Page 41 of The One-Night Heist

I sighed, questioning why on earth I thought I could hide anything from this woman—especially if there was gossip to be had.

Lying by omission is the only way with her.

“Very well. We met… at an event Franz took me to,” I haltingly replied, carefully weighing how much I could share. “But, seriously, Ana, it’s not… I… Well, he doesn’t seem interested in anything serious.”

If all goes to plan, I can fix that too.

She pulled back again to solemnly observe me for a moment. “Oh, well, that’s probably because he’s been hurt.”

It was my turn to scoff. “I don’t think anyone could hurt this man. He’s… Ana, you wouldn’t believe how confident he is. Everything about him is just so…”

Inspiring.

“Different from the men in our circle?” Ana smiled softly, astutely guessing another of the many reasons I was obsessed with Rowen Quincy. “That’s good, Gianechka. He sounds like exactly what you need to finally escape this…” She paused to haughtily look around, being sure to smile for the cameras circling us like vultures. “This circus.”

I hope so.

We danced in silence for a few minutes before I asked, “What do you suggest I do?”

To make him mine.

She hummed again. “Show him he can trust you. I would bet no one has ever done that for him before.”

I absorbed her words as we swayed to the fading music, considering the best way to take her advice. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Once the song ended, Ana excused herself to go to the ladies room and I headed to the bar, if only to look busy enough to avoid more small talk. After ordering another glass of wine I wouldn’t drink, I pulled my phone out of my suit jacket pocket and messaged Rowen.

I need to tell you something the next time we meet.

The thought of finally telling someone the secret I’d been carrying for far too long felt liberating—like shaking off chains I’d played no part in attaching to myself in the first place.

Chains I never asked for.

For that someone to be Rowen felt even better. It felt… right. I knew it sounded foolish. After all, we barely knew each other and, at least on paper, my new business partner looked like the last person you’d want to trust with your secrets, never mind irreplaceable works of art.

But I want to… so badly.

Because I want him to trust me too.

My phone vibrated, and I stared at the screen in shock to find a reply to my promised confession.

Poppy #5

I’m all ears, baby.

I love when he calls me baby…

“Ohhh… did he text you?”

I snapped to attention, stuffing my phone back into my pocket so quickly, I nearly knocked over the glass of wine the bartender must have left for me.

“Y-yes,” I stammered, laughing self-deprecatingly as I felt my cheeks heat under Ana’s knowing gaze. “Nothing juicy. Sorry to disappoint.”

Just everything I’ve ever wanted.

Ana lovingly rolled her eyes. “Fine. I didn’t want to snoop on your filthy pillow talk anyway.”

“It’s not…” I began, only to remember some of the more degrading things Rowen had said to me, and how much I’d enjoyed that treatment as well.