Page 41 of Heist

Holly shrank back and Patrick could see tears welling up in her eyes. He stepped between her and Grant and glared at him. “You’re harassing my sister when she’s been nothing but good to you. Go home and sleep it off. Call her when you’re ready to apologize.”

Grant huffed but must have realized Patrick was serious because he turned and headed for the exit.

“And you,” he said, turning his stern gaze to Holly. “How long has he been harassing you?”

“He’s got a broken heart and he lost his family too when Daddy got arrested. Not to mention he lost his job and had to start over. Cut him some slack.”

“Does Elijah know?”

Holly looked down at her hands.

“Tell him, Holly. Or I will.”

She squared her shoulders and fixed him with a glare. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me, sweetheart. I don’t mess around with your safety and neither does Elijah. That guy is dangerous.”

Holly sighed. “I really don’t think he is, but I guess you’re right. I should tell Elijah.”

“You should tell me what?” Elijah asked as he came around the same corner Patrick had.

“Jesus fucking Christ, what is it with you men and your snooping?”

Elijah cleared his throat as he cupped her cheek tenderly. “I think you’re on thin ice, sweetheart. What do you need to tell me?”

Holly looked between Elijah and Patrick, who just folded his arms and glared at her.

Elijah slid his hand from her cheek into her hair and tugged. “Should I ask to use Hunter’s office? I can assure you it won’t be as pleasurable as the night we met.”

It was Patrick’s turn to look back and forth between them. “Wait. You met her in one of Hunter’s clubs?”

“Not the time, Patrick,” Holly said bitterly.

Elijah gave a mirthless laugh. “If Patrick has to tell me, you’re going to earn yourself a punishment, Holly.”

She huffed. “Fine. I’ll tell youafterPatrick leaves.”

Patrick held up his hands and backed away, knowing Holly would tell Elijah the truth.

Back at their table, Patrick found Austin and pulled her back onto the dance floor. Her cheeks were flush from the exertion and the alcohol and probably from the lack of panties as well. Several times throughout the evening he’d found excuses to skim his hand up her skirt when no one was looking. It was nearly closing time when they called it a night. The diamond unveiling wasn’t until mid-morning so they could sleep in, but Patrick had every intention of keeping Austin awake when they got back to her apartment.

Holly was a lot more subdued after her encounter with Grant, and Patrick had a feeling he’d gotten her in trouble. He should probably feel bad, but he didn’t.

In the limo Hunter had arranged for the group, Holly and Patrick’s phones started going off.

Patrick frowned. “What do you want, Grant?”

“The unveiling is being postponed. Some of the diamonds are missing. It looks like the museum was the target of a heist.”

“What the fuck? How? I saw that vault and their security measures. Seems damn near impossible.”

“The police are at the museum now. You should know that one of the diamonds taken was the pumpkin diamond. The police are going to want to talk to you?”

“Fuck. I gotta call you back.”

“What’s wrong?” the group asked in unison when he ended the call.

“Who was calling you, Holly?”

“My assistant. The police are looking for us.”

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