9. Chapter Eight Savannah #2
“We need to go.” Addie looks amazing in a sequined red and black dress. Beside her, Cole nods, looking very fancy in his pressed black suit with a red silk tie.
We discussed the plan earlier, and decided Addie and Cole, Knox and Brighton, and Laurent and I will be entering Voss’s mansion as invited guests.
Although Delaney found the perfect violet dress, Ryder pointed out how dangerous it would be if Voss somehow recognized her.
Especially after reminding her how she stiffed him on the Phantom Orchid he’d hired her to find.
It makes sense, and she reluctantly agreed to stay here and help run the op alongside Ryder.
He’s their tech guy, and will make sure no cams catch us stealing the book.
Linc wears a sleek black shirt and suit, but he won’t be attending the festivities.
Since the man is a huge wall of muscle who invariably draws eyes because of his sheer size, he’s going to wait in the SUV.
Addie mentioned he’s a former MMA fighter and sometimes people still recognize him.
And even though we’ll be wearing masks, the last thing we want or need is any kind of extra attention on us.
If we need his safecracking skills, we’ll sneak him in through a back entrance.
“Let’s do this.” Knox adjusts his bowtie and offers his arm to Brighton, who looks like a sweet confection in all pink.
“Yes, we have to get you back to Hunter safe and sound,” she agrees. Then she slips her other arm through Linc’s, who stands on her opposite side. “And you back to the princess.”
I’ve met Hunter McGrath quite a few times and adore the badass former Navy pilot.
She flew Ryland’s team around and helped them track down a group of bad guys known as The Agency.
But I haven’t yet met Princess Merritt Fontaine, Linc’s wife.
Both women are waiting for us at Linc and Merritt’s home in Cherry Hills Village, conveniently adjacent to Adam Voss’s mansion.
Once we obtain the book, we’re heading straight to their house.
Ryder hands each of us a tiny comms unit to wear in our ear. I’ve never worn a comms before and excitement zings through me. I can’t believe I’m about to infiltrate a private party with a fake invitation and steal my favorite book of all time with a ring of infamous thieves.
Who am I? I can’t help but wonder if Harper did exciting and dangerous stuff like this when she went on the run with Ryland. She told me some stories, but I was always under the impression there was a whole lot more that she didn’t tell.
“All set?” Addie asks. After everyone nods, we head outside and split up.
Addie and Cole slide into her shiny red Mustang, which must be new.
The paint practically gleams. Knox and Brighton slip into her sleek black Porsche, while Laurent and I climb into Linc’s big, black Range Rover.
I motion for him to take the front seat while I get in the back.
A small smile curves my lips when I spot the car seat.
Linc and Merrit have a new baby boy named Tristan, and I’m looking forward to meeting him.
The ride over is pretty quiet, and I’m feeling fairly confident until we roll up to Adam Voss’s enormous mansion. Acting as our chauffeur, Linc stops in front of the wide steps leading into the brightly-lit house. I can see costumed guests inside and my stomach flutters with nerves.
“This is as far as I go,” Linc says, shoving the car into park. “Unless you need me.”
“We might.” Laurent slips his comms in, and I carefully do the same. Then he turns in his seat to look at me. “Put your mask on, chérie.”
Right. Swallowing down my nerves, I lift my mask and carefully tie the silk ribbons, being cautious not to mess up my updo. The elaborately-decorated mask is royal blue like my dress, and peacock feathers line the top portion.
As Laurent gets out, I thank Linc.
“If he gives you any trouble, let me know,” he grumbles.
“I appreciate it, but I’ll be okay. He’s really not that bad.”
The big man just grunts in response as Laurent opens my door. He extends his hand and I place mine in his, allowing him to help me out. The heated look he gives me from behind his black and gold mask makes my heart tumble.
“No one in there is going to be more beautiful than you.” His deep, smooth voice rolls over me like velvet.
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” I murmur dismissively.
“No one,” he emphasizes, tucking my hand in his arm and guiding me up the stairs and into the party.
In the grand foyer, a masked couple accepts guest invites, and Laurent hands ours over.
Ryder made perfect replicas, but I’m holding my breath, waiting to be called out as a fraud.
Instead, the woman smiles and sweeps her hand toward the entrance to the ballroom.
“Welcome to a Midsummer Night’s Dream,” she says.
I can’t help but notice the way her gaze lingers on Laurent.
Honestly, can I blame her? He looks insanely attractive in his black tuxedo.
“That was easy,” I whisper as we join the other guests, stepping into a lavish ballroom. “Oh, wow.”
Talk about going all out. It’s like we just wandered into a magical, wooded wonderland complete with real trees lit by fairy lights and cascading waterfalls strategically placed in the corners.
It’s beyond extravagant, and it’s clear Voss spared no expense fulfilling the night’s theme.
Opulent buffet tables loaded with food line the walls, champagne fountains flow and masked waiters offer every kind of hors d'oeuvre and appetizer imaginable.
Laurent hands me a glass of sparkling bubbly and, as I take it all in, I’m not quite sure how I got here. I’m on the arm of the most dashing thief in Denver, playing dress-up in the most exquisite gown I’ve ever worn, all while on the search for a clue that will lead to a priceless sapphire.
I truly feel like Alice, and I decide I’m going to enjoy this Wonderland fully.
And that includes the insanely good-looking man at my side. Yes, we have a book to hunt down, but don’t I deserve a few stolen moments with the disarming rogue who just leaned down and is now whispering seductive promises in my ear?
Yes, I think I do. Because once my adventure is over, I’m going to wake up back in Coronado, completely alone again.
“You tempt me beyond all reason, ma douce Savannah.”
Tilting my head back, I meet his vivid green eyes and lay a hand against his clean-shaven cheek. “So why don’t you do something about it, Monsieur Laurent?”
His nostrils flare, and then he’s dragging me through the crowd, deeper down the rabbit hole.