I just had to win their complete trust, and then find out where they kept their watches – those ancient, mechanical timepieces that seemed so anachronistic in our age of robots, AI and holograms.
Focus on the watches – I knew that much. No matter what other treasure I found while working for these three Aurelians – and, Gods knew they’d have plenty – I’d leave it all behind.
“Just the watches,” Darr had insisted. “Nothing else.”
Darr always chose his loot to be easily portable, easily fenced, and – so far – his plans had always worked.
I took a deep breath, hoping the Aurelians would assume it was from nerves and not guilt.
I’d just have to trust Darr’s plan and stick to it. Get in and get out.
Once the Aurelians found their precious collectables stolen, I knew I wouldn’t ever be able to work on Deemak again. They’d put out a hunt for me – I know what Aurelians are like.
I’d just have to trust that Darr could make good on his reassurance – that he’d get me off-system when this job was completed. It was the only reason I agreed to this job, even though I knew I didn’t really have much choice.
If he does keep his word, my cut from this robbery will be enough to start a new life.
So, while the thought of this heist terrifies me – what I’m expected to do, and the risks I face if anything goes wrong – there is that light at the end of the tunnel.
Whatever happens, this will be my last job.
“We have a meeting in an hour,” Gallus snaps me from my thoughts. He’s oblivious to how I’m scheming to steal from them. “It’s business – can’t be moved.”
I nod. I don’t know the details, but Darr had info that they were going to be passing through the market at this time, on the way to this ‘business’ meeting, and he’d been right on the money. If they weren’t, we would have waited nearby for weeks, ready to spring the plan.
It was what had allowed me to get this far.
I still have a long way to go.
Cyrus stands. “I’ll take you to our home while the others close the deal.”
Varian gives him an annoyed look, and I suddenly realize it’s one of jealousy.
I gulp. This is bad.
Darr told me that Aurelians are drawn to innocence – that’s one of the reasons I was the perfect person to pull his scheme off. Yet, I don’t want them to be paying attention to me – quite the opposite! I need only as much attention from them as it takes to get into their house. Then, I want to just disappear amid a sea of what I can only assume will be much prettier women.
Yet, at the same time, it is thrilling to have such powerful, intimidating, sexy creatures lusting after me. They’re so much more than the men who’ve given me hungry looks before. It makes me feel… wanted.
Don’t let it get to your head, Mia! You know what Aurelians are like – and you know what they’re after. The moment they claimed your innocence – that virginity Darr so fiercely protected for you – you’ll be worthless to them.
That’s what keeps me grounded.
Yes, the Aurelians are powerful, dominant, and everything a woman could ask for in a man...
…but the moment they claim me, the allure of my shiny newness will be gone. They’ll just move on – feeling the same need to fuck and deflower the next in an endless cycle of women.
I won’t let their desire for me cloud my mind, or make me foolish. I may be an inexperienced virgin – but I’m not entirely naive. I understand men, and I understand Aurelians; because they’re more than men in every way, including in their shortcomings.
Cyrus gestures towards the door and I follow him out of the café into the baking sun, before we’ve even had a chance to drink the replacement pot of coffee.
I suddenly realize that the only reason Gallus brought me to the café in the first place was just to take me to a place where I could relax – to take a moment away from the prying eyes of the crowd at the marketplace.
A luxurious black shuttle is waiting for us in the alleyway behind the café. Cyrus must have discreetly summoned it while we were inside. I guess it’s their private sub-space craft – stretching fifteen feet long, looking sleek, black, and predatory. The side door slides open and luxury awaits us within. Leather seats, a bucket of ice filled with glass bottles of juices and drinks, plus a huge holo-screen.. Is this really their daily transport? It’s like something out of a holo-vid.
Cyrus helps me up into a seat – and as soon as I’m inside, the cold air hits me. It’s air-conditioned – the breeze fresh and smooth, unlike the harsh, gritty air of Deemak.
My head reels as I sink into the leather seats. It didn’t hit me until now quite how rich these Aurelians were. Darr told me they were oozing with money – but this ship alone is far beyond the means of the last family I’d robbed, who I’d considered the richest yet.
Cyrus sits next to me. The door closes behind us. I wriggle away from him, uncomfortable at how close we have to sit inside this luxurious ship. The shuttle might be huge, but Cyrus is twice the size of any man.
I’m achingly aware of the nearness of him – those hungry eyes, and the heat of his massive body. It makes me shiver – for reasons that have nothing to do with the powerful air conditioning.
As I wriggle away, Cyrus raises an eyebrow.
“Cyrus,” I stammer nervously,
