Thief of the Heart Read online

  Hanson loves three things in life: roulette, priceless gems, and her globetrotting lifestyle. She makes a living seducing rich woman in casinos and relieving them of the expensive jewelry most won’t even miss. But her streak ends when she meets beautiful FBI agent Savannah Brown.

  Savannah is determined to catch the infamous international jewel thief and suspects Kit after observing her in the vicinity of multiple thefts. She has to get close enough to catch her, and that means posing as her mark. She’ll let Kit seduce her and make the arrest when Kit steals the diamonds in the FBI sting. Savannah just has to stay focused on her assignment and not let sexy, charming Kit become a distraction.

  Kit expects the plan to unfold like any other. A little sex. A little theft. No big deal. She doesn’t expect Savannah to steal her heart.

  What Reviewers Say About MJ Williamz’s Work

  Exposed

  “The love affair between Randi and Eleanor goes along in fits and starts. It is a wonderful story, and the sex is hot. Definitely read it as soon as you have a chance!”—Janice Best, Librarian (Albion District Library)

  Shots Fired

  “MJ Williamz, in her first romantic thriller, has done an impressive job of building the tension and suspense. Williamz has a firm grasp of keeping the reader guessing and quickly turning the pages to get to the bottom of the mystery. Shots Fired clearly shows the author’s ability to spin an engaging tale and is sure to be just the beginning of great things to follow as the author matures.”—Lambda Literary Review

  “Williamz tells her story in the voices of Kyla, Echo, and Detective Pat Silverton. She does a great job with the twists and turns of the story, along with the secondary plot. The police procedure is first rate, as are the scenes between Kyla and Echo, as they try to keep their relationship alive through the stress and mistrust.”—Just About Write

  Forbidden Passions

  “Forbidden Passions is 192 pages of bodice ripping antebellum erotica not so gently wrapped in the moistest, muskiest pantalets of lesbian horn dog high jinks ever written. While the book is joyfully and unabashedly smut, the love story is well written and the characters are multi-dimensional. …Forbidden Passions is the very model of modern major erotica, but hidden within the sweet swells and trembling clefts of that erotica is a beautiful May-September romance between two wonderful and memorable characters.”—Rainbow Reader

  Sheltered Love

  “The main pair in this story is astoundingly special, amazingly in sync nearly all the time, and perhaps the hottest twosome on a sexual front I have read to date. …This book has an intensity plus an atypical yet delightful original set of characters that drew me in and made me care for most of them. Tantalizingly tempting!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Speakeasy

  “Speakeasy is a bit of a blast from the past. It takes place in Chicago when Prohibition was in full flower and Al Capone was a name to be feared. The really fascinating twist is a small speakeasy operation run by a woman. She was more than incredible. This was such great fun and I most assuredly recommend it. Even the bloody battling that went on fit with the times and certainly spiced things up!”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Heartscapes

  “The development of the relationship was well told and believable. Now the sex actually means something and M J Williamz certainly knows how to write a good sex scene. Just when you think life has finally become great again for Jesse, Odette has a stroke and can’t remember her at all. It is heartbreaking. Odette was a lovely character and I thought she was well developed. She was just the right person at the right time for Jesse. It was an engaging book, a beautiful love story.”— Inked Rainbow Reads

  Thief of the Heart

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Thief of the Heart

  © 2020 By MJ Williamz. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-573-8

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: January 2020

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Tammy Seidick

  By the Author

  Shots Fired

  Forbidden Passions

  Initiation by Desire

  Speakeasy

  Escapades

  Sheltered Love

  Summer Passion

  Heartscapes

  Love on Liberty

  Love Down Under

  Complications

  Lessons In Desire

  Hookin’ Up

  Score

  Exposed

  Broken Vows

  Model Behavior

  Scene of the Crime

  Thief of the Heart

  Acknowledgments

  Before I thank the usual suspects, I want to give a heartfelt thanks to my wife, Laydin Michaels. She’s my sounding board, my voice of reason, and my truest supporter. Without her love, I wouldn’t have it in me to write these stories. So, thank you, babe.

  I need to thank my beta readers, Sarah, Sue, and Karen. Thank you for riding this wild ride with me and helping me turn out another book. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement along the way. Thief of the Heart wouldn’t have happened without you.

  A huge thank you to everyone at Bold Strokes Books for giving my writing a home and for their never wavering efforts to make me a better author.

  Last, but certainly not least, a ginormous thank you to the readers. You make all of this worthwhile.

  Dedication

  To Laydin—Thank you for everything

  Chapter One

  The Maritime Alps glowed bright orange as the sun made its descent behind them. As the rest of the world prepared to sleep, Monaco was just coming to life. Kit Hanson woke sensing the whirls and clangs of the casino as guests began taking chances. It was a sound she thrilled to. It meant money. It meant challenge. And most of all, it meant jewels.

  The sounds meant thousands of beautiful women dressed to the nines. Women in all shapes and sizes would don their very best in attempts to outshine each other. It was like a smorgasbord to Kit. One she could never resist. She’d never be able to resist.

  Kit took a leisurely shower before dressing in her fitted tux. She wore purple accents that she knew brought out her blue eyes. She would be irresistible to one unfortunate woman that night. Or maybe more. Only time would tell.

  It was time. She heard the church bell toll ten and knew it was time to make her move. She wandered through the streets, enjoying the reflection of the moonlight on the water. Everything was so serene for a moment. But as she wandered along, the sounds of the casino called to her anew. Her blood rushed and her heart pounded. Internally, she was churning. Externally, she was cool as could be.

  It took Kit a moment for her eyes to adjust to the bright lights once inside. The noise was deafening, but she was used to it. It wasn’t her first trip to Monte Carlo, nor would it be her last. As was her norm, she’d rented a house in town under an assumed name. She never sta
yed at the casino. She couldn’t risk being recognized. She had her methods. And they worked.

  She knew she cut a handsome figure as she stood just inside the front door and surveyed the room. There were couples everywhere, all dressed in their finery with the women decked out in jewels.

  She pushed off the pillar and made her way through the throngs to the roulette table. Roulette was her favorite. God knew she had plenty of money to play with. She was filthy rich. She’d even begun to have thoughts about retiring. But those thoughts never stayed long. She’d miss the thrill, the taste of victory, the taste of women.

  Kit was on a roll. She couldn’t seem to lose. A crowd had gathered around her, and while she feigned concentration on the numbers, she really took in who was paying her the most attention. And how they were dressed.

  There were both men and women gathered around her, but only a few of the women seemed to be flying solo. The rest were coupled up.

  Kit’s gaze landed on a statuesque blonde in a form fitting red dress. She had rows of diamonds cascading around her neck and more dangling from her ears. She reeked of money. And the way she held herself. Her head held high and arm clutching her purse. She seemed completely at ease. She was class personified. Something inside Kit flipped. She’d found her target.

  She surveyed the pile of chips in front of her, wondering how much longer she’d play. She wanted to keep the blonde there and paying attention to her. She needed to draw it out just a little longer.

  Kit placed another bet. And another. The crowd cheered every time she won. Which she couldn’t help but do. More chips piled up. She took another breather and surveyed the crowd. The blonde was gone. Where had she disappeared to? Kit craned her neck to survey the casino beyond the crowd but didn’t see her.

  “Place your bets.”

  She heard the words through her fog of determination. Without really thinking, she moved some chips to red thirty-two. The wheel went round and round. And ended on thirty-two. Kit had had enough. She had lost interest in the game. She needed to find the blond woman.

  She gathered her ticket to cash in and cut through the crowd, which was now applauding loudly. People were patting her on the back and speaking to her in several different languages. She knew they were all saying congratulations, and she smiled in appreciation. But she wasn’t into it. She wanted to get her cash and find her target.

  “You were very impressive back there,” a woman with a thick German accent said quietly as Kit cashed in her ticket. “How much did you win?”

  “Enough.” Kit knew she was being short. She turned to see who was speaking to her. It was another blond bombshell bedecked in diamonds and sapphires. Her long blue dress hugged a full figure, and Kit realized she might need to recalculate.

  She flashed her best smile.

  “But is it ever really enough?” She shrugged.

  The blonde smiled back.

  “I’d think it was more than enough.”

  “It all depends on how you look at things,” Kit said.

  “And just how do you? Look at things, I mean?”

  Kit shrugged again.

  “I look at everything as a challenge. And I like to win.”

  A slow smile spread across the woman’s face.

  “Do you usually win at everything? The way you did tonight?”

  “That all depends.” She offered the woman her hand. “I’m Ronnie.”

  “My name is Anika. It’s very nice to meet you, Ronnie.”

  “Likewise, I’m sure. Would you like to get a drink, Anika?”

  “I’d like that very much.”

  Kit escorted Anika to one of the bars in the casino. It was quieter there and much less crowded. She forced herself to look into Anika’s eyes and not at her necklace as she asked her what she’d like to drink.

  “A chocolate martini, please.”

  Kit arched an eyebrow at her but ordered as requested. She ordered a rum and Coke for herself and guided Anika to a quiet table in the corner.

  “Are you here alone?” Kit asked. “Or are you a casino widow?”

  Anika laughed, a deep, soulful laugh that made Kit smile.

  “I’m alone. I am single. And you?”

  “Oh, I’m very single. Here’s to no strings attached.” She raised her glass and clinked it against Anika’s.

  “Do you live here in Monaco? Or are you just visiting?” Anika said.

  “Just visiting. And you?”

  “It’s my first time here. It’s a bit overwhelming.” She laughed again.

  “Where is home for you?”

  “I’m from Cologne. In Germany.”

  “Ah, I’ve been there. It’s quite lovely.”

  “Yes,” Anika said. “It’s a wonderful place.”

  “Do you go to the casinos there often? I loved the Spielhalle Schnicks.”

  Anika beamed at her.

  “That’s my favorite place to gamble.”

  “And when you gamble, what’s your poison?”

  Anika shook her head slightly.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

  “What game do you play?”

  “Oh, I play many. But blackjack is my favorite.”

  “When we finish these, shall we hit the tables?”

  “Sure. If you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all, Anika. Not at all.”

  Kit took in the sparkling blue eyes that matched the sapphires rimmed in diamonds that hung from her ears. Anika was a very attractive woman. Kit could have fun with her. And since she obviously wasn’t going to find the blonde in the red dress at this point, Kit decided to relax and take full advantage of all Anika had to offer.

  The plunging neckline of her dress revealed a copious amount of cleavage. Big breasted women had always been Kit’s weakness, and Anika was no exception. However, Kit was a professional and would maintain her composure. She’d have fun and enjoy Anika every which way but loose. But she’d keep her eye on the prize. Her employers were expecting her to deliver and she wouldn’t, couldn’t disappoint.

  She noticed Anika’s drink was empty.

  “Would you like another one? Or would you like to gamble for a while?”

  Anika smiled.

  “It does not matter to me. You finish your drink then we’ll decide.”

  “Nonsense. I’ll not have you just sitting there. Let’s hit the blackjack table.”

  Kit took her hand and guided her through the crowds. They found a table with two open seats and quickly took their places. Kit wasn’t crazy about blackjack, though she could count cards with the best of them. It just didn’t interest her that much. So she played a few hands, broke even, and gave up her seat to stand behind Anika.

  She rested her hands on Anika’s satin clad shoulders. She could feel her heat radiating through her sleeves. This was a woman with plenty to offer. She’d make a great bedmate, of that Kit had no doubt.

  The fact that she was beautiful and smelled divine only added to her allure. Kit had to be careful and maintain a professional distance. She couldn’t let emotions or hormones deter her from her goal.

  * * *

  Savannah Brown had been fascinated by the woman at the roulette wheel. She was on a roll, and Savannah had enjoyed watching her. The woman had been very attractive, with her short, spiked black hair and piercing blue eyes. Eyes that were accentuated by the purple accents worn with her tux.

  And her smile. Every time she won, her smile lit up the whole casino. Her teeth were perfect, straight, and pearly white. Savannah had found herself drawn to the stranger. And then, the woman had looked right at her. Their eyes had met, and Savannah had felt the electricity to her core.

  That was when she’d turned away. She had a job to do. And it didn’t involve handsome androgynous women. Or maybe it did. She didn’t know. That was the frustrating part of her job. She had to find someone who’d eluded authorities for years.

  Someone many believed was a lesbian but had no proof. Many of the victims claime
d it was a man who’d stolen their jewels. Others claimed to have no knowledge of who had done the robbery. Still others said it was a woman. So there she was, in Monte Carlo, searching for a specter who stole women’s jewelry. Millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry.

  Savannah traveled the world, going from high stakes competition to high stakes competition which seemed to be where their thief hit. She was in Monte Carlo for the big poker tournament weekend. She only hoped the thief would be there, too.

  Was it possible that several jewel thieves were at work? Yes. It certainly was. But she didn’t believe that. Savannah believed she was looking for one person. One daring, ballsy person with one thing on her mind.

  The woman at the roulette table didn’t look or act like she needed to steal jewels to make money. She’d been throwing chips around like she was made of the stuff. But she had to make money somehow. And Savannah hadn’t missed how the woman had eyed the diamonds she’d been wearing. Was she just being appreciative? Or had it been more sinister?

  Either way, Savannah had been unable to deny her reaction to the woman’s brazen once-over. She’d been on fire, every nerve ending twitching under the scrutiny. She’d needed to get away. The last thing she needed was to let her hormones interfere with her investigation.

  So she’d gone back to her room, washed her face, and applied minimal makeup. She’d let her hair down so it flowed freely to her shoulders. She’d taken off the diamonds and placed them securely in her safe. Then she dressed in a nice dark gray pantsuit and headed back down to the casino.