Chapter 12
I'm shaking as I return to the suite. I want to believe it's only from fear, but there’s something else too. A wave of overwhelming heat covers me like a blanket, diluting any sense of self-preservation I might have.
In my defense, I wasn’t the only one melting in Seth’s presence. The sales assistant was drooling from behind the shelves. And I don’t blame her. He masters that Mr. Unapproachable vibe so well that it makes it almost impossible not to want to get his attention.
Damn, he makes me feel like a moth drawn to a flame. I know he will burn me, but it’s impossible for me to look away. I just hope I only get first-degree burns and don’t end up in a funeral urn when this is all over.
Nick wasn’t here when I returned. Why am I not surprised?
I can’t wait for all of this to be over so I can get on with my life. I feel like I'm thrown into the lion's pit, barely hanging on to the walls to survive.
As I wait for Nick, I start to get ready for the meeting tonight. Giovanni went to the Tiger’s Eye again to make sure there’s nothing endangering our plan, so we’re only getting started when he returns.
In the meantime, I text my contact to send me the software I need. This guy has never failed me before, and he isn’t starting now. In less than ten minutes, I receive the encrypted file I need to hack into the vault.
My eyes nervously glance at the clock. We're supposed to meet with the guys in just a few hours, and I can feel the seconds that separate me from the moment when my life will change. I want a new beginning. No—I need a new beginning, and now I’m more certainthan ever that I'm gonna get one.
Once again, I go through the stack of my ragged clothes hoping that as soon as I get the job at the vault company, they’ll be filling up the trash bin. But for now, I need something to wear, so I just pick up whatever is on top of the shelf, and throw it on. I'm still waiting for Nick to come and pick me up. I have a feeling I've been waiting for him for too long, and I'm not talking about tonight. Every single damn day I'm waiting for him to come home, and I’m starting to be convinced that he will never return.
I shake the thought away. I need to have a clear mind to be able to do this.
After two coffees, a near panic attack, and seriously hyperventilating, my boyfriend comes in to save the day. Not that he cares about what I'm going through. He's under the impression that my problems are just some womanly fit, so unless I’m foaming at the mouth, he’s not gonna take me seriously. And I guess at this point it's okay. I don’t need his help or his pity. I just need things to be over.
For some reason, Nick seems to be pissed off with me. Probably because he didn’t receive my pussy as a reward the second he returned home. I didn't even ask if he won or not. It doesn't even matter if he wins today, he will probably lose it tomorrow. It’s just a matter of time, or more likely a waste of time and money.
We meet Giovanni, Canelli, and Lawrence in a spare conference room at the hotel. Everything seems to be coming along according to plan, and everyone knows the part they each need to play to make this work. I just pray the odds will be in our favor tomorrow when we go in.
I know exactly what I have to do and hope the rest can follow through and keep up with their part of the deal.
Nothing important is added to the plan. We were just going through the final details to fine-tune things to perfection. Turns out the guys are more skilled than I imagined. Giovanni had already gained access to all the security cameras, while Canelli greased the right supervisors so that no one would bother us. He even got me a genuine key card that grants access to all the main doors.
All I have to do is be ready when the time comes. But I guess I can never be truly ready for something like this. The truth is, I don’t fear the heist as much as I fear what will come after—the uncertainty of my future.
One thing I know—I will be free. With or without Nick.
I think we spent around two hours putting everything together, including the necessary equipment. This time I'm not going in without an earpiece. Not even amateurs use texts like we did last time. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and we needed to improvise. Tomorrow we’ll be prepared.
What I really need to worry about is tonight. For the first time in a long time, Nick has decided to spend the evening with me. I’m just not that sure I wanted this as well. He asked me to go to the apartment and order room service. Maybe the idea would have been appealing to me a few weeks ago. But too much has happened in the meantime, and his final trick to fool me into accepting this deal seems to have put the lid on it.
I still love him, but sometimes love isn’t enough to overcome things. At least, not this kind of love.
I managed to convince him to go out for a nice dinner. Not really out, out, more like at a restaurant inside the hotel. We did have all expenses covered, and to be honest I don’t think we will be left with much money from this heist after Nick pays off his debts.
It doesn’t even matter anymore. All that matters is tomorrow night , when this will all be over.
Dinner was actually nicer than I expected. Maybe it was because we hadn’t really talked in so long, but as the conversation flowed, all tensions seemed to be put aside. For a moment, I felt like we were a normal couple. Maybe it was just my imagination, or maybe it was just what I wanted to believe, but the old Nick was sitting there, having dinner with me. “Babe, do you remember when we went to the sushi place on Fifth Street, and you almost got food poisoning from the Fugu fish? I had to run to the pharmacy.” A large smile appears on Nick’s lips.
“How could I forget? I took so much Benadryl that it made me hallucinate for half a day.”
“And through the night… because that was some night.” I see him snicker, and I know exactly what he's talking about. That was one hell of a night... but so, so long ago. Things are different now. I just can’t explain exactly how.
Dinner was good while it lasted. I even stretched things out and stuck around for dessert. I didn't really want our date to end, but most of all, I didn’t want to return to the suite. I have too many unanswered questions, and until things are settled in our lives, I don’t think it’s right to make a rushed decision.
I can’t go on. At least not where the night is leading. Nick turns on the sound system the second we reach the apartment. It’s his way of charming himself into my panties. He should know better than that. His dick isn’t magic enough to compensate for his behavior lately. And he’s just about to learn it the hard way.
“Wine or tequila?” he asks, probably knowing that I would be easier to convince if I’m under the influence.
I just pretend I don’t know where he’s going with this. “I don’t want to drink, tomorrow is a big day and I want to focus on that. And only on that.” I just hope he got my hint and isn’t going to push for something that isn’t going to happen. “I should go take a shower and then get a decent night’s sleep. And so should you. I don't want to risk anything tomorrow.”
I was expecting him to be angry, or at least have his manly ego bruised, but I never anticipated what he had to say next. “Is this about Seth Malvagio? Are you saying no to me because you’ve got the hots for him?”
I freeze, and it isn’t even because he brought Seth into the equation. It’s because there’s a small chance he is right.
Am I that fucked up?
Sure, Nick bears some blame for my rejection tonight. But there is also a kernel of truth hidden in his statement. Seth also had something to do with this, even if it’s involuntarily.
For some strange reason, my heart is pounding, but I can’t let Nick see that or give him any hint that he might be right. “Are you out of your mind? What could this have to do with Seth Malvagio?”
“I saw you two in that store yesterday. Was he buying you a dress?”
“Yes Nick, he was buying me a dress. Or, better said, I was buying myself a dress out of his money. I can't believe I have to explain this to you. I need a dress for tomorrow night, and I was paying for it with the expense card. That’s how he bought me a dress .”
“Then what was he doing in the store with you?” Nick still isn’t convinced by what I’m saying.
“It’s his store, Nick. How am I supposed to know what he was doing there?”
“You were talking to him. I saw you.”
“Jesus, I can’t believe we’re getting into this. He was threatening me! Is that a good enough answer for you? Thanks to you, I have another monster on my ass. So, we’d better pull this off if you want to still be breathing at the end of tomorrow night.”
“I’ll handle Seth,” Nick seems to be delusional enough to think he’s any match for a man like Seth.
“You can’t handle Seth. You don’t know what you’re talking about. He’ll kill us both before you even get a chance to blink. We just need to get this over with.”
I don't give him a chance to go on before I head into the shower. I'm not in the mood to hear him bragging about the mighty Nick and his powers. I know better than to waste my time listening to that bunch of crap.
In a way, I feel bad for him working himself up out of some jealousy he has on Seth. But not bad enough to sleep with him. We just need to work things out after tomorrow—if we survive tomorrow.
I wish I could say I had a good night's sleep, but Nick’s words kept twisting in my mind. Was I rejecting him only because of him , or did Seth have something to do with it? It's not like there could ever be something between us. Or that I would ever want there to. Being attracted to a man’s looks doesn’t mean you also like his personality. And when it comes to the inside, Seth is pretty much the opposite of what I want in a man. Ruthless. Cold. And all the chances of being a killer.
No thanks.
I don't even know where the day went. It feels like I just got up a second ago and now I’m hopping into the car to go to The Tiger’s Eye Casino.
Try not to panic. This should be my main goal, but it’s almost an impossible task. My temples are burning and my heart is beating so loudly that I’m sure every person in the room will hear it. I just hope they don't have a pulse detector because I'd be screwed.
I plan on mingling between the players, then when the time is right change into the uniform and go straight to the safe. I could have used the staff entrance and come dressed exactly like an employee, but I didn't want to be attending tables all night, or who knows what a supervisor would heve me do.
The place is a little more crowded than the last time I was here. Should have come in handy, but from what I can see they brought in more guards to watch over things.
“Are you nervous?” Nick asks me as we’re heading toward the roulette table. I don’t even know which I'm more nervous about—the actual heist or taking him to the roulette table. Luckily, Seth is covering the expenses tonight. I'm just not sure he won’t kill Nick when he brings him the gambling bill.
“I am numb,” I reply, feeling beyond nervous. I’m in a place where I don’t even know what's happening inside my mind. My focus is 100% on my surroundings as I take in every single detail—the players, the staff, the cameras, the bets placed, and even the amount of alcohol being served. I know these kinds of things also get the guards’ attention, and I plan on taking full advantage of the moment the night hits its peak.
Just when I lose all hope that things could get any better for me, I feel Nick’s arm wrap around my waist, “Baby don't stress. Everything will be okay, you’ll see. We’re going to make this work. We’re going to get through this evening together, and after that, I promise you everything will be alright. We’re going to make us work.”
It’s like he was answering a question I didn't get to ask. He couldn’t know for sure what was going to happen, but his words were calming me, giving me the momentary mental peace I needed so I could focus on the rest of the job.
“I’ve got your back. I promise. I will always be here for you,” he continues, while his lips close in, asking for a kiss.
I don’t know if it’s because of the rush of the moment, the words he said, or just because the idea of us still being a couple after this is over, is still there, but I kiss him back. I kiss him back so deeply that I could imagine it was our first kiss. The passion is there again, maybe even some remnants of the love I had for him. And that's setting me onto a new stormy course.
We need to get things rolling. The bets are flowing and Nick carries us to different game tables. Lawrence is also setting up his act. It's like he's more determined to lose with each new bet he places. Just keeping things moving for the grand finale.
It doesn't take long, and I feel the evening has reached its peak. We can barely find room at the tables and there's that small roar of madness spreading around the place. It's then when Giovanni lets us know everything is set on his part. Canelli also has most of the guards on his payroll, but there are still a few that were too risky to try and bribe, so I still need to watch my back.
I'm not ready. To be honest, I don't think I could ever be, but Lawrence signals me to go and change. His show is about to start and I know the best time to do this is approaching.
I go into the bathroom, do the switch again, dispose of the dress Seth bought me, and put on the attendant uniform and a brunette wig. I don't want anyone from the casino to recognize me.
This time I'm not alone. Nick had his own journey to the men's bathroom, putting on a bodyguard's uniform so he could back me up to the main office. It was a sudden change of plans, but I think it's for the best.
This has to be quick, so in no time, I return to the casino.I can see Lawrence looking at us,making sure that we're set.
“I hope you're ready because the fun is about to begin,” I can hear Giovanni's cheerful tone in my earpiece. Money is coming in, so why wouldn't he be happy?
In the next second, Lawrence's fist hits the gambling table, disturbing all the piles of chips the other players have there. All hell breaks loose, but I don't stay to watch the show. I can only hear him scream about all the money that he'd lost as we leave the main casino and venture through the hallway.
The adrenaline is unmatched. I just pray that Giovanni managed to cut off all the cameras.
We cover more than half the lobby, and everything is clear. For a second I even think we could be safe, but then a humming roar of steps closes in on us. My anxiety is close to making me run all the way back. But I need to go forward. There’s no other way than forward.
It takes just a few seconds before we learn the cause of the roar. An army of bodyguards is running toward us.
We're compromised!
I look at Nick, but he doesn't seem to have any kind of response. He's probably more shocked than I am.
My mind is spiraling, trying to find an explanation or a way out, but before I can do anything, the guards run by us. All except for one who seems to slow down like he wants something from us. It's actually Nick he wants something from. “We have an incident in the casino. A gambler mixed the other players' chips. It's turning into an all out fight.”
I have to give it to Lawrence, his move was brilliant. Still, it managed to take Nick away from me, since he's a guard now, and this is a major inconvenience.
My boyfriend gets lost down the hallway, following the man. I guess I'm on my own, but not exactly alone, since I still have Giovanni somewhere in my ear. “Don't worry, we can do this,” he whispers to give me strength.
Yes, we can do this because there's no other way out. I find my way to the office without any other interference. Let the fun begin.
I already know everything is taken care of—the floor sensor and alarm. Or at least that's what I hope. I've come to have a tentative trust in Giovanni, and I have a feeling that he won't fail me on this one. Still, I take careful steps to the safe, holding my breath until the second I get in front of it.
Things were easy until now, when in fact, nothing about this night was easy at all. It was just perfectly planned.
Time to do my magic.
I pull out a few tools from under my skirt, like the smallest hole driller in the world, and a fine-tuned electronic stethoscope.
I’m saying all the prayers I know as I take out a mold of the fingerprint I took from the glass. I really hope these are Chen's. But there's only one way to find out. I put the mold on the access screen bed, and wait for the three longest seconds of my life. My head is almost spinning, but I finally hear the beeping sound as the screen turns green.
Step one—successfully completed.
Now I have to run the digital password and then crack the mechanical lock.
Giovanni helps me out by wirelessly connecting my phone to the main computer. Now that I'm in, all I need to do is run the programs I got the day before. It should be enough to get me to crack the password.
A loading line appears on the screen of my phone, and I would bet it will take an eternity to fill all the way to the end. My eyes are focused on the door, and every breath I take bears a burden so heavy that it seems it will send me crashing to the floor.
I feel like I'm running out of time, but I know it has only been a couple of minutes because I'm looking at my watch. Finally, I hear another beeping sound, letting me know that step two is clear. The password matched.
Now it's time to really do my thing . It's a six-number combination, and I need to be extra careful. I only have room for two errors before an alarm sounds and alerts everyone.
My last step to freedom.
I place both hands on the safe, drawing my body toward it like I'm embracing an old friend.
Here goes nothing.
I put my stethoscope on and start to spin the dial to get the right combination. I have to stop everything around me and tune my ears to only that clicking sound as the dial rotates through the digits.
My fingers slowly move on the metal wheel, and they find the first lucky number. 67. Clink .
Only five more to go.
My second shot also delivered me with a winning number—29. Clink .
Let's go forward.
The button spins again while my ears are ready to hear the slightest sound. I think it’s 48. I'm not convinced enough though, so I go round again, but just when the dial is about to hit the number, I hear someone sneaking up behind me.
I'm not sure if I should abandon the mission or go on, but I need to check to see who it is.
A disapproving beep echoes from the vault as I see Nick coming into the room. Even the safe doesn't approve of him being here. He managed to distract me, and I’ve just made my first mistake.
I almost curse at him, although I know it wasn’t his fault. He returned to make sure everything was going to plan, so I just shush him and go on with my work. He knows better than to say a word.
It was 48 after all, and it took me just one more second to put the number on the combination board.
Three more to go.
My head is spinning the same way the mechanisms turn inside the vault. And there we go again, bringing in lucky 15 to clear another number in the cipher.
I am trembling as my fingers work on the dial again. I'm almost there when Giovanni cuts in. “You have to hurry. They've taken Lawrence into interrogation, and they're already starting to clear things up in the main casino.”
I don't even have time to respond. Just turn the dial faster until I think I hear something at number 88. I put it in position, but another disapproving clink echoes through the room.
Fuck!
Okay, relax, just two numbers to go with no more room for errors.
I can do this.
I CAN DO THIS!
I focus harder, muting everything around me. Then, like a revelation, 72 comes with an approving clink.
Just one more.
I feel the world is gonna end with the next spin of the button. But I take my chances, and 03 makes me the winner of this game.
The safe opens, and the artifact Seth craves so much is right in front of me.
I don't even get to properly look at it before Nick snatches it, along with all the stacks of money he finds, and throws them in a bag.
“Let's get out of here.” He doesn't wait for me to give him the okay, just leaves the room, cautious about every step he takes so we won't get caught. I follow him through the lobbies, but instead of returning to the casino, we make our way to a back exit.
We are free! We are finally free!