Page 48 of The Twilight Theft

“I went into the jewelry store, but their security would be too tight without more prep time.” I sniffled, pointing at the shops five stories below us. “But the antique store wouldn’t be. They have some small items they’d never notice were missing.”

“I meant, what happened with Drew?”

“I went to see Tanner.”

“Yeah, you told me.”

“Why did you tell Drew? How did that come up in conversation?”

“It didn’t. I told—” He sighed. “I told Scarlett and he must have overheard.”

“He’s so happy, Emmett.” I dragged the back of my hand over my eyes, the skin already raw. “His wife was amazing and he met the President and he’s got twin girls he coaches in gymnastics. His life is perfect. The accident didn’t stop him. Not for good.”

He lost a leg and his Olympic dream, but he had the biggest things I lacked. Love. Family.

“Tanner, you mean?”

“Of course, Tanner.”

“I thought I was here to listen to you complain about Drew kissing you.”

“Oh my god, Emmett, I liked it.” I could still feel Drew’s lips. Could still taste the wine on his tongue, mixed with the savory sauce he’d prepared. The salt on his skin. “I liked it a lot.”

“So you stole a chocolate bar?”

“I didn’t know what else to do.” I dropped my face into my hands, unable to clear my brain of the smattering of hair across his pecs. Or the faint trail leading from his chiseled abs to his waistband. And his hands, so strong, pulling me to him like I was the greatest need he’d ever had.

Emmett chuckled softly. “Normally, the answer is to kiss them back.”

“My hands have been clean for five years.”

“And so’s your bed?”

“Sex just went with the stealing. I was afraid one would lead to the other and…” After my life fell apart, shoplifting small things gave me the rush I was missing. For a few minutes, at least. Then I moved on to bigger items and bigger thrills. To men who couldn’t fill the place in my heart that Tanner once had. “He asked what I craved from a lover.”

Emmett made a noncommittal noise.

“I mean, who says that?”

“A considerate lover?”

“Doyousay that? As more than a pickup line?” Not as if Drew had to pick me up. I was already there and more than willing. “Crave? Lover? Not one-night stand or—”

“How about we talk about that chocolate bar again?”

“But then…” My stomach twisted tighter, and I choked out, “He said all he wanted was to get me out of his system. Said he can’t focus when I’m around. Like I’m some annoying little bug flitting around his head that he can’t swat away.”

Like I was temporary.

Replaceable.

“I would have thought you both needed that. You’ve been off since you ran into him at Tremaine Industries.”

“What?” I smacked him hard. “I’m not a bug.”

“You verbally spar with him in Gideon’s office, then you steal his watch and phone. He kisses you, you like it, and then you steal something else.” He tapped the chocolate bar. “You’re distracted. It’s even worse than the last time you worked with him.”

“I’m sorry.” The tears threatened to start again. “I’m screwing everything up, Emmett. The Trojan failed—”

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