Page 2 of Prettiest Little Thief
I chewed on my bottom lip. I knew he could find someone else for me to work with, but I couldn’t do that to Frankie. He was my friend, and sometimes more than that depending on how my vagina was feeling.
“I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll let you know about the next job.” Just as I was about to turn toward the exit, Rafael grabbed me by the hand. I spun back to him, and he placed a stack of money in my palm. I frowned and looked up at him. “What’s this for?”
“I know you’re struggling. You’re a good girl wrapped up in some bad shit. I didn’t want you to have to share this with Frank.”
I threw my arms around him, and he returned my hug. “Thank you, Raf.”
“Anytime, sweetheart. Just keep those pretty brown eyes happy for me.”
The moment I reached the car and slid into the passenger seat, Frankie asked, “What was that about?” He had started the engine and turned the heater on full blast. The delicious warmth from the vents felt amazing against my icy skin. I still had his jacket, and soon I knew it would be too hot for me to wear it.
“He was just asking about the next job,” I lied. Frankie would be pissed enough to go back in there if I told him the truth, and I couldn’t save him from that. While I had Rafael’s respect, Frankie didn’t.
“What about it? We haven’t even discussed it yet.”
“Exactly my words to him.” I gave him a soft smile. It seemed to relax him enough, and he finally left the parking lot and drove me to my apartment.
Chapter Two
Monroe
My breath clouded in the cold air in front of me as I pumped my legs, enjoying the familiar burn in my muscles. The blades of my ice skates glided across the ice, creating the sweetest sound. Cold air numbed my cheeks and nose, but I was warm beneath my thigh-hugging leggings and sweater.
I pushed my body to go faster before pivoting and gracefully landing a double toe loop, one of the figure skating tricks I’d learned as a child. My father may not have been around, but my mother made sure I was at every practice. Every competition. Dressed to impress with hair and makeup done.
To be honest, I missed her more when I was out here. In my mind, I would picture her on the edge of the ice, cheering me on. Her big brown eyes gleaming in the light, her pride overwhelming. Even when the cancer started to overtake her and the treatments stopped working, she would come. Until… until she couldn’t anymore.
This was my solace. My peace of heaven where I could breathe. On the ice, I wasn’t a criminal or a girl dancing precariously on the edge of right and wrong. I was just me. Roe.
“You ready to come in?” Frankie yelled from across the ice. He stood tall against the white backdrop of winter. Bare plants scattered across the landscape.
Skating to where he stood, I spun in several circles as I spoke. I needed to get the most out of my rink time. “In a hurry, Frankie?”
“You want the money or not?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
All business. All the time.
“Of course.”
***
I adjusted the navy vest across my breasts, struggling to secure the button through the top hole. I’d managed to come up with a plan to get a replica of the valet driver’s uniforms at one of the boujie hotels in the city. We’d spent the last week surveying the hotel and planning our execution.
This was going to be the biggest job we’ve ever done. I was desperate enough to attempt it, even if I was anxious about the outcome. We usually stole cars from parking lots, but people didn’t just leave their crazy expensive cars parked in public spaces for people to drool over.
When the vest was in place and presentable, I threw my chestnut-colored hair into a high ponytail. Frankie walked in just as I finished getting ready.
“What do you think?” I asked as I gave him jazz hands and did a little dance.
He smirked as his gaze ran over my outfit. “Perfect. Are you ready to go?”
“Yup. Let’s do this.”
Since I didn’t have Frankie following me in the car this time, we called a taxi service to drop us off about a block away from the hotel. I didn’t want the taxi driver to get caught up in any ofthe drama if things went sideways. Even if I made a fake account to order the ride, it didn’t mean the cops couldn’t trace it back to me.
We entered the hotel through the kitchen back door, weaving our way through the halls and expansive entryway. The lighting was dim and romantic as classical music played. I tried not to linger and gape in awe, but it was hard not to when everything was so shiny and elegant. The low lighting refracted through the crystals of the chandelier, creating a series of colors and sparkles.
Most of my surveillance had been done in the staff hallways and from the outside. I hadn’t gotten to see any of the pretty stuff.
