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I close the door softly behind me and read the directions from the text on my phone. I don’t dare turn an overhead light on to alert anyone to my presence.
Bookcases line the walls that aren’t glass and a large wooden desk with what looks like pirate ships carved into the front serves as the room’s focal point.
“Holy crap. What an office.” It is so unlike the light colors of the rest of the house, and it feels as if I’ve stepped into another time and place. My heels sink into the plush carpet as I move across the room.
The massive desk faces the door and behind it are blackout curtains that keep the room cool and block the glare during the daytime. I draw back one of them slightly to get my bearings. The pool is right below with little candles floating across the surface. Some local musicians are setting up in one corner. The clink of dishware and party chatter drifts up even though the windows are closed.
I turn back to the desk to find the third drawer is unlocked but squeaks when I slide it open.
I’m constantly looking between the door and what I am doing. “Fuck you, Conner, for putting me in this position.” Fear has my heart beating against my chest. The island humidity probably makes the wood swell, but I wait a few seconds to be discovered.
When no thundering footsteps or cries of “thief!” as authorities burst into the room arrive, I chide myself for being so jumpy. I am so out of practice. “Didn’t I swear I’d never do this again?” There’s no way I can walk away now, but deep down I wish I could.
I slide my hand into the blackened deep drawer and nearly sigh with relief. My fingers brush the velvet pouch.
Score!
I palm the bag, check the sparkly contents quickly by my phone’s light, before dropping the entire bag into my purse. I buckle the clasp and don’t dare take a minute I wish I had to gather my thoughts. My heart is pounding so fast I can hear the rush of blood in my ears.
This is to protect Lila, I remind myself. Keeping her safe from my past mistakes is all that matters.
“Peyton, what are you doing?” Jude’s silhouette is in the doorway. The sound of his deep voice rips a startled cry from me.
Holy fuck!
I jump, giving an undignified squeal. Did I not lock the door behind me? I can’t see Jude’s face as he is backlit by the hall, but I know he is pissed off all the same. He radiates displeasure so profoundly I can feel it a full room away.
“I didn’t hear you.” If my heart was thundering before, it’s racing like I’ve run a marathon now. So I blame that for such a lame thing to say when I should have gone with something like, ‘looking for a room I can jump your bones in’.
“Peyton. I asked you what you were doing.”
I take a deep breath. “I was looking for a place to watch the fireworks,” I lie. Instinct has me looking for a secondary escape route.
He closes the door behind him before stalking closer to me. I am already behind the desk with the window at my back. I don’t have much room to maneuver. I shine my phone’s light on him.
“I thought you were rehearsing.” My voice sounds falsely chipper even to my ears.
“I’m pretty sure I can coverHappy Birthdaywithout much practice.” He rubs his lower lip with his thumb, studying me. Even in the faint light, I can appreciate the way his biceps bulge with the casual movement.
I haven’t fooled him in the least — double damn.
“Are you meeting someone up here? In the dark?” he asks.
I swallow, feeling a little itch in my throat. “Not unless you count yourself.”
Dammit to hell, even to my ears I sound guilty. Not to brag, but I used to be pretty good at telling lies. Maybe it is because people thought I looked so damn innocent.
Jude sighs.
None of that does me any good now because I am bombing at lying to Jude.
Moonlight spills through the window to highlight a wicked glint slanting across his expression. I’m confused by the smile on his lips. “Take a seat, Peyton, and spread your legs. ”
My heart skips a beat. “What?” Not that I mind the change of topic. I love hearing those words but someplace else and not when I have a jacked million-dollar piece of jewelry in my purse.
My brows arch. “This isn’t really the place for a licking, Jude.” My nervous giggle makes me cringe. “There’s a house full of people downstairs. What if I scream?”
Jude advances on me, pressing me back against the desk, caging me in place.
