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  Stripping off my clothes, I slide into bed next to her. She turns and snuggles against my chest, her warm breaths tickling along my skin.

  I know her secret now. It’s only fair she knows mine. “I’m a professional thief,” I whisper. “Tomorrow night, I’m going to steal a vase from the Louvre, then you and I are going to head back home. Once I get my client handled and the Brotherhood off my back, I’m going to marry you, Milly. And then your last name won’t matter at all, because it’ll be our last name. You and me. Forever.”

  14

  Milly

  “Milly.” Mateo lets out a groan into my ear. My eyes flutter open.

  I was sure I was dreaming–or maybe I was but it started to blur with reality. Mateo is spooning me from behind; we’re both naked. His cock is pressed between my thighs, gliding in and out of my folds as I shift back and forth, dragging it across my clit. In my dream he’s been inside of me, but this works too. Mateo grips my hip, keeping me from moving.

  “No,” I huff, fighting against him. I’m so close already.

  I remember him waking me in the middle of the night. His mouth was all over me. I’d ended up sitting on his face and bending over so I could take him into my mouth too. I had read about it in one of my books, and Mateo was more than happy to recreate it with me at my suggestion.

  “I’m going to come if you don’t stop.”

  “That’s the point.”

  “You okay with me coming on your pussy?”

  I whimper my answer, and he lets go, giving me what I want.

  He always does. I grind against him, finding my release. He’s quick to follow along with me. I love how he groans my name when he comes. His release sprays all over my thighs and sex.

  “It’s like you’ve marked me.” I turn in his arms, stealing myself a kiss. When I do, his cock slips down some and presses inside of me.

  “Fuck, Milly.”

  “What?” I wiggle, causing him to slip in a bit more. We both freeze when the head of his cock presses up against my virginity. “You know it’s going to be yours anyway.”

  “I swear you’re going to be the death of me.” He claims my mouth in a kiss but pulls himself back out.

  “Hey,” I pout.

  “We have plans. There is more of Paris to see.”

  “But–”

  “Don’t tempt me. As you said, it's mine, and I’m not taking you until you trust me.”

  “I trust you,” I protest as he gets out of bed in all of his naked glory.

  If the man wasn’t always turned on around me, I might be more self-conscious. He doesn’t have an ounce of fat on him. With how he is always gripping my hips, I think he’s actually into the fact that I’m on the curvy side. He seems to like having something to hold on to. There is also the fact that he’s always feeding me. I don’t think he’d be doing that if he doesn't like what he sees.

  “You haven't told me who you are.”

  “Oh.” I sit up. He’s right. I’m going to tell him; I just don’t want to ruin our trip. I figured I would wait until we got back home. These have been the best days of my life. I think I kind of forgot about all that crap I’m tied to with my family. Mateo does that to me. When I’m with him, I tend to forget about everything else except for us.

  “Come, we’ll shower.”

  He plucks me from the bed, tossing me over his shoulder, making me laugh. I really think he should have thought more about this plan of us showering together if we’re trying to get out the door quicker. That plan blew up on him, or I guess you could say, on me.

  Once we finally leave the hotel, the day is sunny and warm, and oh-so-Paris.

  “What’s so funny?” Mateo asks as we enter some fancy store.

  “You, you’re funny.” I release his hands but only to wrap myself around his arm. Two women greet us, speaking in French. They are both not only dolled up but very sophisticated looking. Their appearance is so flawless that they could be mistaken for one of the mannequins.

  “English, please. I called ahead and was told–”

  “Of course,” the woman with dark red hair rushes to say.

  “Is this her? She is as beautiful as you said.” The other woman starts to gush all over me.

  “What’s happening?” I whisper, clinging to Mateo. He pulls me back a step when the one who seems enamored with me starts to touch me.

  “No touching.”

  “No touching?” The other one laughs. “We’ll have to do some touching. Isn’t that what today is about?”

  “It’s about whatever she wants it to be about.” Mateo responds, looking down at me. “You said you’d like to go shopping. This place does it all, I was told. Nails and all the other stuff. All those things that girls like.”

  “I did want to go shopping.” I’d mentioned it in passing. What I wanted was to pick up something other than my plain panties and bras. I wanted something sexy. Glancing around this place, I’m sure they’ll have something to that effect.

  “You can leave her with us,” the red-haired one says.

  Leave me? I don’t even get a chance to protest that.

  “Not happening.” Mateo is firm.

  I let out an audible breath, dropping my hands before they get to my cheeks. “I want him to help me pick some of the items out.”

  “That’s more than okay. Usually the men are running for the doors. I’m Annabell.” The redhead holds her hand out for me. I take it. “And this is Carly.” She nods to the blonde, who winks at me. I start to relax.

  “Where would you like to start?” Carly asks.

  “I was really hoping to see some…” I lick my lips, trying not to blush, but I don’t think that’s possible.

  “Lingerie?” Annabell fills in for me.

  “You have great curves,” Carly adds. Mateo tucks me in closer to his side, making them both laugh.

  “Come.” Annabell motions us toward the back and into a giant dressing room. “Let us grab some things. We’ll be right back.”

  “Think I might have bitten off more than I can chew,” Mateo says when they leave the room.

  “You don’t have to stay.” I drop my arms from around his. I never loved the idea of being the center of attention, but with Mateo, that’s different. I love it with him. I was getting excited thinking about trying on different things for him.

  “A bomb couldn’t get me out of here.” He pulls me into him. His cock presses into my stomach. “I have a feeling this is going to be the sweetest kind of torture there is.”

  “I have a feeling I’m going to love every second of it.” As long as I’m with him, that’s all that matters to me. Because I know I’m halfway in love with Mateo. Who am I kidding? I'm all the way there already.

  Too bad he has no idea who I really am.

  15

  Mateo

  “You look amazing.” I can’t stop staring at Milly. “Have I mentioned that?”

  “Only about a dozen times. But who’s counting?” She smiles.

  We’re in a secluded area at the back of a restaurant, the best servers and food in Paris at our beck and call, but she’s the only thing I see, the only thing I want to taste. Our days and nights together have redefined my entire life. I thought I was living before I met her. I wasn’t. I was going through the motions.

  Mrs. Verne has told me so many times that I wasn’t actually getting anywhere–that no amount of stolen goods or money wired to my accounts could define me. That I had to define myself. Maybe she was right. Because the more I get to know Milly, the more I realize I’ve been missing the most important thing of all. Love. The kind of love that’s growing between the two of us every second.

  “Absolutely amazing.” I can’t tear my gaze away from her.

  “I guess Carly really knew her stuff.” She shrugs, the crimson dress she’s wearing showing an ample amount of her round breasts.

  I have to adjust myself. Again.

  She notices and gives me a demure smile. “How do you like the food?”

  “It’s all right.”

  Her eyes widen, and she takes another bite of a buttery, crisp green bean. “I’m not much for vegetables, but I could eat these all day. Everything here has been so good.”

  “Just wait.” I nod at the server, who hurries off.

  “More?” She rubs her stomach. Something about the motion, the way she looks like a soon-to-be mother, has my chest tightening. God, wouldn’t that be amazing? Her pregnant with my child? I can’t even begin to wrap my head around that concept or the joy it would bring.

  “For you, always more.” I pull her tighter to my side.

  My phone vibrates in my pocket. I have zero doubt it’s another threat from my mysterious client. Asshole. But I have to be patient. Once I get this job done and the heat’s off me, I can focus on the future. On my future with Milly.

  She’s soft and warm and smells of vanilla and something a tad spicier. Her lips are painted a deep red, and I can’t stop myself from stealing yet another kiss from her.

  She sighs against my lips, then kisses me back, her mouth opening slightly as I delve inside with my tongue. I’m in heaven. That’s the only explanation for how good this feels.

  “Monsieur.” The server places two plates with delicate confections piled high in geometrical shapes. Then he pours a caramel sauce along the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Milly licks her lips. I stifle a groan.

  “We can’t eat that. It’s art.” Milly peers at the one in front of her.

  “We most certainly can. In fact, I think the chef would be quite disappointed if we left so much as a scrap of chocolate or a square of cake behind.” I hand her one of the dessert spoons.

  “Well, I suppose we wouldn’t want to be rude, right?” She takes a hesitant scoop of the gelato mound at the base. When she brings it to her mouth, she moans. “Oh my God. This is so … so …”

  “Sweet.” I kiss some caramel from the corner of her mouth.

  “Yes.” She laughs and takes another bite. “How can anyone make something so good?”

  I try some, the flavors melding into a perfect storm of sugary, hint of salty, and depth of twining tastes. Milly finishes hers, and I spoon her the last of mine.

  “No more.” She holds up a hand. “I’ll burst through these garters.”

  My eyebrow pops up. “Garters?”

  Her cheeks turn a delightful pink. “I may have snuck a few things on underneath my dress when you were waiting at the register.”

  “Like what?” I run my hand up her thigh and feel the garters against her skin, the little ribbons where they meet her thigh-highs. Jesus, what that must look like. I suddenly don’t have another second to spare on food.

  “Just a few little–Oh!” I stand and pull her up with me.

  “We’re leaving.” I throw a handful of bills down on the table and tuck her under my arm, guiding her out to the bustling Champs Elysees.

  “Why? You didn’t like the food?”

  “Food was fine.” I hail a taxi.

  “But the hotel is only a few blocks–” She yelps as I pull her into the car with me and toss a hundred Euro at the driver.

  “George V. Now.” I point.

  The driver, clearly used to the insanity of Paris, asks no questions and speeds the few blocks to the hotel.

  “What is going on?” Milly pulls at my hand as I call the elevator.

  As soon as it opens, I pull her inside and hit the button. Then I cage her into the corner and stare down at her.

  She swallows hard. “Is something wrong?”

  “No.” I sink down her body, then lift up the skirt of her dress to her hips.

  She makes a high-pitched sound. “What if someone–”

  “No one will see this. It’s all mine.” I look at the lace at the top of her thigh highs, at the white bows, the white garters, and the deep red panties covering her pussy. Leaning forward, I press a kiss to her sweet cunt.

  She jolts.

  I kiss her again and again then lick the fabric as it starts to dampen with her need.

  The elevator slows, so I rise to my feet and tower over her. I don’t want to scare her, but she needs to know what she does to me, how badly I need her.

  I lick my lips. “I need you. All of you.”

  The elevator opens.

  I don’t move. “Give yourself to me, Milly.”

  Her lips part, her eyes wide as she stares up at me.

  The doors start to close, and I slam the hold button with the side of my fist.

  She blinks, her pupils blown, her body ready for every inch of me.

  “R-Rutherford,” she breathes.

  “Professional thief. Let’s go.” I release the button, scoop Milly into my arms, then break into a run toward our hotel room.

  16

  Milly

  I hear his words, but they don’t register fully. Okay, they might, but I don’t really care. With how Mateo is with me, I can’t see him doing something terrible with his thievery. I’m sure he’s not stealing toys from children or food from starving people.

  Never. I’d never believe that for one second. One thing is for certain, though: He has stolen my heart. I’m not sure that counts since I’m more than willing to hand it right over to him. Along with a lot of other things. My virginity is at the top of that list.

  “Always taste so damn sweet.” He nips and sucks at my neck as he carries me to the bed.

  We get distracted along the way, him pressing my back up against a wall to deepen a kiss. I love that he’s always so desperate for me. The same way I am for him. He breaks the kiss, beginning to move toward the bed again.

  “You don’t taste too bad yourself.” I dig my fingers into his hair as I rub myself against him, trying to steal an orgasm for myself. He’s not the only thief.

  “You’re keeping that mouth off me tonight. I need to be inside you.” He gently tosses me down onto the bed before he starts to pull off his clothes in a hurry. I’ve always wondered how Mateo is always so quick and smooth on his feet for as big as he is, but it’s his job to be, so it makes sense.

  “You don’t want my mouth.” I pout, making sure to let my bottom lip puff out. He drops his belt to the floor; it hits with a loud thud.

  “I want all of you, and you know it.”

  I suck my bottom lip right back into my mouth because he’s right. I know he does. It’s why I’m not shy to pull the dress from my body, leaving me in the lingerie the ladies at the store helped me pick out today.

  They hadn’t steered me wrong, saying one of the sexiest things about me was my air of innocence. They suggested I needed to mix that with sexy, which to them I guess meant red and white together. I didn’t know any kind of air surrounded me, but I’m going with it.

  Mateo places one hand on the bed and leans in over me. His expression grows serious. I dig my fingers into the bedding.

  “If you give me this, Milly, there’s no going back. You’re mine.” There is no missing the warning in his tone. I release my hold on the blanket, lifting up to be closer to him.

  “Was there a moment when you would have gone back?” I don’t know why I challenge him, but I do. Maybe because I know there is no going back. At least I hope not. I’m so far gone for Mateo already.

  “No,” he says without missing a beat. “I think back to that first night. If I had let you go then, I would have been tracking you right back down. You threw me off balance. I’m not used to that. But I knew from the start there was something about you, and that will never change. Even if you asked me to stop right now, I would try, but I know there would be no way I could ever let you go.”

  I swallow, not wanting to cry right now. I know Mateo hates my tears even if they’re happy ones.

  “What would you do then? Steal me?”

  A smirk pulls at his lips as he slides his hands into my hair to the back of my head. He lifts me up higher to meet his mouth.

  “I suppose I’d have to figure out how to make you fall in love with me.” He claims my mouth, not giving me a chance to respond. I don’t think Mateo cares to talk about the possibility of me not wanting him.

  I slip my hands down his chest, going for the button of his slacks to remove the rest of his clothes. He rips his mouth from mine, standing to help me. The second he’s naked, he’s back on the bed with me.

  “Swear I’ll replace them.”

  “Wh–” My words die on my lips when he rips the panties right from my body. “That was hot,” I breathe, not caring one bit that he ruined them. He tugs at the bra next, causing my breasts to spill out. His mouth latches on to one of my nipples.

  Warmth spreads through my body as tingles light up my skin. I whimper when he leaves my breast to travel further down my body. He kisses a path to my stomach, then he gets to my sex.

  “Maybe I don’t want your mouth on me either.”

  He lifts his eyes to meet mine as he settles in between my thighs.

  “I mean, I love your mouth. Don’t get me wrong.” I’m quick to follow up. “I just want other things.”

  “Greedy girl. You’re going to get it all.” He swirls his tongue around my clit. I drop my head back.

  “Drenched. Is this all for me, treasure?”

  “Yes.” I wiggle around. His forearm slides over my hips, pinning me to the bed.

  “You do this to me. I can’t control it. It’s all your fault.” My body, acting on its own, tries to lift my hips, but it’s useless. I’m not sure if I’m really trying to get his mouth closer to me or if it’s because I love the sensation of being trapped under him.

  “No need to control it when I’m here to take care of you.”

  “Always?”

  “Forever,” he responds before he makes true of his words. His mouth comes down on me, giving me what I want. The first orgasm, as always, is quick. He doesn’t stop at one, though; he keeps going. Only this time he adds one finger and then another. “You’ll take another one for me. Won’t you, my greedy girl?”