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“For another time,” Elliot tells her. “Not today.”
She stares at the hook for a couple seconds before she continues to take in the rest of the room. “I don’t have enough books to fill those shelves.”
“Maria wants to take you on a shopping spree when you’re ready to meet her,” I say. “No pressure, though. She’s fine with waiting, although she’s super excited.”
Watching Wren’s eyes light up fills my heart to the brim. I never want to stop working to put that look on her face. “I’d like that. Maybe once we get the boys away from Ludo. You know, once things have calmed down.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Wren runs her hand over her new comforter. “I’m still gonna be able to sleep with you guys, right? And you guys with me?”
“Of course, you dork,” I say. “There’s no way I’m going more than a couple nights without falling asleep next to you.”
As a smile blooms on her face, Rhett sits next to us on the bed. He’s barely said a word, probably waiting to make sure Wren really likes it in here. He never admitted it, but he was nervous we’d decorated it all wrong. “You’re happy with it in here? With the colors? With the layout?”
“It’s perfect,” she tells him, leaning over for a kiss. “I couldn’t’ve wished for something better. Although . . .” She surveys the room. “What about the stuff at my apartment?”
“We’ll make room for anything you want to keep,” Rhett says. “Either in here or throughout the house. You don’t have to fully move in, not if you don’t feel like you’re ready. Take as much time as you need.”
“Thank you,” she whispers before kissing him again. This time, it’s much more deeply.
My hand rests on her side, and I squeeze lightly. “We’ll do anything for you, princess.”
Chapter fourteen
Wren
Thedayofthewedding sneaks up on me. I’ve been so focused on preparing that the days all blur together into one. Finn made me promise to practice with the safe every day, and I have. My lying skills aren’t perfect, especially since I’ve only practiced in a controlled environment, but the guys seem happy with my progress.
As far as training with Rhett, I’ve gotten way better at a couple takedowns, and we focused on a few jab-punch and jab-kick combinations until I could do them in my sleep.
I’m as ready as I’m going to get, yet I’m a ball of nerves. All I’ve done for the past two weeks is eat, sleep, and breathe this heist. I’ve ignored quite a few annoyed texts from my mom, officially told my boss I quit, and studied the blueprints of Ludo’s home until my eyes refused to focus.
Now, I’m sitting in the front seat of Elliot’s SUV as he drives me to Ludo’s mansion. The bridesmaids are all supposed to arrive before lunch, and then we have a long day of getting ready, taking pictures, and making sure today goes perfectly.
“Everything’s in place?” I ask for what feels like the hundredth time this week.
“Everything’s in place,” Elliot replies. His hand is already resting on my thigh, so he squeezes reassuringly.
After I practiced enough with the safe, we gave the cracking device to Aubrey. She was able to sneak it into the mansion without a problem. It’ll be waiting for me in her bedroom, already inside her spare makeup bag. The key to get into Ludo’s billiard room will be in there, too.
I trace my finger along the rose tattoo on the back of Elliot’s hand. His anxiety seems to have lessened. I know Oliver had a conversation with him because he had one with me, too, in which he promised not to go off on his own anymore.
“You’ll be okay,” Elliot says softly as we pull up to the mansion. “You’re ready.”
By the time he’s parked the SUV in the driveway, my palms are sweating. I’m terrified that Ludo will take one look at me and know everything I’m planning on doing tonight. The conversation Oliver overheard is the only thing keeping me from losing it.
“He doesn’t think I’m a threat,” I whisper to myself.
“He doesn’t,” Elliot says, but there’s a slight waver in his voice. “He has no reason to suspect us or you.”
“You’re sure?”
After unbuckling his seatbelt, he leans over the console and rests his forehead against mine. “I won’t lie and tell you I’m not worried, love. But Ludo said himself that he doesn’t think you’re a threat. That’s what I’m choosing to focus on.” His lips brush against mine before he squeezes his eyes shut. “It’s the only way I can get through this.”
I cup his cheek, wishing I had the courage or the right words to reassure him. All I have is a simple, “I’ll do my best, Ell.”
“I know,” he murmurs before he pulls back. “I’ll walk you in.”
