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One
NATALIE
EIGHT YEARS AGO
I spottedthe item I needed to steal the second I stepped into the room. To be fair, it would’ve been hard to miss the diamond. It was so huge, I wondered how the woman even held her hand up with the weight of it.
“Rich people,” I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief. The amount of things I could pay off with that ring was insane.
Ducking behind a planter, I waited for a waiter to walk by and then twirled, grabbing a tray off another table and walking into the party like I belonged there. That was the number one rule to conning people.
“If you believe it, people will be more likely to believe it too.”
My daddy had always taught me that, and from an early age, I was pickpocketing wallets, jewelry, keys, and so on. If it was in a pocket, I picked it.
However, taking a ring off a finger and replacing it with a decoy was a whole new level for me.
The thrill of achieving it zinged through me, pumping the blood through my veins as I neared the lady. It was a delicate balance of being invisible and creating a good diversion. Thankfully, I’d been taught by the best since I could walk, and lifting things was as natural as breathing.
Zeroing in on the ring, my plan crystalized in my head, and I took a step, bumping a man close to her. He pitched forward, grabbing onto her arm, his drink spilling.
“Oh dear,” she tittered, looking around for someone to rescue her. Sweeping in, I took the rag, patting her and the man down. While I wiped her hand, I swiped the ring and switched it with my decoy, keeping her focused on me the entire time, the towel covering my movements.
“There you go, ma’am. Let me get you some new refreshments.”
Walking away, I kept my steps slow, not wanting to draw attention. As soon as I cleared the column, I ducked behind it and quickly discarded the tray. Pulling free the bag I’d stuffed there, I took out the glasses and put them on as I shook the blonde wig off. Finger combing my brunette locks, I smoothed down the part of the dress I’d tucked in, putting the server coat in the bag. Lastly, I secured the ring in a locked case, shoving it in the bag. Taking a step over, I pushed the bag with my belongings around the corner, hiding it from view.
Once I was changed and ready, I waited until someone passed, and I stepped out, laughing. “You don’t say?”
The woman looked at me oddly but didn’t make a scene, and I ducked into the bathroom to pass some time. Throwing some water over my face to cool down, I touched up my lipstick, and fixed my hair. Plumping up my boobs, I looked back and forth in the mirror as I waited. My phone pinged a second later, and I pulled it from the clutch.
Dad: How’s it going, sugar?
Me: Good. I should be home in a few days.
Dad: I’m so glad. I’m proud of you, Natalia.
Me: Learned it from the best.
Dad: Have some fun, but come home soon. Your mama misses you.
I sighed, not missing the warning.“Don’t get caught. We’re counting on you.”
I didn’t know why he couldn’t say any of that or that he might miss me, too. My dad was a closed book with his emotions, but he was my dad, and I loved him.
Glancing at my watch, I realized enough time had passed, so I took one more look in the mirror to check my appearance and headed out of the bathroom. Peering both ways, I exhaled in relief when no one was waiting for me. Doubly better, there didn’t appear to be any hubbub going on the main floor over the missing ring.
I just might be able to escape before she noticed. Score!
I’d learned to always give myself an out just in case I couldn’t get away right then, but it seemed like this time, I hadn’t needed it.
Peeking over the balcony, I found the party still going strong, and the woman I’d stolen the ring from carrying on like nothing was different. How she didn’t notice the weight difference amazed me, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Debating if I should leave the bag and come back later like I’d planned or just grab it now, I teetered on my heels as I weighed my odds. Deciding to be done with this job so I could maybe have some fun before I was required to return home, I headed over to the planter. Grabbing my belongings, I tossed it over my shoulder and headed back in the other direction.
Bolting around the corner, I ran into a tall, sturdy man. His arms reached out to grip me, steadying me on my heels. When I looked up, his blue eyes captivated me, and everything inside of me went funny. His chestnut brown hair was short, his jaw clean from stubble, and I found myself wanting to rub his face between my thighs.
“Hi.” I giggled, my face heating as he stared at me.
