The Sinners - Ruby Vincent Page 0,60

have been called, we walk out under security’s watch. They’ll let me go like they have before. No one expects a car thief to hang around.”

“Wow.” I rubbed sweaty palms on my jeans. “We’re really doing this.”

“Are you up for this?”

“It’s for Eli. I’m up for it. It’s just... Taking Leo’s car felt like justice. I can’t say the same for this. It feels like—”

“A crime,” Royal finished. “Because that’s what it is. And if you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. Stay here, Ember. I’ll go alone and I’ll pay the blackmailer until you find him.”

“Royal, no. You stealing cars for me and paying off a problem my parents created isn’t any better than Rio making you do this. I won’t be another person who destroys you. I can’t.” I cupped his cheek. “Not when I’m supposed to be saving you. I’ll play my part in this, Royal, and I’ll find a way to make it up to the person whose car we steal. As soon as this is all over.”

Royal’s expression was unreadable. What he thought of my wish to save him or my hope to make up for what we were going to do—his color-changing enigmatic eyes didn’t share with me.

“Come on.” Royal picked me up, carrying me to his room. “You and I have another sketch to make.”

I smiled into his neck. “How many poses are there left for me to twist myself into?”

“We’re just getting started, princess. I haven’t gotten creative yet.”

Chapter Seven

Clay: I was made for the beach. Girls are secretly snapping pics of me to get through sex with their guys later. I’ll send you shots of me in my trunks.

Me: Love that you guys are having fun. Take Cam out for a big dinner and order her a dessert off the menu from me. I’ll pay you back.

Clay: I will and forget paying me back.

Me: I miss you. Happy Thanksgiving.

Clay: Miss you too.

Clay sent me pictures, but they were not of him in his trunks. My guy wore nothing but the tattoos on his skin. It wasn’t hard to see why beach girls were snapping creepshots.

“Names?”

I tucked away my phone. Clay and I would continue flirting later. The gates of the Estate welcomed me.

“Royal Cruz and Ember Bancroft.”

The guard ducked into his station to check his records. Soon after the gate rumbled open.

“He lets you in without questions.”

“Sounds like you have a question,” Royal said.

“Will I ever know the mystery person who put you on the list?”

“It’s not important, Ember.”

“You and your secrets.” I eyed him. “Like how amazing you look in a suit. It’s making more sense now how you ensnared me in your trap the night we met.”

“You ensnared me,” he returned. “You seduced me.”

I gawped at him. “I did what?”

“You were unzipping that dress and grinning at me with that you’re-not-going-anywhere grin before I knew what was happening.”

“Absolutely not true,” I cried. “I seem to recall you placing me on the carpet and pulling said zipper down with your teeth.”

“You can remember it how you want, and I’ll remember it how it actually happened.”

“You’re impossible.”

Royal laughed himself sick. The boy took unnatural pleasure in messing with me.

The Estate Country Club rose in the distance, bringing our jokes to an end. We were about to steal a car out from under guards, cameras, and a party full of rich people unafraid to prosecute. Time to get serious.

We rolled up to the valet. Handing off the keys, Royal rounded the car, opened my door, and held out his hand like the perfect gentleman. My sunset ombre dress spilled out of the car. Aunt Violet’s back-to-school shopping spree served me well. Stepping out in the backless flowy gown with diamonds sparkling on my lobes and hair teased into a bun earned me an appreciative look from the doorman before he caught himself.

One thing I could say. If guests noticed I was out of place, it wouldn’t be due to my clothes. I looked like a Ravener from the top of my head to my orange toes.

The doorman bowed to us on the way in. We glided past security, coat check, and guests mingling in the foyer. The people who needed to see us, gave us a quick once-over and resumed what they were doing.

We arrived as the party started. Most of the seats were empty. The dance floor was bare. None of this diminished the spectacular transformation of this bland white room into a festive Thanksgiving scene. Carved pumpkins