Page 161 of Nest of Thieves
“Technically, we’re mates, so is it really stealing? What’s yours is ours and vice versa, right?” Vette asks.
Lark lifts the box a little higher. “Take the damn ring, babe.”
My eyes mist, and I drop the phone, kneeling with them on the floor and shaking my head. “You assholes.”
“Aww, she loves us.” Mac sighs.
“Shut up,” I mutter around tears. “Now I have to fix my makeup.” I run my fingers under my eyes to minimize the damage.
Vette gives me a stern look before taking the ring out of the box and holding his hand out. I place mine in his, watching with wonder as he slides that big ass rock onto my finger.
“There.” His eyes swim with pride. “A ring fit for a queen.”
I sniff. “I don’t have rings for you.”
“I got that covered,” Lark cuts in. “We don’t need anything in return, babe. We wanted you to have a ring, so we got you one.”
“You stole the diamond,” I say, brushing my fingertip over the gem. It’s so pretty and glittery.
“Semantics, Kitten. Are you happy?”
The grin that cuts across my face hurts like hell. “I’m happy.”
Three pleased purrs fill the room. Vette’s tattoos are covered, but he’s still wearing the signature A.C.K. black skull ring. He links his fingers with mine, and our rings clink together, but they look so beautiful right next to each other.
“I hate to say it,” I begin, still staring at the ring, “but I don’t want to lose this on the job.”
“Better to leave it,” Lark says. “Nothing identifiable tonight.”
Vette releases my fingers, and we all take off our rings. I set mine inside the box, and they place theirs on the bedside table next to it.
“We should go,” Lark says, dropping a kiss on my lips. “Love you.”
Mac yanks me away from Lark and dips me, consuming me with a fire that’s familiar and comforting. “See you soon, wife.”
My chest tightens as they leave the room and I glance back at the box that holds the diamond. It’s a shame to leave it behind, but it’s the smartest move. I won’t risk losing it.
“I need to fix my mascara,” I tell Vette before running into the bathroom to clean up. I emerge a few minutes late with the goofiest of grins on my face.
Vette’s eyes are warm and affectionate as he takes me in. “You’re driving.”
We replaced my Ferrari since it was blown up, and ever since, the guys like to ride in it. I think they’re jealous of how pretty my car is compared to theirs. Can’t say I blame them; Nina, my car, is fucking gorgeous.
“Come on, papi. Time to make a scene.”
* * *
“Goddammit!” Vette smacks the table after losing his fourth round.
I lean back in my seat and roll my eyes. “Enough with the dramatics, Vinny. Don’t be a sore loser.”
Pete, the guy next to me, shoots me a grin.
“Shut up, Tiffany. When I want you to open your mouth, I’ll ask.”
“Hey, man. Don’t be a dick.” Aw, Pete’s so cute when he’s trying to save me.
“Yeah, Vinny. You can’t be a dick when you don’t have one.”
