8. Cillian
Chapter eight
Cillian
I ’ve decided there’s no better head in the world than shower head. Especially if it’s a tempting little vixen with dark hair and green eyes staring up at you while she throws you over the edge of ecstasy with her mouth.
“I need to go back to my place,” Nova says as she brushes her teeth with the toothbrush I had the hotel concierge send to the room.
“Want me to come with you?”
“Nah. I’m just going to grab a change of clothes. Do a little laundry maybe.”
“Are you coming back tonight?” Jesus, I sound like a whiny little bitch.
“I was planning on it. Unless you have a better offer somewhere else.”
She rinses the toothpaste from her mouth, and I do the same. When I set my toothbrush on the counter next to hers, I step behind her, covering her back with my front. The only thing separating us is the towel she currently has knotted around her chest and the one around my waist. I pull her damp hair over one shoulder, and Nova tilts her head to the side, allowing me access to her long neck. My lips trail over her warm skin and the scent of my shampoo in her hair tugs at something in me.
“Well, we do have a lot of details to iron out.” Kiss. “Plans to go over.” Kiss. “Outfits to coordinate.” Kiss.
“Outfits?” she asks in a breathy whisper.
“Since we’re going to this event as guests, we need a story. I was thinking you could go as Charity, but instead of a grad student, you can play a newly engaged Southern belle, and I’ll be your fiancé who just spontaneously proposed on our yearly vacation to NOLA. Since we were already coming to the event, we thought getting your ring here would be memorable and help out a charity at the same time. What’s this thing for, anyways?”
Nova looks on with surprise and, dare I say, an impressive gaze. “Um, it’s for meerkats or something.”
“Meerkats?” I ask, confused as to why anyone would throw a multimillion-dollar gala for that. I mean, they’re cute and all, but seriously?
“It’s the South, and this is probably a pet project of the woman throwing it.”
Nova walks from the bathroom into the darkened bedroom before heading into the living room. Her clothes are still lying on the floor—where they landed last night in my haste to get her naked. She finds her jeans, pulls them up her legs and turns to pick up her bra and shirt. Damn, those jeans really make her already fantastic ass look spectacular.
She turns and catches me staring with a smile tugging at the corner of my lips as she covers her tits with her bra and pulls the shirt over her head.
“Did you have that story already concocted in your head, or was it something you thought of on the fly?”
“You’re not the only one who thinks fast on their feet.” As the lieutenant of the Monaghan organization, I’ve had to do a lot of that. It’s imperative for someone in my position to be able to walk into any room and take stock then adjust accordingly. Sometimes, I’m the stone-cold gun at Finn’s side, and other times, I’m the businessman who is there to negotiate and cut a deal. And then there are times when I have to play the amiable, level-headed second when Finn plays the tough-as-nails head of the Irish mob. They’ve all become parts of me, and I’ve honed the skill to call on any of them at the drop of a hat.
“Well, color me impressed,” Nova says, walking over to where I’m leaning against the doorframe leading into the bedroom. The very bedroom I’d like to take her in right now instead of having her leave.
“Told you I’m handy to have around.” I loop my arm around her, pulling her against my chest.
“That you are. You’re the best criminal mastermind I know,” she replies, leaning up to kiss me before turning and escaping my hold to find her shoes.
Nova sits on the couch where I didn’t have a chance to fuck her like I originally planned and pulls her phone from her purse before stuffing her underwear inside. She presses a few buttons then lays it next to her while she buckles her sandals.
“My car will be here in five minutes,” she says.
“Just take mine,” I offer.
“I can find my way, but thanks.”
“Nova, I know you can, but I have a car that’s just sitting in the parking garage. Better than having to pay for a ride.”
I walk over to where I left my pants last night and fish the valet ticket from the pocket. When I step in front of Nova and hold it out for her, she crosses her arms.
“Do you know how to drive?”
“Of course I know how to drive. But I don’t have a license.”
“Why not? How do you get into bars and not have an ID?”
“I have an ID, but it’s fake. If I got pulled over, it wouldn’t be in their system and getting busted for a fake ID is not on my list of things to do.”
“I’ll fix that when you get back. In the meantime, don’t get pulled over.”
“What do you mean you’ll fix that?”
“Told you I’m good with computers. Hacking the DMV is child’s play.”
“Seems you’re a man of many talents.”
The corner of my lip tips up in a smirk. “I am. Now hurry back so I can show you some of the talents I didn’t get a chance to last night.”
Nova groans but takes the ticket from my hand. “Dammit, I walked into that one. Again.”
She stands and I grab her around the waist, pulling her against my naked chest. “I’ll see you later.” Then I kiss her deeply as though I’m going to miss her terribly. Which, to my surprise, I am. When I pull away, Nova sways a little on her feet, her eyes slightly dazed before she shakes her head and stands straight.
“Drive safe,” I tell her and she shoots me a dirty look on her way out the door.
After getting dressed in a pair of black slacks and a dark-gray button-down shirt, I roll the sleeves and grab my computer, settling on the couch. I need to find the plans for the hotel where the event is being held. It’s always a good idea to have a layout in my mind before I head into any situation. I pull them up and study the ballroom and all the exits, including the hallways surrounding the room. There looks to be two janitor closets just outside of the room itself on either side. There’re a couple ways we could go about this little heist, neither of which include slipping a few necklaces into Nova’s purse. If she wants my help, then I think we should be smarter about this and, at the same time, get a little more bang for our buck, if you will.
I pick up my phone and dial Finn’s number. It’s late afternoon, so hopefully he isn’t on his way to the casino or in the gym.
“Hey, what’s up? Are you back yet” he answers on the third ring.
I didn’t tell Finn my plan to extend my stay yet. It wasn’t something I necessarily planned for. Hell, there was no plan for any of this, which is completely out of character for me and strangely thrilling at the same time.
“No, I’m staying in New Orleans for a few extra days.”
“Everything okay? Does Liam need to be informed of anything?”
“No, it has nothing to do with that. I have a friend, and I’m going to help her out with a few things before heading back to Boston.” Though that wasn’t my intention when I offered to change my flight last night so Nova and I could spend a little more time together, it’s the truth now.
“Who’s this friend?” Finn asks with amusement lacing his tone.
“A girl I met last time I was in New Orleans. She…she stole my wallet, and I caught up to her.”
“Why is this the first time I’m hearing about her? And how on earth did she get your wallet?” Finn knows my past with lifting wallets and such. And he also knows how aware of my surroundings I always am. I don’t want to tell him I was attempting to have a night on the town and acting like some regular Joe Schmoe instead of the ever-vigilant Cillian Doyle.
“She caught me in a distracted moment.”
What I don’t tell him is that I was distracted by her emerald-green eyes and the words falling from her pouty pink lips that turned out to be lies. I also don’t tell him that when I caught up to her, I was ten times more enraptured with those eyes that held a glint of mischief. Or the way she volleyed every question I had for her back to me with the lips she painted red that were far more enticing than when I first met her as Charity.
There’s a certain kinship amongst thieves that Finn doesn’t understand. It’s not like the mob where you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for someone to screw you over. Especially when you decide to work together—like Nova and I will be in a couple days. The last thing you want in this life is gaining a reputation for screwing over the hand that’s helping feed you.
“And what? Did she steal your car this time around?” Finn asks with a laugh.
“No, I gave her the keys willingly.”
“You sure she’s going to come back with it?”
The thought hadn’t crossed my mind until just now, but it’s not as though I couldn’t find her if she did. “The rental agency has GPS on it if she doesn’t.” Plus, I have something she needs a lot more than a car, that is if she wants to make the biggest score of her career.
“You know, I noticed something different about you last time you came back from New Orleans. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I think I’ve figured it out.”
“What are you going on about?”
“Sometimes I could tell you were somewhere else, a little distracted.”
“Are you saying I’m not doing my job as your second?” I ask, offense tainting my question. My commitment to the family and my job has never come into question.
“Hell no. Have you forgotten I’ve known you since we were fourteen? I could tell you had other things on your mind is all. I thought maybe it was this shit with Farina, but now I know what—or rather, who —is taking up valuable real estate in that big brain of yours.”
“Fuck off. She’s a friend in need of my particular skill set.”
Finn lets out a contemplative hum that says he’s not buying what I’m trying to sell, but he won’t push me on it. Yet.
“Just be careful,” he warns.
“When am I not?”
He laughs and I can picture him rolling his eyes. “True. I forgot who I was talking to.”
Interesting, because when I’m with Nova, I forget I have to be acutely aware of everything around me and need to weigh out every possible consequence.
“I see you’re a fucking comedian today,” I reply, but there’s no real heat behind my words.
Finn and I have always given each other a healthy amount of shit, regardless of our differences in rank. He’s a brother to me. Even Eoghan is to some extent, but I have more fun threatening him with hard looks when he’s on a roll. It brings me immense joy to see him flustered or annoyed that I won’t take his bait. Serves the little shit right. But just like his brother, I would protect him with my life, and I know he'd do the same for me. “I’ll be back in a couple days—four tops. We have that meeting with the Black Roses set up to discuss new trade routes.”
“Sounds good. Let me know when you get back. Ronin’s doing a good job with security at the casino. He sends me over a four-page report every night of everything he did and everyone who was in and out.”
“Kid’s thorough. I get the same reports.”
“Maybe now that you have someone taking over a few of your responsibilities, you’ll be spending more time in New Orleans?”
I haven’t really thought about what happens next for Nova and me; instead, I’ve been living in the moment, not thinking too hard about the future. His suggestion does bring up some interesting questions, though. Especially after the night the two of us shared in this very hotel room.
“We’ll see. It’s not like I’ve been spending my off time twiddling my thumbs.”
The work with Liam has kept me plenty busy when I haven’t been working within the Monaghan organization.
“I know I’ve told you this a million times, but you need to take a break every once in a while, Cill. This life will burn you out, especially if you don’t have someone to share the burden with. Isn’t that what Dad always told us?”
“I’m not marrying the girl, Finn. And I do take breaks. What your parents have, or even you and your brother, it’s not something I’ve ever looked for, and I’m not now.”
I’ve seen relationships fall apart under the weight of this life. To some, it can be stifling and others don’t like the danger associated with it. My commitment is to the family who took in a broke fourteen-year-old kid and his sick mom and treated them as one of their own. I’m not about to divide my time or loyalty, even if Finn thinks I should. What he found with his wife and what Cormac and Maeve have is one in a million.
There’s no doubt in my mind that eventually this thing between Nova and I will fizzle out. I don’t care what anyone says; when you burn as fucking hot as we do, there’s no way it’s sustainable—especially with thousands of miles between us on a normal basis.
“Whatever you say. I’ll see you when you get home, then. Hey, maybe Alessia and I can take a trip down with you one of these days and have a double date.”
“Goodbye, Finn.”
I hang up the phone without waiting for a response and look at the building plans for the hotel again, thinking about my idea from earlier. If Nova wants a big score, I think I have the perfect plan to give it to her.
My phone dings with a text from Nova a couple hours after my conversation with Finn.
Nova: I’m downstairs. Don’t have a key card for the elevator.
I’m a jackass. I completely forgot since switching to the suite, a specific card is needed to get to this floor.
Me: Be right down.
I step into the elevator with a smile on my face, and when it opens to the lobby, my smile grows. Nova is in a short summer dress with a pair of beat-up high-tops, her hair wrapped in a bun on the top of her head as she stares at her phone. When her gaze finds mine, I catch the flare of desire in hers.
“Afraid I’d take off?” she asks, picking up her bag and walking to meet me beside the elevator.
“Thought didn’t even cross my mind.” I look down at the bag. “What’s in there?”
“A couple changes of clothes so I won’t have to run back to my place.”
“We could just spend the next two days naked,” I offer. “Save you from having to worry about laundry and all that.”
“Good to know you care about my laundry habits, but I was thinking, since you’re staying for a couple days, we could have a little fun in town. My roommate is working tonight. Thought we could grab a drink and see where the night takes us.”
“I’m hoping it takes us to the same place it did last night.” I grab the bag from Nova’s hand and walk into the elevator, swiping the card to my floor.
“I’m a lady, I’ll have you know,” she says in her most prim and proper Southern accent. “I expect dinner first.”
“I’m more than happy to wine and dine you. But first, I want to go over the plans for Saturday.”
“You know what they say about all work and no play.”
“Trust me, I’m perfectly aware. Do you know what I say about preparation and opportunity?”
Nova gives me a flat look then sticks her tongue out at me.
“I’m glad to see you’re taking this seriously. This isn’t just a little petty pickpocketing, Nova. We need to be prepared for what we’re walking into.”
“I think I’m seeing the serious side of you finally. Is this what you’re like in Boston?”
“Yes, but people tend to listen to me a lot better there. Could be the gun I carry that scares them straight, though.”
“Do you have said gun with you?”
“No. The FAA frowns upon firearms on airplanes.”
“Mmm. Pity. I bet mob lieutenant Cillian is hot as fuck.” The door opens, and we step out of the elevator and walk to my suite door. “And I do take this seriously. I’m just of the mind that you can do what needs to be done and have a good time while doing it.”
“That’s…not how I do things.”
Nova’s eyes widen in surprise, but I can tell it’s fake. “Shocking.”
A huff of laughter falls from my mouth as I open the door. After walking into the bedroom to put Nova’s bag down, I find her on the couch in the living room of the suite, looking at my open laptop.
“Plans for the ballroom and hotel,” I supply, sitting next to her. I point out the exits, then pull up the pictures the hotel has on the website. “The ballroom has cameras all over the place.” I point to several that I found in pictures alone. There are probably more, but I won’t know until I get in there. “I think we should rethink our strategy.”
Nova’s head whips in my direction with a scowl on her face. “If you don’t think you can help me pull this off, tell me now. I have the invites and the dress. I just need someone to help with a few other things. If that isn’t you, now’s the time to tell me.”
“Whoa, there. I said rethink , not call it off . I came up with a better plan.”
She eyes me with suspicion for a few moments before I continue. I don’t know who let this girl down and shattered her trust in men, but there’s not a chance I’m going to be the one to do the same.
“I think we should have a romantic night in one of the hotel rooms, my little dumpling.”
Her brows knit together as she shoots me a withering look. “Uh, excuse me? Dumpling?”
“I’m testing out nicknames for my future wife. You know, since we’re playing a newly engaged couple.”
“I’m going to nix that one right now. There’s no way I’ll be able to keep a straight face if you start calling me food items.”
“Sunshine? Angel? My little mint julep? You know, because you're from the South.”
“No, no, and fuck no.”
“How about my star? Kind of like a supernova.”
The tinkling laughter that falls from her lips brings a wide smile to my face. I seem to do that a lot around her.
“Jokes on you. I was named after the car, not the death of a star.”
“Really? Are your parents gearheads or something?”
“Not after they had me. Dad had to sell it with a second kid on the way. Get something more family friendly, I guess. Could have been worse. I could have been named after a tire, like my brother.”
“I didn’t know you have a brother.”
“Had. He died.”
Her eyes harden a fraction, and though it’s a slight change, I feel the second she tenses up. Of course I’m curious about her life, but I know when to push, and now isn’t the time.
“As I was saying, I’ve booked a suite at the hotel. We’ll go to the gala, get wined and dined. Hell, I’ll even bid on a ring. Chances are they’ll be keeping the items in a separate secured location. If we’re at the right place at the right time, we can swipe the key card and let ourselves in.” I lean over and kiss her shoulder. “Why only grab a few pieces when you could have the whole kit and caboodle?”
Nova looks over at me with humor in her gaze. “You sound like an eighty-seven-year-old grandmother.”
“I don’t know where you come from, but I don’t think my grandmother ever planned a jewel heist.”
“Fair. Okay. How do we keep out of the eyes of the cameras?”
“I’m going to loop security footage after they make the drop but before you lift the key card.”
“Wow. This is a lot more than I was expecting.”
“I know. I’m a genius.”
“And there’s that modesty again.” Her lips purse, but there’s humor dancing in her eyes.
When her stomach lets out a loud rumble, I stand from my seat and hold out a hand. “Come on, let me take you to dinner.”
Nova smiles when she takes my hand and stands. “There’s the wining and dining I expect.” She leans up and kisses me before pulling me toward the door. “Play your cards right, and you might get lucky.”
“Might?”
When Nova looks back at me, her heated gaze sweeps over me. “Definitely.”