Robin and Her Merry Men
Wickedly Ever After
Book One
by Willow Brooke
© Copyright June 2014 JK Publishing, Inc.
ISBN # 9781310073458
All cover art and logo © Copyright June 2014 by JK Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Edited by Caroline Kirby
Artwork by Jess Buffett
Published by JK Publishing, Inc.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales are entirely coincidental.
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Dedication
To all of my fans, thank you for making my fairy tale come true.
A huge thank you to my editors, Caroline and Michelle for all of your hard work and advice.
And to JK Publishing—it is an honor working with such an amazing company and family.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Books by Willow Brooke
Excerpt from A Dragon’s Heart
Excerpt from Mission: Compromised Submissive
Excerpt from Releasing the Spirit
Chapter One
Robin tore through her dresser, emptying the contents in a heap at her feet. The sun had set over an hour ago, and she was running late for work...again. “Damn! Where is my black cashmere sweater?” Item after item flew until she grabbed the wadded garment and grinned.
By day, Robin Hoode was a well-respected reporter for the Seattle Journal. Her day job gave her the inside scoop and clients to accommodate her night job…of a thief. Robin had been raised amongst the rich and elite, being trained in social etiquette and proprieties that rose above all of the social standards. From the finest boarding schools on to graduating from Brown University, she had been trained for excellence. So, if not for money, why did she dress in black and sulk around in the night, stealing art and jewelry from the rich and famous you ask? It was simple. The economy was tough. Millions of Americans were cast into poverty, going without everyday while the rich remained fat sitting on their pedestals. It made her sick. No matter how hard she pushed for fundraisers and donations to help those in need, it stayed the same. The lines of society were etched in stone. Robin may not have the power to change the world, but she could change the lives of a few, one Monet at a time.
Robin strapped on her thigh high boots and secured her tool harness before glancing in the mirror. Perfect. Her long auburn hair had been braided into a thick rope and tucked into her hood. “Show time.” She snatched the black backpack and slung it over her shoulder, rushing out the door. Her adrenaline pumped high, coursing through her veins like a drug. She couldn’t help but grin. Tonight she was off to Bernard Vancover III’s summer villa. Bernard had visited her parents on many occasions, gloating his success in the electronics industries and flashing his wealth every chance he got. It had taken all she had not to vomit on his four thousand dollar Louis Vuitton’s. Sweet karma was about to bite him in the wallet.
Because of Bernard’s need to show off his wealth, he had insisted the news station cover the unveiling of his newest worldly possession—the Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. At an impressive 45.52 carats, its deep blue color makes it the rarity to be desired. It was originally mined in Golconda, India around 1650 and now belonged to the rich scumbag who had it all.
Not for long.
Robin was determined to take the little jewel off his hands. She wished she could sell it to a museum where it belonged, but it’d only be returned to him. There were people out there who would appreciate it for its priceless value instead of using it to show off. The money earned from the sale would go to benefit local families in the community with food, clothing, and help paying their utility bills. If her calculations were correct, she would be able to assist hundreds of families. That blue diamond was going to be the biggest heist of her career, and help so many families.
She had two weeks to scout out the property and find the holes in his security before the ceremony. Sure, she could wait until after he showed it off to the world—but where was the fun in that? Robin wanted to add salt to the wound by swiping the treasure just before the curtain came off in front of the crowd of spectators and live cameras. Bernard Vancover III needed a lesson in humility, and she was just the one to give it. Robin checked her surveillance gear one last time and headed out the door, walking with purpose.
Before she ventured into the less than legal way of creating equality, Robin had been lost in life. From birth, she had everything handed to her, never knowing the true pain of doing without. One night, after a long evening of dancing in a sea of name brand designers and corporate assholes, she had been mugged. The man was shaking like a leaf holding her at gunpoint, with what was an obvious BB gun. Robin talked him down and found that he was desperate, only wanting to put food on the table for his four kids and wife. He
had been laid off due to cutbacks at a company whose owner she had seen at the party just moments before. Gregory Naylor had been boasting all evening about the new improvements he had made in his company, including the machines that replaced thousands of people. With technology on the rise, jobs were being cut. For the first time, Robin got a glimpse at the ugly world around her. She had given the man over six grand out of her wallet, and promised to get him a job at her father’s company.
Right then, she knew her path. There were so many who were in the same or worse predicaments as that man. Robin began to notice the depth of poverty around her and vowed to change as many lives as she could. What better way than to take from the very people who put them there? Robin pulled out of the drive and headed toward her destination with a grin. The smug bastard wouldn’t know what hit him.
*****
Twenty minutes later, Robin crept around the side of the gates to a secluded spot in the trees. Security was tight, but fortunately they didn’t venture outside of the property. She propped up against the tree and pulled her night vision goggles out, doing a scan of the area. Four guards. Like clockwork, they made their rounds of the grounds. Three laser alarms were set to exactly ten p.m., and there were six video cameras. Piece of cake. She watched on for another hour or so, getting an idea on the layout of the house and estimate of people coming and going. Tonight she might not have walked away with the prize, but she did get the satisfaction of knowing what time Mr. Vancover III’s mistress came and went—just an added bonus of information she would put to good use when the time was right.
“Well now, I think I have more than enough information for tonight…time for a quick pit stop. It is shaping up to be yet another productive night spent bettering the world—one rich bastard at a time.” Robin packed up her gear and quietly made her way back to her car. The drive to her next stop was short, and if things kept going on track, the heist would be too.
Robin stepped out into the cool night air and gulped in a deep cleansing breath. Ah, the sweet scent of wealth. Good ol’ Gregory was past due for a generous donation to the poor, and she was here to collect. Tuesday nights both he and his wife attended the country club for cocktails, overpriced prime rib, and social gossip. The only one left at home was sweet Ellie. Ellie was the family’s Shih Tzu. One belly rub and a hot dog she was sure had never been brought through the doors later and Ellie was her best friend.
She effortlessly jumped over the back fence, landing both feet on the ground with a quiet thud, and headed to the trellis. She had discovered earlier during one of her first ‘collection visits’ that the office window lock was broken. Now, it was her door in and out. As she scaled up the side of the house, noise from inside caught her attention. Shit! Their cars are gone. Did they have guests? Hoping that a television had been carelessly left on she continued up and in through the small window.
Once inside, she knew her worst fears were correct. Except, by the sound of things, the question as to who was home still remained. Keeping a low profile, she crouched down and remained in the shadows to get a better look through the cracked door. A man she had never seen before paced up and down the hall with his cell phone attached to his ear, his voice loud and angry. The shadows kept her from getting a good look, but his broad muscular shoulders and enormous arms made her feel sorry for whoever was on the other end of that phone.
“Don’t mind me. I just dropped in to pick up a few things,” Robin whispered to herself. She could have said it out loud and chances of being herd were next to none going by the one-sided heated argument she was witnessing.
With a shrug she waited until his back was turned and crept down the hall into the master bedroom. Mrs. Naylor’s jewelry was kept in an unlocked chest on her dresser, and always was a quick grab when she was in a crunch. Each time her collection grew, usually from the guilt of Mr. Naylor’s extra-marital activities.
Tonight was no different except he must have been a very bad bad boy. The jewelry case was stocked with new and bigger bling than most rap stars ever saw in their lifetime. Huge precious stones and gems set in the most exquisite settings lined the velvet interior in neat little rows. “No time to window shop today, I’ll take one of everything please.” She dumped the contents in her bag and hurried back the way she came, hoping to make it out before the angry man wasn’t distracted. She neatly put everything back in place and eased out of the room to her exit. Just as she slipped in the office door, Mr. tall, mysterious, and sexy turned around. Shit! Did he see me? She darted toward the window just as he came barreling into the room. Their eyes locked in an intensity that had her heart pounding through her chest. His dark blue eyes held her hypnotized. Robin flashed him a seductive smile, hooking her repelling cable to the frame and jumped down the two stories in one bounce. She had already unhooked and was out of sight when he peered out, laughing.
*****
“Laughing? Like a full blown laugh or just a snicker or chuckle?” Mary asked, overly amused. Mary had been Robin’s best friend from birth. They had attended the same private schools together, got caught sneaking into the champagne during a meet and greet when they were thirteen, and shared everything. Even now that they were grown, Mary was the only person Robin had confided to about her side job. Mary had insisted on helping whenever she could, finding out information and doing the research on specialty cases. Like every other Friday night, Mary had showed up with her weekend bag and bottle of wine. Their tradition had started after both had endured one bad relationship after another. Now, their weekends were once again anticipated all week long.
“It might have been a chuckle. There was definite stomach tightening going on. The weird part? I don’t think he called the cops. I got back to the car, changed, and headed home, but nothing came over the police scanner. If he did call and make a report, it was to a private security company.”
“Maybe he wanted to stay out of jail. If your description is right, it is a damn crime to be that hot.” Mary giggled, tipping up her glass of wine.
“Oh, I’m sure I didn’t do him justice. The man is a walking orgasm. I had to repel down the building with a party going on in my pants.”
Mary swatted at her playfully. “You’re horrible. Only you could be robbing a joint and take the time to flirt with the very people you are stealing blind. You should have exchanged numbers—maybe set up a dinner date.”
“Maybe next time. I wouldn’t want to give the wrong impression.” Robin smirked saucily.
“Oh no, we can’t have you getting a bad rep. It might hurt your career,” Mary said, dripping sarcasm.
“That’s right. I am an honorable thief,” Robin giggled so hard she snorted, erupting more gut clenching laughter.
“So, what now? Do you have anything big coming up?”
“I have a little somethin’ somethin’ coming up…let’s just say there are going to be a lot of happy families soon. Plus, I get to check a douchehole in the process. He is as arrogant as they come. It’s going to be epic.” Robin leaned back and kicked her feet up on the coffee table, taking a swig of her wine.
“Does this something have anything to do with the hottie?”
“No, unfortunately not. Mr. Vancover III is anything but hot.”
“Oh my God! You are hitting the Vancover mansion? Are you insane? That place is crawling with security. You’ll never get in and out without getting caught.”
“It’s not as hard as you think. Plus, I have a great decoy.” Robin kept her eyes down, waiting for Mary to put two and two together.
“Decoy? What kind of decoy, Robin.” Mary’s voice dropped, already full of disapproval.
“A sexy, fun, intelligent, amazing girl I know is going to be captivating the crowd and aweing them with her wit and charm while I sneak in from the back and swipe the Hope Diamond.”
Mary jumped up and backwards, both of her hands flying over her mouth. “No freaking way! Robin! The Hope Diamond? That thing is a priceless artifact! There were bids soaring in the bill
ions!”
Robin smiled bigger and winked. “I know. It’s going to be my ticket to help so many, Mary. Do you know how far that much will go? I’m talking housing, food, clothing, the works. We are finally going to make a difference. The Vancover’s have so much money that they blow it on frivolous things just because they have everything they could ever want. Now, others will have things they need. It’s ludicrous owning one gem that’s worth that much money. It belongs in a museum, not in a jewelry box.”
“I agree, but damn, girl. Do you really think you can pull it off? This will go down as one of the biggest heists in history. If you get caught… I can’t even think of what’d happen, hun.”
“Then don’t. I promise I won’t go in without being prepared. There is always a risk, but one I’m willing to take. This is bigger than us, Mary. I have to at least try.” Robin refilled their glasses and grabbed a hand full of popcorn.
Mary sighed and plopped back down on the couch with a huff. “I know. I don’t have to like it though. I do have a new outfit that would be perfect! The little silver dress we saw at the mall last week. They marked them down fifty percent off! I got that, a pair of pumps, and a clutch for less than the original sticker price.”
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