Thief Read online

  It’s actually something I’ve never done. Twenty-two and I’ve never even seen the inside of a club. I have a feeling it won’t really be my thing, but I’m excited to do it anyways. Just to see. Stepping out of my normal routine and opening myself up to the possibility of new things.

  I slip my key into the lock and enter the bank. I enter the codes to deactivate the alarms and get started on opening. Harper joins me about ten minutes later with a happy smile plastered across her face.

  “Isn’t he hot?” She wiggles her eyebrows before she starts freshening up her lipstick. The first round, I’m guessing, she left behind on Nick.

  “He’s cute.” I bite the inside of my cheek. Cute. I can’t imagine anyone in their life called that Nick guy cute.

  Harper laughs at my choice of words, and I can’t help but join her.

  “He’s coming with us tonight. Maybe he’ll bring a friend for you.”

  “I’m not—”

  “Come on. Don’t be such a prude,” she shouts back, cutting off my words.

  “I can find a guy on my own.” Maybe. I keep the last word to myself.

  “I’ve never seen you with a guy, like, ever. Do you even date?” She eyes me up and down before her blue eyes get big. “Are you a fucking virgin?”

  “Hush!” I snap, my face turning red once again.

  “Calm down! It’s just us right now. No one’s even here yet.”

  Still, I feel embarrassed about the fact that I’m still a virgin at my age. Life’s been busy, and dating and men just haven’t been on my radar.

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure we can find someone to pop that thing.” She says it like I’m some kind of charity case.

  Great. The prospect of tonight just keeps getting better and better.

  Chapter 4

  Sean

  I wait around the corner, parked in my Chevelle, watching as Nick pulls out of the bank parking lot. He sees me in the shadows and raises his chin in an indication to follow him. I put the car in drive and follow him a few blocks up before he pulls over. As soon as my wheels stop, I’m out of the car and at his door.

  He’s standing when I reach him, and I shove him against his Eurotrash Audi.

  “Mind telling me what the fuck that was about?” I push his shoulder, and he falls back against his car, raising his hands up.

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy, Sparrow. I thought we were on the same team. No need to get your panties in a wad.” He’s got a stupid grin on his face, like he has no clue why I’m mad. He knows I was watching him earlier, and that’s why he loosened his grip on Tessa.

  It takes everything in me to keep from beating the shit out of this asshole. “I thought Heavy said she was my target.” I need to play it cool, but after seeing him put his hands on my sweet angel, I’m holding on by a thin thread. No part of him should ever touch her. I hated that they were even close enough to breathe the same air. Too much darkness is seeping in on her, and I feel like I’m losing control. This isn't how this was supposed to go. “You trying to fuck that up by scaring off the mark? You saw how she reacted to you,” I press, wanting him to stay the fuck away from her.

  “Calm down. I wasn’t scaring anyone. For your information, I’ve seen her roommate Harper down at Coco’s a few times. She’s been trying to climb my dick for a while, so I let her. Clingy bitch, though. I had to let her suck me off before I left the parking lot.” He reaches down, rubbing his crotch, and I make a mental note to leave some STD brochures where Harper can find them. “When I found out who she was living with, I thought we could kill two birds with one stone.”

  He gives me a cocky smile, like he’s somehow coming in to save the day instead of fucking everything up. And I sure as fuck don’t believe in his little coincidence. “You’re close to screwing us all on this deal, not just the blonde. Do us all a fucking favor and stick to your side of the plan, while I stick to mine. Stay clear of Tessa. She’s not your concern.”

  He adjusts his shirt and goes to open his car door. “You’re right, Sparrow, I think we should all stick to what we’re good at. You do your thing with the fat chick, and I’ll take care of the roommate. I don’t mind getting some easy pussy while I wait out these last few days.”

  He gets into his car, but before I can walk away, he rolls his window down.

  “Just remember, Sparrow. You’re not the only one who likes to watch.” With that, he pulls away from the curb, leaving me standing there in the street.

  Clenching my fists, I stomp back to my car and get behind the wheel. I punch the steering wheel and try to get out some of my frustrations, attempting to calm my rage at seeing Nick with Tessa.

  Putting the Chevelle in gear, I take off. I need to drive and clear my head before I go and see Tessa. I’m getting in too deep with this shit, and I need some space.

  Taking a right, I drive a few blocks up to Sal’s. Pulling in at the back of the building, I park and go in the back alley entrance. The place is dark, and nobody is here yet because it’s before noon.

  I walk down the hallway and make my way to the bar. Sal is standing there with his back to me, removing the upside down barstools from the bar top and setting them down.

  He’s a big bastard at almost seven feet with dark black skin and even darker eyes. He doesn’t turn around when I approach, but nothing ever takes him by surprise.

  “Didn’t think my bird would come see me so soon today.” His words are thick with his Cajun accent, a remnant of his Louisiana upbringing.

  “I needed to clear my head.”

  He turns around at my voice, opening his big arms and taking me in for a hug. He’s like a father to me, and though I don’t get to see him like I should, he always welcomes me home.

  Letting me go, he moves over to one of the stools, taking a seat and patting the other one for me to join him. “Who is she?”

  His smile is infectious, and it’s enough to shake off my dark mood. I smile right along with him and take the seat next to him.

  “She’s my Tessa.”

  “Does she know it yet?” He raises an eyebrow, and I’m always amazed at what he sees. He knows things before I say them, and he makes me feel like he can read minds.

  “Not yet. But there are some complications.”

  “There always are. You need help?”

  I nod my head a little and tell him what’s going on. I tell him about the job and what’s going to happen afterwards, knowing that I’ll need his help when it comes time to leave. After I’ve finished telling him everything, he gets up and squeezes my shoulder as he walks away.

  Saying goodbye won’t be easy.

  * * *

  Looking down at my phone, I see the tracker hasn’t moved, still showing Tessa at work. I put my car in gear and make my way back to her bank, feeling a little calmer now. My plans may not be what I had wanted them to be, but they will work. They have to. It’s far too late to pull back now that Heavy has locked on to the bank, then on to Tessa. There’s no going back, and I will do anything to make sure nothing blows back on her.

  It’s before lunchtime but a little while after they’ve opened, so it shouldn’t be too crowded. I got the tracker in Tessa’s phone after the first time I followed her. I got the call about doing the job, and I started checking out the bank right away. When I saw her at the teller line, I stopped in my tracks and got out of there as fast as I could without drawing attention. She captivated me right away, and I didn’t know what to do. I’d never had a reaction to anyone like that before. I felt my heart pounding and need ran through me. It was unexplainable, and I didn't even try to fight it. It was like I was looking for something and didn't even know it until it was right in front of me.

  Waiting for her after work that first time was pure hell. I counted the seconds until she left, and then I was careful to hang back as she got on the train. I rode it with her all the way to her apartment, getting off at the same time as her. She was completely oblivious the whole time I stalked her back to her home, and I w
atched as she went up to her apartment.

  That first time I waited until the middle of the night and snuck up the fire escape—like I’ve been doing every night since then—but that night I opened the window in the living room and went inside. I placed the tracker on her phone and made myself leave before I did anything stupid. Like stand over her bed and watch her sleep.

  Tessa works at Trust Bank, which is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It’s not very big, but it just so happens to have contracts with the city and takes in close to a million dollars in cash each day from the surrounding municipalities. What makes Monday so special is that it’s their monthly reserve shipment, when they empty the vault of their normal shipment, plus any excess funds the branch deems unnecessary. Armored trucks will show up Monday afternoon to take it to the Federal Reserve, leaving them with a limited amount of cash until the next day’s deposits are made.

  This equates to about fifteen million dollars bagged up and ready for processing bright and early Monday morning. It’s nothing to shake a stick at, but by the time Heavy takes his cut and divides what’s left between his people, I’ll only be looking at one or two million. That’s not worth a life sentence in a Federal prison.

  No, what I’m walking out of that bank with will set me up for life. I’ve already got a nice little nest egg going, but I want to do this last job and get out. And the man who hired me for this job is willing to pay any price for what’s inside that box.

  After I park my car, I get out and walk inside. I don’t have a bank account here, but from what I know about my Tessa, she’s a sucker for someone in need. Her big heart can’t seem to help itself—one of the things I love about her.

  I walk up to the teller line and wait behind a couple of people. Looking around, I see Tessa on the end, smiling shyly at a male customer she’s helping.

  Suddenly, I find myself angry that she’s giving her smiles to someone else. It’s insane because she doesn’t know who I am, but her smiles are mine. I don’t want those precious glances directed at anyone but me.

  I clench my fists and try to control myself as I take a step forward, waiting for my turn. Looking down the teller line, I see there are four more people besides my Tessa working up front, all of whom I’ve researched and know almost everything about.

  “I can help you right here, sir.” I look over to see Harper smiling brightly at me, raising her eyebrows in invitation. I’m sure to anyone else she looks friendly, but I see the way she’s leering at me. I don’t want any part of it.

  “No, thanks. I’m waiting on her.” I point down to Tessa, who’s finishing up with a customer.

  Harper looks at Tessa, and her eyes bug out like she can’t believe who I’m talking about. Turning back to me, she flashes her fake smile and tries again. “Are you sure, honey? I’d be more than happy to take care of you.”

  This time she leans down a little, showing me some of her cleavage, and I find it hard not to laugh. Instead I just shake my head and watch Tessa as I wait.

  I can see she overheard our conversation as her cheeks turn a beautiful shade of pink. She’s embarrassed by my wanting her, but I can’t imagine why. Her body is thick and curvy and made to take a man in every way. I’d roll over if she showed me her cleavage.

  The woman behind me in line steps around me to go to Harper. Much to Harper’s dismay.

  Finally, Tessa’s customer is finished and walks away. Taking a step forward, I’m ready to finally talk to my angel.

  Chapter 5

  Sean

  “May I help you, sir?”

  In those five words, I’m gone. She’s not even looking at me with those liquid gold eyes, and I’m already under her spell. She fidgets with a piece of paper, looking anywhere but at me, her creamy pale cheeks burning with shyness, making the light freckles on her cheeks and nose stand out even more. I never knew freckles could turn a man on but hers do.

  My cock is harder than it’s ever been in my life, and I haven’t even touched her. I want to throw myself across the counter and bury my face in her neck while I rub my body against hers. It’s some kind of animal instinct inside me that needs to get inside her body and make her mine.

  “Yes, I saw you were the teller supervisor, so I thought maybe I should come directly to you, Tessa.” I indicate to her name and title on the nameplate sitting next to her.

  Her eyes slide up to mine, and she nods her head slightly. If she doesn't feel this intense pull between us, I don’t know what I’ll do. I assume everyone within a ten-mile radius is getting the heat from this sexual tension.

  I lick my lips a little, and her eyes go to my mouth, watching my tongue come out and run along the edge of my teeth. I want her to see my tongue and think about it between her thighs, licking her cunt and fucking her with it. I want her pussy to dampen right now because of what she sees me doing, because I want her needy and wet when she’s around me. Just like I’m hard as a goddamn steel rod right now.

  “I’d like some information about opening a safety deposit box and wanted to know if you could show me what you have to offer.”

  I feel my teeth biting down on my bottom lip, thinking about just exactly what she could offer me. My eyes trail down her delicate neck, down to her big tits straining against her dress. She’s not showing much cleavage—she always dresses appropriately for work. I like that about her. That I’m the only one who will get to see her body. That it’s for my eyes only. That she keeps it tucked away just for me. But her body can’t be denied, and her sexy curves are still coming through.

  “Yes, sir, I can help you with that, Mr.…?”

  “Sparrow. Sean Sparrow. Please call me Sean.”

  She smiles shyly at me as she clicks on her computer to pull up some information. I can see her cheeks continue to burn as she tries to sneak glances at me.

  “I’m looking for a new bank as well. Perhaps you can give me some information on that, too.”

  “I’d be happy to.” She hands me a pamphlet and goes over the safety deposit box information.

  She’s very thorough and professional, but I couldn’t tell you a single word she said. I’m completely entranced by her mouth and the fact that she’s giving me her undivided attention. I’m a selfish asshole who wants her focus to only be on me, and I’m not apologizing for it. Her body moves as she talks and she makes hand gestures to punctuate her speech. It makes me smile as I think about tying her hands to my headboard and making her beg me to fuck her. I’d sink deep inside her sweet cunt, giving her what she wants and taking all her pleasure for myself. Mine alone.

  “So what do you think?” Tessa says, blinking up at me.

  “Absolutely,” I agree, having no idea what she said. But I’ll do it. Whatever she asked.

  “Great. Let me show you to our vault, so you can pick the size you want and possibly determine the location from what we have available.”

  I blink a couple of times, completely captivated by her golden eyes as I try to come back to reality.

  I watch as Tessa takes her keys for the vault and walks to the end of the teller line. I walk in the same direction she’s headed, not wanting to separate us. I want her as close to me as possible at all times.

  She comes out from behind the little door and looks down at her feet as she walks past me across the lobby to the vault. I stand close to her as she fiddles with her keys, trying to find the right one to open the gate.

  “It’s always the one you least suspect,” I whisper, leaning in even closer to her. I see a shiver roll down her spine as chill bumps break out across her neck. She’s affected by me, and I want to take advantage of it. “The keys, I mean. It’s never the one you think it’s going to be.” My voice is deep and laced with all the dirty fantasies playing out in my head.

  She looks over her shoulder at me, her eyes locking with mine. I can almost hear her heartbeat as she looks at me, the sexual tension between us thick like caramel. So sweet and sticky, and what I’m willing to bet the inside of her pant
ies would taste like right now.

  Licking her lips, she leans in a little to me, and I want nothing more than to take her right here, right now.

  “Tessa, you need some help?” Harper’s shrill voice echoes through the lobby, breaking the spell. Tessa blinks and takes a step back.

  I watch as she grabs the right key, opens the door, and walks through. I follow behind her, entering the first part of the vault as she closes and locks the gate behind us.

  This vault has a room for customers to walk in and access their safety deposit boxes, then another room beyond this one which holds all the cash. That room is accessed by another key, and then the cash is locked in smaller vaults that require key and combinations. The inner vault isn’t my concern. Just getting into this room is.

  She walks over to a drawer and removes another set of keys. These are to help open the safety deposit boxes. Theoretically, if you’re an average everyday customer, you have your own personal key to your box, and the bank has another one to help you open it. So when you need to access your box, not only do you need your key, but you need theirs, too.

  The reason my client can’t access this box is because he isn’t allowed back in the country, and the box is registered to a woman. He doesn’t trust this job to anyone but me, and I’d have a hard time passing as anything close to a female.

  “Okay, here we are.” Tessa indicates around the room, showing me the boxes. “What size?”

  “Big.”

  Her cheeks flush again, and I can’t help my wicked grin.

  She turns, giving me her back as she fiddles with the keys again. I step closer to her until we are only inches apart.

  “How big?” she whispers, not looking up and not turning around.

  “Very big,” I say, my breath against her gorgeous auburn locks. “I’m sure you have something that can hold me, though. Right?”

  She nods her head just slightly, and I can hear the hitch in her breath.