Page 2 of Wild Card
Bad luck? Maybe. But now they’re missing. All five pieces. I can see why the bosses are keeping this hush hush.
“We believe it was an inside job,” Miranda says. “Timed to the night of the exhibit switch, when the collection was being rotated between the Citadel and the Jade Petal. It’s the only window where both our systems were in transition and most vulnerable.”
Vincent looks at me. “And we want our top security experts to lead the investigation.”
I nod slowly, already knowing where this is going.
“We want you and Ms. Taylor to work together,” he finishes.
My stomach drops. I glance at Aria. She finally looks at me—sharp and unreadable. Her jaw tightens, just slightly.
“I see,” she says, cool and professional.
What she means isAbsolutely not.
“I work better alone,” I say, before I can stop myself. I sound like a cliché, but I don’t care. “Too many cooks and all that.”
“Same,” she replies, without missing a beat.
Vincent and Miranda exchange a glance like they were expecting this.
“You two will be given full access to both facilities’ security archives, staff records, shift logs, and restricted areas,” Vincent says, ignoring our protests. “The goal is to recover the jewels before word gets out and reputations are destroyed.”
“Not to mention lawsuits,” Miranda adds.
Aria exhales through her nose. Her fingers flex once on the table before stilling again. “Fine,” she says. “But if this becomes a circus, I’m out.”
Vincent turns to me. “Presley?”
I could argue. I should argue.
But then Aria’s eyes flick to mine again—this time slower, more measured. I wonder if she’s as curious as I am. What wouldit actually be like, working with someone just as sharp, just as relentless, just as damn frustrating?
I nod once. “I’ll play nice.”
Her lips twitch. Almost a smile. Almost. We both stand. The meeting’s dismissed. As she walks past me, she leans in just enough that only I can hear her.
“If you slow me down, I will leave you in a supply closet with a broken walkie.”
I grin. “Can’t wait, partner.”
Truth is, I still don’t trust her. But just as she’s out of sight, something inside of me tells me that I should meet with her sooner rather than later. It’s carnal and uncontrollable. My body searches for her.
I walk toward her, calm and deliberate, letting my shoes click just enough to give her a heads-up that I’m approaching. She glances up, and for a split second, I swear her eyes widen in surprise.
“Taylor,” I say, stopping just short of her. “You free tonight?”
Her brows lift. “Bold opener, Presley.”
I smirk. “I meant for the case. Conference Room B, Jade Petal. Eight o’clock. I’ll have the cross-reference logs and access to our overnight shift reports ready.”
She tilts her head, watching me carefully, like she’s trying to figure out if this is another game. I don’t blame her. If our roles were reversed, I’d think I was trying to throw her off with charm and misdirection.
Because honestly? I’ve used both before. But not this time. Not entirely.
“You’re actually taking this seriously,” she says, sounding more stunned than skeptical.
“Someone stole frommycasino,” I reply. “And I don’t like looking like an amateur. Especially not in front of you.”
