is she has the same color eyes as the person we’re looking for. I’m tailing her closely and plan to catch her in the act soon.”
“You better, Brown. Or I’ll have you stateside so fast it’ll make your head spin.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
The line went dead. Shit. The last thing she wanted was to turn over the investigation to someone else. She needed to catch Kit in the act. That was all there was to it.
She moved to slide her phone back into her coat pocket when it buzzed.
Kit: Hey, babe. You on the ground yet? How about dinner?
Savannah: Just got in a cab. I’ll be ready for dinner in an hour.
Kit: Are you at the casino?
Savannah: Yes. I’ll text you my room number as soon as I know it.
Kit: I’ll be waiting. See you in an hour.
Savannah forgot all about the conversation with her boss. She’d be seeing Kit soon, so all was right in her world. She got out of the taxi and went inside the elaborate casino. The bellman took her bags and placed them on his cart. He followed her to the registration desk and waited patiently while she got her key.
She led him to her room and tipped him generously. She needed to unpack, and the bed looked awfully inviting, but she had more important things on her mind. She grabbed her toiletries and took a long, hot shower. She lathered the rich oil all over her body and was acutely aware of each drop of water that cascaded over her needy nipples as she rinsed.
She dressed in a long black leather skirt and a black sweater. She slid her feet into warm black boots and was ready for Kit. She texted Kit her room number and poured herself a glass of wine while she waited.
Kit was there ten minutes later and as soon as Savannah saw her, she pulled her in for a kiss. It was soul searing and Savannah’s heart raced at an irregular pace.
“I’ve missed you,” she said.
“So I see. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. Show me again how much you’ve missed me.”
“Save room for dessert,” Savannah said. “There’ll be plenty of time for more of that after dinner.”
“Promise?” Kit moved in for another kiss. Savannah placed her hands on Kit’s chest.
“I promise. Now, let’s get some food.”
“Fine. If you insist. Do you like sushi?”
“I adore it.”
“Then, have I found a restaurant for you.”
Kit wrapped her arm around Savannah, and they walked out to the elevator. Savannah was very proud of herself. She’d wanted to let Kit take her right then. It had been so tempting. But she’d stayed strong. And now she was walking on rubbery legs alongside Kit.
Dinner. Who the hell cared about dinner? Damn. Would tonight be the night that Kit finally caved? God, how she hoped it would be.
They arrived at the bright, clean restaurant and read over the menus. Though Savannah could hardly concentrate. Kit’s legs were extended under the table and their ankles were rubbing. The sensation made Savannah’s head spin. She slid her ankles back under her chair and pretended not to notice when Kit lowered her menu to look at her.
They ordered then sat back with their Saki. Savannah just knew she was in for a treat. At least for dinner. And she held her breath for afterward.
After dinner, they took a nighttime tour of the city, which was romantic but cold. They took a taxi back to Savannah’s suite and Savannah sat on the heater as soon as they got there.
“What are you doing?” Kit said.
“I’m freezing. Aren’t you?”
“I’m chilly. I thought maybe we could warm each other up.”
“I do like the sound of that. Come over here and warm me up.”
Kit grinned that boyish grin and Savannah’s heart melted. She was so damned cute. It wasn’t fair.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Kit crossed the room and pulled Savannah up. “I believe someone promised me more after dinner.”
Her voice was husky, and Savannah squeezed her legs together. She was swollen and wet and ready for Kit in a way she’d never been ready for another woman. Not even the love of her life who she’d lost in such a horrific fashion. No one. Not a single woman had ever taken her where she knew Kit could. And would. Hopefully soon.
Kit kissed her and Savannah’s toes curled. She felt that kiss in every atom of her being. Damn but she needed Kit. She made up her mind to not take no for an answer.
“Come to bed with me, Kit. Please. I’m begging you.”
“Lead the way.”
Had Savannah heard correctly?
“Are you sure?” she said.
“Are you trying to give me time to change my mind?”
“No. Hell, no. Come on.”
She took Kit’s hand and led her to the bedroom. They lay on the bed and kissed some more until Savannah thought she would explode from pure desire. Kit was the perfect kisser and she knew she’d be the perfect lover, as well.
>
“I need you. Like, now.”
Kit laughed softly.
“Impatient, huh?”
“We’ve kissed enough. Time for the good stuff.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Savannah lay back and let Kit undress her. Kit kissed, nibbled, and sucked every inch of skin as she exposed it. Soon Savannah was shivering all over. Her excitement was greater than it had ever been.
Once Kit had Savannah naked, she stripped and lay next to her again. Savannah wrapped her legs around Kit as they kissed. She reveled in the feel of Kit’s naked body against hers. She was ready to give herself to Kit. Willingly and completely.
Kit kissed down Savannah’s neck and chest. The ache between Savannah’s legs was almost unbearable. And then, from somewhere, she had a thought. This might be the last time she saw Kit. If Kit took the diamonds lying on the dresser and left, Savannah would never see her again. It made her sad and distracted from all she was feeling. She pushed the thoughts from her mind and lost herself in the sensations Kit was creating. If she had to say good-bye to Kit, this was how she’d want to do it.
Kit couldn’t get enough of Savannah. Her skin was soft and sweet. She tasted delicious and felt amazing. She was enjoying the anticipation of claiming her completely. Soon. But first, she’d explore.
And explore she did. She kissed and sucked every inch of her, committing her to memory. She wanted to remember each groan, each shiver, each goose bump forever. There would never be another first time with Savannah and Kit wanted it to be perfect.
Kit claimed every speck of Savannah’s skin with her lips and tongue. She voraciously loved on her nipples which took Savannah to an early orgasm.
“That’s never happened before. I’m kind of embarrassed,” Savannah said.
“Don’t be. I think it’s wonderful that you can come from nipple play.”
“But it means I was overexcited. And I came too soon.”
“Does that mean you don’t have any more in you?”
Savannah laughed, a breathy sound that spurred Kit’s hormones onward.
“Hell, no. There’s plenty more where that came from.”
Kit didn’t answer. She went back to savoring the hardened points of Savannah’s breasts until her own need urged her downward. She sucked on Savannah’s inner thighs, leaving marks that no one else would see. They were mementos for Savannah and Savannah alone. And maybe Kit? Did she dare to dream she and Savannah might sleep together again? She had no idea, so planned to make the most of her opportunity.
Thief of the Heart Page 13
