“It’s Heidenreichstein Castle in Austria,” he says. I can feel him studying me, but I don’t comment. Yet.
My heartbeat, however, goes into double-time when I see the underground tunnels. That isn’t public information, and it’s a clue that could lead to the ultimate purple prize.
“At the time of the German invasion in 1938, the owner of the castle, Prince Pálffy had a guest—”
“Empress Sophie,” I finish, tracing a finger over the tunnels. “I know the story. She was staying at the castle and had the Phantom Orchid in her possession at the time of the invasion. The Nazis took every valuable they could get their hands on, so people hid their jewels, money andanything worth stealing. If this map is accurate then the Phantom Orchid may never have left Austria.”
He grins. “Correct. It could be hidden away in these tunnels.”
I finally look up, still playing it cool even though I’m brimming over with excitement. Finding the Phantom Orchid meant the world to my father. If I can carry on his legacy and discover the lost gemstone, it would be my crowning achievement. My last heist. I could comfortably ride off into the sunset with the Phantom Orchid in my pocket. For my dad.
Because screw this guy,I think, giving Voss an easy, mega-watt smile as I promise, “If it’s there, I’ll find it.”
“Excellent. I’ll have Percy make a copy of the map for you and prepare the jet for Vienna. It will be ready tonight for your departure. Percy will be in touch with further details.”
“Sounds good.”
“I’ll expect to hear from you within two days. Hopefully with news that you’re bringing my diamond back.”
“Here’s to hoping.” I cross my fingers. “And a little luck.”
It turns out, I’m going to need a helluva lot more than a little luck.
Once I’m back home in my downtown apartment, I let out a frustrated groan. There’s a reason Heidenreichstein Castle was never taken or destroyed by enemies. The damn thing is impossible to breach. It’s in a remote location on asteep hill, surrounded by two moats, and reinforced with thick walls and multiple layers of defense including an outer wall, inner wall and keep. It also possesses elaborate gatehouses which are practically independent fortresses by themselves.
Rubbing my temples, I rack my brain for answers. And I keep coming back to the same thing—I’m going to need a partner. I normally always work alone because I don’t trust anyone. But after further research, pulling off this heist by myself is going to be flipping impossible.
Never mind the standard safeguards for a damn medieval castle, they also have some extensive modern security which includes guards, alarms and cameras. Not my area of expertise. I need someone who’s tech savvy. I’m more of a charm-my-way-in kinda gal who bats her lashes and relies on her powers of persuasion and seduction. Or her stun gun, and I can’t exactly stun every castle guard.
I’m also not a gems expert. And since it’s a well-known fact there are numerous fakes floating around, my biggest fear is finding a knockoff instead of the real thing. I’m going to need someone to verify its authenticity and then keep their mouth shut about its discovery.
A name quickly surfaces in my mind—Ryder McKay—along with an image of the man. Thick, wavy brown hair. Chocolate-brown eyes. Large hands I’ve daydreamed about on more than one occasion.
The problem is he works for my rival—A-Squared Enterprises, a team run by Addison Mills. Pulling him inmeans also pulling in the others, and I refuse to turn this into a three-ring circus where everyone wants a cut ofmydiamond.
No, I just need him. But how can I convince him to help me? And can I trust a thief?
Yeah, that would be a no. I don’t trust anyone. Besides, there’s no way he’d ever agree.
Guess I’ll just have to force—I mean,convincehim.
Whether he likes it or not, Ryder McKay is going to help me find the Phantom Orchid. All I have to do is strike when he’s most vulnerable and least expects it.
Chapter Two: Ryder
My head snaps back from the force of Lincoln Decker’s huge fist connecting with my jaw. Blinking away the stars at the edge of my vision, I jump backward and bounce on the balls of my feet.Shake it off, McKay.Keeping my gloved hands up to protect my face, I huff out a breath.
“Careful with the moneymaker, Decker,” I warn.
The big guy barks out a laugh. “Nobody is paying to see your mug, McKay.”
I take a swing, and he easily sidesteps. “How are you so fast?” The complaint barely leaves my mouth before his gloved hand slams into my side. “Goddammit. Take it easy.” We’ve only been sparring for twenty minutes, but I’m going to have bruises for weeks.
“No pain, no gain.” The next hit makes my knees wobble. “C’mon, McKay, you’re slower than my grandma. And she’s been dead for fifteen years.”
When I asked Linc, a former MMA champ and part of my crew at A-Squared, to help me improve my fighting skills, I didn’t realize he planned on wiping my ass all over the ring. But what did I expect? He has granite slabs for abs and fists the size of hams.
“Not all of us have two UFC championship belts,Lights Out,” I remind him, using his former nickname from when he fought in the Octagon.