Thief of the Heart

by M. J. Williamz

  The place was teeming with people. She knew it was the fifth largest casino in the world, but that still hadn’t prepared her for the sheer number of people. They were all dressed to the nines, with men in tuxes and women wearing hundreds of thousands of dollars of jewels.

  Her palms itched. The game was on. Kit made a pass past the roulette tables. She spotted Savannah in a floor length sea foam gown. The sight of her took Kit’s breath away. She was stunning. And she was sporting enough diamonds to make Kit drool.

  Kit managed to tear herself away from the vision lest she be seen. She pushed through the crowds and covered every inch of the casino looking for a likely target. But there were people everywhere and no one seemed to be alone. So it would be a challenge. And Kit loved a challenge.

  On her second trip through the slots, a man got up just as Kit walked by. She took his vacated chair and slipped a hundred-dollar bill into the machine. She glanced to her left. A woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties sat there focused on her game. To her right sat a cigar smoking bald man. Great. Oh well. The night was young, so she’d just get comfortable and play for a while. She was nothing if not patient.

  “These machines are thieves,” the young woman said.

  Kit laughed.

  “That they are. Just relax and have fun.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re winning.”

  She cashed out and walked off. Kit was still grinning when she heard a sexy South African accent.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  She turned to see a statuesque dark woman with cornrows pulled into a bun on the top of her head. Her hair had some gray in it and there were lines around her eyes but, damn, she was gorgeous.

  “Please, have a seat.” Kit stood while the woman sat.

  “Do tell if you please. What exactly are we playing here?”

  “It’s about ants on a picnic. The bonus rounds are fairly entertaining.”

  The stranger folded her arms across her chest.

  “Hm. I’m not sure I’m interested.”

  “Just try it, okay? On me?”

  Kit slid a twenty into the woman’s machine. The woman stared flatly at her.

  “I can afford my own slot money,” she said.

  Kit took in the thick gold chains strewn with chocolate diamonds the woman wore draped around her neck. She didn’t doubt the woman had money. She just wanted her to stay longer. She smiled her best smile at her.

  “I’m sure you can. I certainly didn’t mean to offend. I’ll be honest. You intrigue me. And I didn’t want to see you walk off.”

  The woman arched one carefully shaped eyebrow at Kit.

  “Is that right?” She didn’t smile.

  Kit fought the urge to look away. She wouldn’t back down. She wanted this woman to be her target. She wanted that necklace. She didn’t trust her voice so she simply nodded slowly.

  “Well, you’ve already put the money in. I might as well play for a while.”

  “Great,” Kit said. “Enjoy.”

  She turned back to her own game and was watching the ants scurry all over the screen when she heard the bells chime on the machine next to her. The woman had hit it big. On Kit’s cash. Good for her. She smiled at the woman who was talking to casino officials.

  “These winnings are rightfully yours,” the woman said a little while later.

  “Not really. You won them fair and square.”

  “At least let me buy you a drink to celebrate.”

  “If you insist.”

  “I do.” The woman smiled showing rows of straight white teeth. She was a knockout. Not that that mattered to Kit. She was only in it for the jewels.

  Kit stood and followed the woman to a lounge. She looked around then motioned to a table at the back. She sat facing the entrance, so she’d know if Savannah walked in.

  The woman sat across from Kit. Her movements were graceful, effortless.

  “What’s your story?” She said.

  Kit shrugged.

  “No story.”

  “You always bribe women to sit next to you?”

  Kit smiled.

  “Is that what I did?”

  “Yes. Now I’m going to get a bottle of Armand de Brignac. Will you join me? Or do you not drink champagne?”

  “I’d love to join you.”

  Kit forced herself not to sit there with her mouth hanging open. Armand de Brignac was high dollar champagne. So high dollar she’d only had it once before. And it was delicious.

  The woman was back empty-handed. The bartender followed behind her with the champagne and two flutes. He poured for them then backed away. The woman picked up her glass and held it to Kit.

  “To new friends,” she said.

  “I’ll drink to that.”

  Kit took a sip of the liquid gold and almost moaned. It was delicious.

  “Do you have a name?” the woman said.

  “Andi. And you?”

  “My name is Zoya.”

  “That suits you.”

  Zoya cocked her head and looked at Kit.

  “Thank you,” she said. “What brings a Yankee to my corner of the world?”

  “I’m just here to gamble. It’s what I live for.”

  “Slot machines?”

  Kit laughed.

  “No. I was just escaping the crowd for a bit.”

  “Ah. I see. And I intrigued you? How?”

  Kit shrugged again.

  “I don’t know. Your accent. The way you carried yourself. I wanted to know your story.”

  “What would you like to know, Andi?”

  “What will you tell me?”

  Zoya threw her head back and laughed. It was loud and soft at the same time.

  “So much. I have so much to tell.”

  Kit was at once intrigued and growing bored. She was sure Zoya had stories to tell, but Kit was growing restless. She wanted to steal the jewels and be on her way. She tried not to think about what would come before the theft. Would she be unfaithful to Savannah? No. That was pleasure. Zoya was strictly business. She had no reason to feel guilty. Why wasn’t she convinced?

  Zoya told Kit stories of her childhood in poverty, how she met her husband, and her life now. It was interesting, really, but Kit had a hard time focusing. She smiled and laughed and nodded, but her heart wasn’t in it.

  By the end of their second bottle of champagne, Kit had lightened up considerably. She was relaxed and enjoying Zoya’s tales immensely.

  “Now you tell me, Andi. What’s a young, nice looking, seemingly available woman doing passing the time with an older woman like myself?”

  “I’m just enjoying myself. That’s all.”

  “Have you ever been with a man? I’m curious.”

  The question shocked Kit. She shook her head.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “We are like night and day, you and I. I have never been with a woman.”

  “Have you ever considered it?”

  Zoya leveled a stare at Kit.

  “Not before tonight.”

  Kit fought not to let her surprise and relief show.

  “So you’re contemplating it now, huh?”

  “That I am. I am a woman of diverse needs. Perhaps you can meet those that have gone unmet.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Then meet me at my room in ten minutes.”

  Zoya gave Kit her room number and left. Kit slowly sipped the rest of her champagne. She checked her watch. She had four minutes. She sauntered out of the bar as casually as she could manage. She didn’t want to be late.

  She was under complete control until she walked down the hall and realized Zoya’s room was just down the hall from Savannah’s. She got a knot in her stomach and began to feel guilty. Nonsense. She was doing a job. Nothing more.

  Once in Zoya’s room, Kit found herself unable to follow through. She couldn’t get Savannah out of her head or her heart. And she didn’t want to. She had a few drinks with Zoya, but when push came to
shove, she couldn’t seduce her.

  She did, however, pocket Zoya’s necklace when she took it off to slip into something more comfortable. Kit knew she’d disappointed Zoya by not making love to her, but she knew she’d disappoint herself more if she had.

  She bid Zoya good night and hurried past Savannah’s suite and, as she turned the corner to the elevators, crashed right in to a medium height dark haired man in a dark suit and tie. Shit. He looked like FBI. She quickly pushed past him and waited for the elevator. She needed to get away. He was probably on his way to Savannah’s. Damn. That had been close. How good of a look had he gotten at her? Would he be able to describe her? Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

  Kit got back to her rental and hid the jewelry. She took a shower then dressed again to meet Savannah. Who knew what that man had said to Savannah? She might not want to see Kit now. Her mind was whirling as she rode back to the casino.

  She arrived at four forty-five. She had fifteen minutes to kill. She played roulette and was on a roll when she felt her phone buzz. A text from Savannah.

  Can we make it seven instead of now? Something’s come up.

  Shit. So they knew about Zoya. What would she say? Things could be over between Kit and Savannah.

  Sure, babe. I’ll see you at seven.

  All she could do was wait.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  “I’m telling you,” Mrs. Pillay said. “I have no idea who robbed me.”

  Savannah exhaled slowly. They’d been at it for half an hour and the victim, one Zoya Pillay was not being very helpful.

  “Tell me about coming back to your room after you left the casino,” Savannah said.

  “I told you. I came back to my room alone.”

  “And no one followed you? You didn’t give your room number to anyone?”

  It was Mrs. Pillay’s turn to let her breath out slowly. She glanced at her husband and then back to Savannah.

  “If you must know, I invited a woman back to my room with me.”

  Savannah’s stomach tightened.

  “And what did this woman look like?”

  “That’s inconsequential. She didn’t rob me.”

  “And you’re certain of that?”

  “Yes. We had some drinks, shared some laughs, and then she left. When I went to bed my necklace and rings were still on the dresser.”

  Frustrated, Savannah closed her notebook. She handed Mrs. Pillay her card.

  “If you think of anything, anything at all, please call me.”

  Savannah stood. Li joined her. The rest of the crew were wrapping up their duties.

  “I don’t know what you think I’ll think of, but thank you,” Mrs. Pillay said. She walked everyone to the door.

  Savannah led her team back to her suite. She looked at the whiteboard and cringed, knowing they didn’t have anything to add.

  “You don’t believe her do you, boss? Li said.

  “No. I think she slept with that woman and then was robbed and is too embarrassed to admit it.”

  Savannah hated, despised, abhorred the thought of Kit sleeping with random women. Savannah thought of herself and Kit as an item. Was she fooling herself?

  “Oh, shit,” Li said.

  “What?”

  “I totally forgot. I literally bumped into someone on my way here earlier.”

  “Who? When? A man or a woman?” Savannah peppered him with questions.

  “Right before I got here for our briefing. I don’t know if it was a man or a woman. They were taller than me, but that doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Li! You need to be more alert! Did they act suspicious?”

  “I’m sorry. And not really. We just bumped into each other, then they sidestepped to let me go by and they presumably took the elevator.”

  “That might have been our thief,” Savannah said. “Think. Really try to remember. Man or woman?”

  Li simply shrugged.

  “I don’t know. First impression would be a man.”

  “Or a masculine woman?”

  “Maybe. I’m sorry, boss. I honestly don’t know. I wish I’d paid more attention.”

  “So do I. Well, since we didn’t learn anything there…I’m guessing there were no fingerprints?” Her fingerprint specialist shook her head. “Okay then. You’re all free to go. I’ll see you Friday.”

  Everyone left but Li.

  “I really am sorry, boss.”

  Savannah refrained from ripping him a new one, tempting though it was since they were alone.

  “Just be more attentive next time. Every encounter could be vital.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  They left her room together and took the elevator down. He got off at his floor.

  “Good night, boss.”

  “See you in a few days, Li.”

  Savannah took a deep breath. She was on her way to see Kit. Had Kit just had sex with another woman? And robbed her? The thought made Savannah’s stomach sour. She needed to not think like that. Kit had had several opportunities to rob Savannah and hadn’t. Surely, she would have if she was a thief? She wouldn’t be able to help herself, would she? And Kit had been in Macau when there hadn’t been a robbery. She wasn’t the thief. The woman in Savannah knew it. If only the agent in her would get on board.

  It was seven o’clock when she stepped off the elevator and was assaulted with the sights and sounds of the casino. She wasn’t in the mood for bright lights and loud noise. She slipped into a dark lounge and texted Kit.

  I’m in the casino. Where are you?

  “I’m right here,” Kit said.

  Savannah looked up to see Kit and felt herself break into a wide smile. She was dog tired, but seeing Kit rejuvenated her and gave her a thrill. Kit leaned down and kissed her and Savannah felt her worries and suspicions fade away.

  “It’s so good to see you,” Savannah said. “How’d you do tonight?”

  “I won. Big. How about you?”

  “I broke even. So I won’t complain. Are you ready for breakfast? And do you mind if we find someplace away from the casino? I could do with some peace and quiet.”

  Kit whipped out her phone and in no time was ready to go.

  “I found a place that looks great. Nice and quiet with rave reviews. Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get out of here.

  Savannah swooned at the term of endearment. She wondered if Kit even realized she’d said it. It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t read too much into it. She’d just enjoy Kit. That was easy enough.

  Kit hailed a cab and they slid into the back seat. The ride to the restaurant was short. Too short for Savannah who was enjoying Kit’s arm around her holding her close. She needed to be close to Kit, to lose herself in this woman who was working her way into Savannah’s heart.

  They ate their breakfast and rode back to the hotel. It was nine o’clock and Savannah was dead on her feet. Still, she invited Kit into her room.

  “Thank you, babe,” Kit said. “But we both need our sleep. I trust you’ll be traveling again tomorrow?”

  Savannah nodded.

  “You, too?”

  Kit laughed.

  “But of course. Where are you headed?”

  “Vegas, baby.”

  “Me, too. The MGM?”

  “That’s where I’ll be.”

  “So that’s a day long flight,” Kit said. “What time do you leave tomorrow?”

  “Around eight in the morning.”

  “Okay. Get some rest and I’ll see you there. I fly out tonight.”

  “Can I plan on dinner Tuesday night?”

  “But of course.”

  “Excellent. I’ll see you then. Travel safely, Kit.”

  “You do the same.”

  Kit kissed Savannah good-bye and, even though she could see Savannah was dead on her feet, temptation reared its head deep inside her. How she wished she could make love to Savannah right then. But that wouldn’t be fair. So she kissed her one more time and regretfully turned and left.

  Re
turning to the States made Kit homesick. Not that she wanted to see her family and she only had a few friends left to see. But she missed the place. She missed San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas. She longed to go wine tasting in Paso Robles. She’d kill to surf at Pismo Beach. Not this trip though. She should have taken a few days to visit but she didn’t want to miss a moment with Savannah.

  And Savannah hadn’t seemed strange around her, so she assumed Zoya didn’t admit to spending time with her. And robbing her. That was a huge relief on so many levels. Kit knew she wouldn’t be able to take any more strangers to bed. It didn’t feel right. In fact, it felt damned wrong. Even if it was part of the job. She craved the day she and Savannah could quit their respective jobs and live peacefully somewhere. But would Savannah ever give up the FBI life? God, Kit hoped so.

  She went back to her house and packed for her next adventure. She forced herself to stay awake so she could sleep on the plane. She settled in with a scotch and waited for her car to pick her up.

  Kit was fairly well rested when she climbed into her car in Las Vegas. It was hot, stiflingly so. But the car was air-conditioned and she knew her room would be, too. For once, she wasn’t renting a place. She had a room at the Four Queens on Fremont Street. She loved the old part of town and, while it would be crowded, it would be nothing compared to the hustle and bustle of the strip.

  She unpacked and put on shorts and a golf shirt and walked around Fremont, taking in the sights. It was a casual atmosphere and she even stopped in at the Golden Gate to play some roulette. She won big then went back to her hotel. She ate some dinner then jet lag caught up with her. She climbed into bed knowing she’d see Savannah the next day.

  She woke around noon and checked her phone. There was a text from Savannah.

  Just landed. Exhausted. See you tonight?

  Kit smiled. She was crazy about Savannah.

  We are still on for tonight. I hope you’re sleeping now.

  There was no answer, so Kit knew Savannah was indeed asleep. She sent her another text.

  When you wake up, text me your room number and I’ll pick you up at nine.

  With nothing in particular she had to do, Kit took a leisurely shower then wandered Fremont Street again. She stopped for a light lunch, did a little gambling, and was back in her room at seven. She ordered a car for later, took another shower and dressed in a gray linen suit with a light blue shirt open at the collar. Satisfied her appearance would meet with Savannah’s approval, she poured a drink and vegged for a while.