13. Raven

13

RAVEN

"Are you ready for this?" Snatch asked as we walked up the steps to the mansion. "You've got everything?"

"This isn't my first job," I said through a smile. I nodded at the host, shaking his hand lightly as his eyes roamed over my chest even with his wife standing right beside him.

"I don't believe I caught your name," he grinned.

"Penny."

"Penny. What a beautiful name."

My eyes flicked to his wife. She flushed bright red, obviously uncomfortable, yet he didn't seem to notice. I pried my hand from his grip, brushing his touch from my skin.

"I'm Sir Henry Allsebrook, and this is my wife, Eleanor."

"It's very nice to meet you." I smiled as politely as possible in front of her scumbag husband. "You have a very nice home."

"It's been in the family for two generations," Henry beamed. "My father bought it years ago."

I tuned him out as Snatch held out his hand to Eleanor. "David Clark," he introduced himself.

I wasn't sure if that was his real name or not. I'd only ever known him as Snatch. "It was very nice to meet you," I said, shoving Snatch through the doorway to allow others in as well.

"Did you see the way that guy was eyeing you?" Snatch whispered.

"See it? I can still feel the slime on my skin."

"He's going to be a problem. We're going to have to take him out."

I pulled him aside, keeping my voice low. "We're not taking anyone out. That wasn't part of the plan."

"I'm making it part of the plan. His eyes haven't left you since we entered the house. I wouldn't be surprised if he follows you around, which will make it pretty damn hard to do the job."

I smiled as a couple walked past, then glared at Snatch. "I'll get rid of him. He won't be a problem."

"He'd better not be."

He strode off without another word. I followed him into the ballroom and took a champagne glass from one of the waiters. Walking around the room, I nearly choked on the elegance and sheer wealth staring at me. Every wall was covered in portraits gilded with gold frames. A tapestry hung on the far wall, and the staircase…I hadn't seen anything like it since I watched Gone With The Wind as a kid.

I was dying to explore the rest of the house, but if I left too soon and someone followed me, it wouldn't be so easy to slip away a second time.

"Remember the plan," Snatch said, sneaking up behind me. "You'll leave during dinner, and I'll follow after a few minutes to make sure no one gets in the way."

"And the security system?"

"I've already got it on a loop." He pulled out his phone and showed me what the cameras were currently seeing. I glanced over at the base of the stairs where a couple was standing, but on the video, no one was there. "The cameras down here are the only ones that show what's actually going on."

"Are you sure you should have put it on a loop so soon? That could be a problem."

"There was no other time to do it. I guess we'll find out if it's a problem soon enough."

He grabbed me by the elbow and led me across the room. We made small talk with other couples, trying our best to fit in. It wasn't too difficult. As long as you pretended you had money, no one really knew the difference.

Music played in the background, but most everyone ignored it, choosing to stand around talking instead. I was getting bored and my feet hurt from the uncomfortable shoes. I needed to move around and give my legs a break from the monotony of standing still.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to powder my nose," I said to Snatch. He looked at me funny, obviously not understanding the meaning. I leaned in and whispered, "Bathroom."

He nodded and turned away, dismissing me instantly. I walked away, nearly making it halfway across the room when someone gripped onto my arm and spun me around. My chest was pressed against a hard, unyielding body. The scent of danger and spice permeated my senses as I took in the dark rogue just inches from my face. His eyes searched mine, promising a night of lust and need.

His hand slid up my back, pressing me even closer. He took a step forward, forcing me to move with him. I hadn't even lifted my arms yet, but he was guiding me around the room swiftly, maneuvering me wherever he wanted me to go. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until his eyes widened and he leaned in closer, his breath whispering over my ear.

"Breathe."

As if my body only worked upon his order, I released a breath, finally lifting my hand to rest on his arm. A small smirk played at his lips as he spun me around the room. There were other people in the room, hushed whispers filling my ear as I swayed with him, yet somehow, they all seemed to be blocked out.

"You again," I murmured.

"Did you really think you lost me?"

"I tried."

"Not hard enough," he said, his voice gruff and low.

My eyes raked over the scruff on his jaw, along his perfect pale pink lips. His hair looked darker than usual, but I quickly realized that was because he wore gel in his hair. He looked good in a tux, but I liked the rugged, dangerous look a hell of a lot better.

"Are you going to tell me your name?"

He cocked his head to the side in consideration. I thought for a moment he wouldn't tell me. But then he pulled me closer and slowed his steps. My eyes fluttered shut as his lips skimmed along my jaw, brushing against my earlobe before his teeth clamped down on my skin. A shudder of need rushed through my body, straight to my core.

If I had an orgasm in front of everyone around here, there was no way I'd be able to do the job. A low chuckle left his lips, vibrating through my body as he continued to dance with me.

"Nicholas," he answered finally. "You look every bit the beautiful Raven tonight."

I jerked back slightly, staring at him suspiciously. "How did you know my name?"

"It wasn't that hard to find out."

"It's not something I pass around."

"Actually, your real name isn't something you pass around. Raven happens to be very well known. I especially liked your work in Barcelona."

"I never worked in Barcelona," I challenged.

"My apologies," he grinned. "Whoever pulled that job did excellent work."

My cheeks heated at the praise. I wasn't used to a man being so seductive, nor was I used to being quite so infatuated with any man. Nolan was the only man I even bothered with, and there was nowhere near the same level of heat with him.

"You followed me here."

"Not exactly. You lost me, remember?"

"How did you keep track of me?"

"I stuck a tracker on your car at the diner."

I cursed under my breath. "I should have known. I'll be sure to remove it."

"Then you'd better remove the one I slipped in your purse as well."

The grin he shot me made it impossible to be mad at him. I didn't know this man, yet I wasn't upset at all that he had stuck a tracker on me. In fact, if anything, it made me want him a little more. Maybe it was because of my profession, but good guys just didn't really do it for me.

"So, why did you follow me?"

"To ask what you were doing on that rooftop."

"Oh. Is that all?"

"No. That's just what I tell myself so it seems a little less disturbing that I followed you across the country."

I slid my hand over his broad shoulder and down his arm. I could feel his muscles shifting as we moved across the ballroom. Even though he looked amazing in his tux, I was more interested in what he looked like out of it.

"I'm sure you could come up with a reason."

"I already have," he murmured in my ear. "I couldn't stop thinking about you."

His warm breath sent shivers down my spine. This man knew how to sway me, even when I was supposed to be thinking about other things. How was it possible to be so attracted to a man I barely knew? Shouldn't I be creeped out that he followed me…put a tracker on me?

Yet, the only thing I wanted was to invite him to my hotel room.

"It's the eyes," he continued. "From the moment I saw them, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

His hand trailed down my back, resting just above my ass. I gasped when I felt his teeth nip at my neck, his tongue slid over my skin, leaving little wet trails I would be thinking about all night. My thighs clenched together as I tried to gain just a modicum of control. But when his lips pressed against mine, I threw control out the window and opened up to him.

His tongue slipped inside my mouth, caressing and dancing with me. My heart pounded in my chest as he kissed me with a degree of passion I'd never felt before. And as his fingers tangled in my hair, all I could think about was tearing off his tie and ripping open his shirt.

I was jerked away from him almost as soon as the kiss started. I stumbled back, nearly tripping over my heels as the grip on my arm tightened. I knew it was Snatch, but I couldn't take my eyes off Nicholas. His eyes burned with an intensity that I could feel deep in my gut. His eyes were locked on the tight grip Snatch had on my arm. I could swear I heard a growl low in his throat as he took a step toward me.

"Penny, I was wondering where you'd run off to," Snatch hissed, trying to keep his voice level.

Reality smacked me in the head. I was in the middle of a job, yet I'd lost control and started making out with a man I barely knew on the dance floor, completely blowing my cover. What had I been thinking?

Oh, that's right. I wasn't thinking. I was too busy enjoying Nicholas's hands on me.

I cleared my throat, my face burning as I looked around and noticed all the people trying and failing not to stare at the scene we were making. I turned to Snatch with a smile.

"You remember Nicholas, right?"

His answering snarl told me all I needed to know. I'd fucked up, and he wouldn't be forgetting anytime soon. This time, I really did need to powder my nose.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to use the ladies' room."

I made a swift exit, my heels clicking on the tile as I walked down the hall, being directed by the staff along the way. Once inside, I locked the door and stared in horror at my face in the mirror. My lips were red and swollen, the lipstick smeared at the corners of my lips. My hair…there was no saving it. I started pulling the pins from my hair, letting the strands fall around my shoulders. Luckily, it fell in curls that could almost pass as classy. It wasn't perfect, but at least I didn't look like I'd just gone ten rounds with someone's ex-girlfriend.

I adjusted my dress, trying to put everything back in place. I knew his hands were running over my body, but I was so lost in his touch, he could have fucked me on the dance floor and I wouldn't have realized we had an audience.

I washed my hands and grabbed a paper towel, immediately straightening the stack. After wiping the droplets of water from the sink, I tossed the paper towel in the garbage and looked at myself one last time. I took a deep breath and reminded myself what I was here for. Nicholas was a distraction.

A very dangerous distraction.

I couldn't allow myself to be swayed by him when I had bigger things to consider. I headed for the door, yanking it open, only to have Snatch grab me by the hand and guide me further down the hall.

"What are you doing?" he hissed.

"Blending in."

"That wasn't blending in. You were practically fucking him on the dance floor. Everyone was staring!"

"It'll be fine. I'm sure they've seen worse."

"They'll all remember you now," he pointed out. "The whole idea was that we wouldn't be memorable."

"Like I said, it'll be fine."

He sighed heavily. "I got what we needed while you were distracted." He reached into his pocket and grabbed a small slide. "This should work for the fingerprint scanner."

"Should?"

"It would have been better to use a glove, but I didn't have time for that."

"If this doesn't work?—"

"We walk out and come up with a new plan. We still need a drop of blood."

"I'll take care of that."

The gong chimed for dinner and the butler announced we were headed to the dining room.

"Are you sure you can handle this?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. I hated to be challenged. "You hold up your end and I'll take care of mine."

I maneuvered my way through the crowd until I bumped accidentally into our host. "Oh, I'm so sorry."

"Not at all," he smiled at me. "I uh…saw your little show earlier."

I flushed bright red, pressing my hand to my forehead in mortification. "I'm so embarrassed."

"Don't be," he chuckled. He glanced around, then leaned in closer. "I admire a woman with such passion."

"I don't know what came over me."

He clutched my hand, giving me the perfect opportunity to inflict some pain. I squeezed his hand in return, eliciting a yelp from him. He released my hand and stared at his hand. A small drop of blood appeared on his finger.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. That must be because of my ring. The setting is damaged. I've been meaning to take it in," I rambled as I pulled a small handkerchief from my bag. I pressed it to his hand, batting my eyelashes at him. "I don't normally draw blood."

He watched me with wide eyes, then burst out laughing. "You are a wild thing," he said slowly, stepping into my space.

Luckily, his wife walked up at that moment and slipped her hand through her husband's arm. "Henry. Our other guests are waiting." The look she shot me could have pierced my heart.

"Yes, darling." He turned back to me with a wink. "I'll see you on the other side."

I smiled at him, ignoring the daggers his wife shot me. I couldn't blame her. If a woman was hitting on my husband right in front of me, I would be tempted to do a lot more than shoot a scathing look.

As I made my way into the dining room, I worried my little performance with Nicholas would still have guests talking. Luckily, as I took my seat, no one paid me any attention. My infamy was short-lived. I smiled and chatted politely as we were served the first course. I went through the appropriate motions of nodding and smiling, but that did nothing to distract me from the fact that the man to my right had his napkin placed haphazardly on his lap.

I did my best to ignore him, adjusting my own napkin so the corners formed a diamond as I liked. My fork was slightly askew and I quickly adjusted it, all the while nodding as the man beside me spoke.

While the second course was served, I excused myself, grabbing my clutch as I headed down the hall. With a glance behind me, I made sure it was clear before I made a beeline for the stairs. The coast was clear and I hurried down the hall to the room Snatch had indicated.

After shutting the door, I walked over to the painting that hid the safe. I pulled on a pair of thin gloves I kept in my clutch, then removed the painting from the wall. A grin split my lips as I stared at the magnificent safe in front of me. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

The first step was the retinal scanner. I couldn't do that without Snatch. "Come on," I murmured as I waited for him to join me. The door opened seconds later and Snatch entered, hurrying over to me.

"Sorry. Some duchess wouldn't stop talking to me." He pulled out his phone and held it up to the scanner. Blowing out a deep breath, he nodded. "Are you ready?"

"As ever."

He took a minute, hooking up to the safe through a hidden panel I hadn't seen. Within seconds, he grinned at me, showing that his phone was now connected to the computer within the safe.

"I told you it would work."

He was about to lift his phone when I placed a hand on his arm. "What happens if the scanner doesn't work?"

"Alarms will go off and we'll be discovered."

"Right, so no pressure."

"Relax, I've got this."

He wiped the sweat beading on his forehead and raised the phone again to the scanner. The blue lines turned on the screen, measuring the retina on his phone. One by one, lines clicked into place until finally, the light turned green.

"Step one done," he shrugged.

The screen indicated the fingerprint scanner was next. I pulled out the slide and held it to the screen. Snatch was doing something on his phone, and then he showed it to me. He was manipulating the data somehow. I was in awe of his skills, but didn't have time to stare in wonder. We had to finish the job.

The light turned green again, and this time, a small tray popped out.

"You're up," he said. "Last one."

I adjusted the ring on my finger, turning it around so I could open the casing and let the small drop of blood flow onto the tray. There was hardly enough blood to fill it, but luckily, the light turned green and the safe popped open.

Sitting inside were the most gorgeous eggs I'd ever seen. Adorned in rubies and diamonds, I could see now why they were treasured by the Imperial Russian Family.

Very carefully, I reached into the safe and grabbed the first one, holding it gently in my hands. It was absolutely brilliant. Even in the dim lighting, the jewels sparkled.

"What did I tell you?" Snatch laughed, grabbing his own.

"It makes you want to keep it, right?"

"No, I still want the money," he chuckled. "Come on, let's get out of here. We can look at them later." He grabbed the third egg and pulled out three padded pouches, tucking them inside each one. Then, we placed the three pouches in one larger bag. "Now we just walk out the front door."

I shut the safe, replacing the picture. It wasn't quite straight, and much to Snatch's chagrin, I took my time making sure it was level. But as soon as we took a step toward the door, alarms sounded throughout the building. Snatch turned to me, shaking his head slightly.

"Rooftop," we both said at the same time.

We took off for the door, but as I passed a table with small figurines, I couldn't help but stop and reorganize them. They were sitting all chaotic on the table, so I lined them up from smallest to tallest—two inches from the edge of the table.

"Raven!"

Snatch shot me an irritated look and I abandoned the table to follow him. We ran down the hall to the attic access. Snatch yanked the door open, stepping aside as I raced past him, hiking my skirt up so I didn't trip on the fabric. I heard the door shut behind me as I reached the top, then ran to the far door, jerking it open as I raced out onto the rooftop. We reached the edge just a minute after the alarm sounded.

"We need to—" I barely saw Snatch's fist coming at me as I turned. But the metal object in his hands…that I got a close-up view of just before it smashed into my head. I dropped instantly, the light fading from my eyes. The last thing I saw was Snatch standing over me with a blank expression as I faded.