Page 5 of Their Reckless Thief
His tasks had become increasingly demanding and risky, yet I felt obligated to do them all. I was desperate for my cut. He always gave me just enough to survive. No more, no less.
I had a secret plan up my sleeve, though. If I could pull it off, I would be free of my obligation to him and finally financially independent.
“Is there anything else?” I asked, forcing a lightness into my voice. “Or can I enjoy my hard-earned payday?”
His smile thinned, and I knew something else was coming. It always did. “Actually, there is.” His tone was deceptively soft. “I have a new target lined up. Something big.”
I gave him a mock pout. “You know, Roberto, you never even let me celebrate one success before you throw me into another job.”
He leaned back in his chair and studied me. “You know you live for the thrill, Celeste. You wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He wasn’t wrong. The adrenaline was like a drug itself—the rush of outsmarting everyone, pulling off the impossible, knowing I was good at what I did. There was nothing quite like it. But tonight, I had something else in mind.
“I have plans tonight,” I said, standing and slipping the remaining cash into my jacket pocket. “But I’ll swing by when I’m done.”
His brow raised, curiosity sharpening his features. “Plans?”
I smirked, turning for the door. “Just something personal.”
His jaw ticked, but he didn’t push. He rarely did, as long as I played by his rules and he didn’t catch me in a lie. “Don’t let me keep you, then. But don’t forget, this isn’t a game. It’s business.”
I paused at the door, looking back at him. His sharp gaze was still fixed on me, but this time, it wasn’t merely calculated interest. It was a reminder—one I didn’t need.
Without another word, I stepped out into the hallway, my heartbeat picking up pace with each step. Vivian’s voice buzzed softly in my ear again as soon as I was out of his sight.
“That went well.”
I smiled. “As expected.”
“Back to the apartment, then?” Vivian asked, her voice warm with familiarity.
“For a bit,” I said, the adrenaline still thrumming beneath my skin, making my fingers twitch with excitement. “Tonight’s the night.”
Vivian’s response was instant, her voice sharpening with caution. “For what?”
I glanced up at the sky, the thin line between the human world and The Below never far from my mind. “The big solo heist. I’m going for it.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. I’m dead serious.” I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “I’ve got this, Viv.We’vegot this.”
I had been planning it for longer than I’d like to admit, just waiting for the right moment. The last vision of this planned heist had been clear. The mansion I wanted to hit would be clear tonight. No mafia lord present and very few guards. It was tonight or never.
She sighed heavily, but I knew she was already on board. “Well, you’re going to need more than a laptop and good luck to pull it off.”
“Then it’s a good thing I have you,” I said, my steps quickening as I made my way toward our apartment. I needed to change out of this dress.
This wasn’t just about money. It wasn’t about Roberto. This was about me, about proving something to myself that no one else could take away: that I could make a way on my own, that I was good enough, and that I could rely on myself.
Vivian would try to talk me out of it, but we both knew one thing for sure.
When I had my mind set on something, there was no stopping me.
And tonight? I was all in.
2
CELESTE
