Chapter Seventeen Addie
Cole and I spend every waking hour together over the next week, preparing for the gala, reviewing security details and discussing every possible scenario.
We also meet with my crew and then Hans Seung to review what steps are being taken to keep the Phoenix Kiss safe.
I even convince him to allow me to wear the diamond and ruby necklace instead of some random model, assuring him I am more than capable of guarding it.
Of course, we don’t tell him we plan on using it to lure out some thieves, but he doesn’t need to know that part.
Might make him jittery and re-think the entire exhibit.
When we aren’t working, Cole and I christen every single surface in my condo. His imprint, his scent, is everywhere, and I feel surrounded by his essence. It feels good now, but the thought of him leaving after this heist fills me with mixed feelings.
But I can’t think about that now. Instead, I vow to enjoy our limited time together.
It goes by incredibly fast. His full focus is on the upcoming gala, so he hasn’t been to the station.
It’s just been us at my place, all day and night, working together.
The only time we leave is to walk down to the corner café so I can get my vanilla latte and he can have his black coffee and glazed donut.
We order in for lunch and sometimes dinner.
Occasionally, when I have the time, I enjoy cooking, so I made my mom’s lasagna one evening and he declared it was the best he’d ever had.
Of course, he made me promise never to tell his mom that.
It’s amazing how well I get to know him in just seven days.
And how well we work together. Flawlessly, in fact.
His weaknesses are my strengths and vice versa.
I’m actually surprised by how seamlessly we get along when we put our resources together and stop fighting.
It makes me wonder what it would be like if he worked at A-Squared and we could do this every day together.
I have a good feeling it would elevate our relationship and the business in every way possible.
Of course, he’d never leave the Denver PD.
Would he? I find myself wondering again and again.
The night of the museum gala comes far too fast, but I feel confident in our ability to pull our plan off. We’ve meticulously covered every angle and potential outcome. My team will be in place and have my back while keeping eyes out for Nyx, Diamond and Warrant.
I spend far too long getting ready. My eyes are a smoky black, dusted with fine silver sparkles that fall onto my cheeks.
The dress I’m wearing is one of my favorites.
It’s black and threaded with silver, with spaghetti straps that allow me to move my arms easily and uninhibited by too much fabric.
It’s also far too short, which is why I absolutely love it—it shows off my long, toned legs.
After slipping on a pair of designer sky-high silver heels, I shake my long, wavy hair out and do a slow turn in front of the mirror.
“You’re a knockout,” a low, deep voice rumbles.
My eyes meet Cole’s in the mirror’s reflection. “Thank you.”
I turn around, sashay over to him and smooth my palms down his suit lapels. I don’t know when it happened, but I’ve come to adore his rumpled charm. Tonight, however, he looks like he should be strutting down a catwalk. “And you’re wrinkle-free and looking handsome as ever.”
“Are you ready?” he asks, searching my face.
“I was born ready,” I assure him with a saucy smile. “I’m just hoping someone will take the bait tonight.”
“They will,” he murmurs, lightly trailing a finger down my bare arm.
His touch sends an electrical current through my body, and I take an unsteady step back. I don’t understand this insane chemistry between us, but it has a tendency to catch me off guard.
“Don’t you dare muss me up, Cole Giovanni,” I scold. “Save it for afterwards. When we’re celebrating.”
He merely nods, not looking very happy. I think we both know we’ve reached the end of our little partnership. There won’t be a party between the sheets tonight. He’s going to arrest his criminal and spend the night at the station.
The idea of this being it, of us going our separate ways, leaves a sour taste in my mouth. But what am I supposed to do?
“We have a job to do,” I say, pushing my shoulders back.
“Right,” he agrees, his hands clenching into fists. When I turn around to head downstairs, he grabs my arm, spinning me back around, and hauls me up against his firm body. “One last kiss,” he murmurs, voice husky. “For luck.”
Our mouths meld, the kiss deep and sensual. It’s like we’re both searching for a reason to stay together after this is all over, but sadly, we know it can’t happen.
Unless it can.
Am I crazy for wanting more with a man whose goal was to lock me up and throw away the key? In such a short time, things have changed dramatically between us. And in my heart, I know I’m falling for my detective.
As much as I don’t want to face my feelings, how can I not?
Cole is the only man who’s been able to give me butterflies, challenging me and fulfilling me like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
Sure, he has the power to drive me crazy, but he also uses that power for good.
Like when he’s kind and considerate, a gentleman who opens doors, pulls out chairs, empties the dishwasher and always remembers to put the toilet seat down.
Who kisses me softly on my forehead after he thinks I’ve fallen asleep.
A man who loves his mother so much, he practically glows when he speaks about her.
And even though he pretends not to be, I love that my detective is a mama’s boy.
I break away from him, fighting my feelings and failing miserably. “Damn you for making me want more,” I whisper roughly and shove a hand against his chest.
My move, and words, catch him off guard, because he just blinks.
“Addie—”
“No.” I raise my hand, stopping him from saying more. “Just pretend I never said that. Let’s focus on the mission.” But I look up at him through my lashes, adding in the softest voice laced in hope, “And if you want more, too, you know where to find me after this is all over.”
A strange look passes over his face, and I can’t quite figure it out. Then his expression turns all business and he nods, glancing down at his watch. “We need to leave.”
I put my I-can-conquer-the-world mask into place and say breezily, “Let’s go.” Then I grab my beaded evening bag and don’t look back.
Because looking back? That tends to hurt.
It’s time to go our separate ways. I slip into my rental Mercedes, and a police escort follows me over to the Denver Art Museum. It’s smartest for Cole to drive separately. No one can know what we’re planning, or that we’ve been working together. It’s why we’ve laid low and barely left my condo.
I’m sure my wearing the Phoenix Kiss will send any potential thieves into an outraged tizzy. They’ll think I’ve one-upped them. Have every intention of trying to steal it. It’ll be highly entertaining to see the looks on their faces when I waltz into that exhibit with the prize adorning my neck.
I believe it will also cause them to act fast, possibly foolishly, and make a careless mistake. I’m counting on it actually. They know my crew and I are good, which means they’ll have their work cut out for them.
On the ride over, I can’t stop thinking about stupid Cole.
Because he isn’t just Vaughn, annoying Denver PD Dick any longer.
He’s a very passionate man, whether he’s working the case or fucking me into oblivion, and he’s so damn intelligent.
Just sitting beside him on the couch, sipping my vanilla latte as we talked, made me incredibly, stupidly happy.
We have so much more in common than I ever thought possible, and I love how safe he makes me feel. He eases my burden, allowing me to be independent, but at the same time, he takes care of me. It’s a beautiful contradiction—just like the man himself.
Halfway to the museum, I call Brighton. I desperately need a woman’s opinion, and she knows me so well.
“Hey, Addie,” she answers. “Where are you? Did I miss your entrance? I was just talking to the Prince of Bhutan, and he wants to fly me to his country and create a statue in my likeness to place in his gardens.” She giggles. “I may have gotten a little distracted for a second, but—”
“I’m not calling about the heist,” I interrupt. “I’m calling because I think I’ve lost my mind and I need you to talk some sense into me.”
“Okaaay. Hang on. Let me go somewhere quieter.” I hear her move away from the chatter of guests. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve been sleeping with Cole and I think…” My hands tighten around the steering wheel. “Oh, shit, B, I know I’m falling for him.”
What I can only assume is stunned silence fills the car.
“B? Talk me off this fucking ledge, please,” I beg.
“Do you want the truth?” she asks carefully.
“Yes, that’s why I called you.” Brighton never bullshits—unless of course, she’s sweet-talking a mark. But I need her special brand of honest advice right now more than anything.
“I’m not surprised in the least, and I love the idea of you two together.”
Now I can’t find the words. “Really?” I manage to splutter, hitting my blinker and turning into the museum’s parking lot.
“Truly.”
“How can you not be surprised? I certainly was.”
“I’ve seen the way you two act when you’re together. I just wasn’t sure if you’d end up having sex or killing each other. I’m glad it’s the former. How is the broody detective in the sack, anyway? I’m dying of curiosity.”
“He destroys me in the best possible way,” I tell her, unable to not gush. “But it’s more than that. We’re opposites, but at the same time, so similar it’s scary. He makes me happy and feel complete in a way I’ve never experienced before. And now I don’t know what the hell to do.”
I pull into a parking spot and press my head against the steering wheel. “Why me?” I groan.
“Are you in lust or in love?” she asks.
“I don’t know,” I whisper, feeling raw and exposed and so damn confused.
“You need to figure that out, Addie. Then everything will work itself out.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I know these things. And you know what else I know? Detective Vaughn has been chasing you all year and, let’s face it, he’s been overly ardent in his pursual.
My guess is he’s hot for his thief. But if this goes deeper for you two, don’t let it slip away.
You’ll regret it for the rest of your life. ”
As her words sink in, I know she’s right. Letting Cole go feels all sorts of wrong. We need to sit down and talk. Decide what we want and if—how we can make it work. “You’re very wise, B.”
“I know,” she replies airily. “Now go put that multi-million dollar necklace on and let’s lure some thieves out to play.”
“Copy. See you inside.”
“See ya!”
After hanging up, my hopes soar. Brighton is right, and I don’t want to live with thoughts of what could’ve been.
Once tonight is over, I’m cornering Cole and we’re going to figure this all out.
And if it goes like I think it might, he’s going to want to be with me just as much as I want to be with him.
I check my makeup, take a deep breath then get out of the car. After smoothing my short dress down, I tuck my evening bag under my arm, walk over to the museum’s main entrance and start up the stairs.
The place is all lit up and a large banner hangs above the entryway touting the Phoenix Kiss display.
After handing my invitation to the woman at the door, I step inside.
The place is packed, and guests mingle and drink champagne.
I make my way through the crowd, taking in every detail, and searching for my team as I discreetly place my earpiece in and say, “Comms check.”
They all respond back, reporting their position. It doesn’t take me long to spot Knox and Brighton chatting up and charming some guests, while Linc stands beside a large sculpture, arms crossed, acting as security. Ryder is out of sight in an office, eyes on the building’s cameras.
“Does anyone have eyes on Warrant, Nyx or Diamond?” I ask, walking over to the empty display case where the Phoenix Kiss will reside for the next two weeks for the general public to admire it.
“Warrant is dressed as a server and no sign yet of Diamond,” Ryder reports. “Nyx is making his way to you as we speak.”
I turn just as Simon Nyx strolls up to me. He’s a tall, attractive man with blond hair, wearing a tuxedo that fits him to perfection. But his piercing brown eyes are cold and he doesn’t look very happy to see me.
“Hello, Simon. Working tonight?”
“I’m just here to enjoy the exhibit like everyone else,” he says smoothly.
“I’m sure.” I step around him, feeling cornered and not liking it one bit. I’ve never liked his ice-cold vibes, and I know he can be a ruthless sonofabitch. “If you’ll excuse me.”
I’m about to hurry off when he grabs my arm, fingers tightening until it hurts. “Back off, Addison. The Phoenix Kiss is mine,” he hisses.
“Let go of me or I’ll scream,” I threaten, and he instantly releases his steel hold.
Clearing his throat, he takes a step back and sends me a disarming smile that only leaves me chilled. “Mine,” he repeats in a low voice.
“May the best woman win,” I murmur and dart away before he can say another word.
Arrogant creep. He thinks he’s a player in this game, but little does he know I’m holding all the best cards. Making my way over to the well-guarded room where Cole, Hans Seung and his priceless necklace await, I hope like hell we can bring Simon Nyx down tonight.
Whatever happens after I put that necklace on is anyone’s guess. Because thieves? Well, we aren’t known for being the most predictable group. No, we’re wily and cunning and will do just about anything to steal the shiny prize.