A Thief for the CEO

Chapter 10: Witch and Thief

Riley's POV

Theo's apartment is so luxurious I can hardly believe it. It is spacious and occupies at least the top two floors of the tall building that crowns Central Park.

“I thought you lived in the mansion where I met you," I murmur.

For fear that Hannah might overhear me, I hold back my words. Theo came straight to greet us as soon as we arrived. He has changed his clothes and is wearing a smart suit of pearl grey, his copper hair slightly tousled, and his shrewd eyes fixed on me.

“I thought this address would be a bit more private so that we could carry out our mission calmly," he says in an equally quiet voice.

I am impressed that this mansion encapsulated at the top of the tower of a building is what he considers private. Still, I am not one to contradict him.

After the events at my house, Hugo had us get into the car. I didn't ask about whatever he had shown to my father, but I have my theories about it. After dropping Cleo off and promising to meet soon, Hugo took Hannah and me straight to the address Theo had given him.

“Are we going to live here?" my sister asks, approaching me.

She hides slightly behind my body, and her eyes are fixed on Theo. She is a shy girl and I know this man is tall and intimating enough.

He must sense it, because he smiles pleasantly at her and holds out his hand, seeking to soothe her.

“It's nice to meet you, Miss," he says politely and kindly. Hannah hesitates for a moment, but finally shakes his hand.

“It's my pleasure," she murmurs.

As we walk, Theo shows us around. He tells us about some artwork and points out where everything is located so that we can feel "at home".

My house, I think, is a small shoebox compared to this place. Try as I might, I can't feel at home here.

“Are you dating him?" Hannah then asks quietly.

“What?" I reply, suddenly excited, but quietly. “Of course I'm not! Mr. Maddox is my boss."

My sister frowns. She's not very convinced about the lie I've told her. I explained that Theo hired me to do an important job, and as part of the p*****t, he has agreed to give Hannah a scholarship. Hence she has found herself enrolled in a fancy boarding school.

But my sister, of course, doesn't believe me. The idea doesn't quite fit her, and I know that the more we talk about it, the less she's going to believe it, so I try not to go too deeply into the matter.

“This is my housekeeper, Ella Thompson. Ella, could you show Hannah the room we've prepared for her?"

“Of course."

She approaches Hannah. She is a beautiful blonde middle-age woman. She is very well groomed and I like her immediately.

“This way," she says pointing the way to Hannah, who looks at me as if asking for permission before following her.

Theo waits for them to leave and leads me to a large room that has a view of Central Park. Up here, the city hides its shadows. It doesn't look as scary, nor as corrupt as I've known it to be, but instead is painted like a dream.

“Hugo told me things had been a little tense with your father," he says.

I frown helplessly. I don't like the idea of having to discuss my family problems with him, but so far, Theo has been very kind and his concern seems genuine.

“Things are never easy with dad," I comment while hugging myself and as I look at the city at our feet.

He nods, as if my words have great meaning.

“I figured as much," he affirms. “That's why I preferred to send Hugo with you," he whispers. “It's been a good idea."

“Thank you," I whisper. “You've been a great help."

Silence forms between the two of us. He must feel my discomfort, what's remaining of the fear about the situation with my father. His presence, however, is comforting, although I don't know why.

“I thank you for everything you have done for me... for us," I correct myself.

In the past, I've tried to run away with Hannah, but I never could. Dad always found us. Every time he did, he'd promise to change, but then we'd end up in more trouble than we started with.

“Business is business," he jokes.

I look at him with a raised eyebrow and he looks back at me. His eyes are full of questions and secrets.

For some reason he is able to quicken my pulse, which makes me uncomfortable. I look away shortly and he does the same.

“Either way it has been a pleasure for me. You deserved some peace," he murmurs.

“I suppose. But you're not doing it out of charity," I clarify.

“No, I'm not. But I'm glad that our deal can benefit both of us," I look at him again without understanding his mystery.

At a first glance, Theo seems to be a distant and unreachable man, but I begin to sense the glimpses of a good person inside him.

“What is this brilliant plan of yours, by the way? You still haven't told me what you want me to steal for you."

“All in due time," he repeats calmly and smiles when he looks back at me. “For now, it would be good for you to get some rest. Tomorrow I'll take you to meet Hannah's new school. On Monday, she will start classes."

“It'll be hard to have her away," I murmur in between a sigh.

“I know," he nods. “But I trust I'll keep you busy enough so you won't have to think about it."

There is something in his tone, something hidden that makes me nervous. The hint in his voice stirs my senses, and I suddenly feel like running.

He, however, doesn't seem to notice. He smiles as if to himself and then says.

“Why didn't you tell your sister I'm your boyfriend when she asked?"

His question is not an accusation, but there is a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Who would believe that?" I answer almost indignant, looking at him as if it was actually true.

“She would," he says. He looks amused. “And I'm sure others would. Why don't you?"

“Wait," I take a step away from him. “Are you asking me out?"

He laughs. My reaction has obviously amused him. My cheeks redden as he shakes his face.

“No. I don't usually mix pleasure with business. I just find it amusing that you don't see what's in front of you," he replies.

“And what do I have before me that I don't see?" I ask with a raised eyebrow, defensively.

“Your potential," he affirms.

His eyes remain fixed on me. For a moment, it is as if he can see beyond my armor, my skin and appearances, to a space inside me that is mine alone.

“You are a strange man," I affirm.

“And you're a distrustful girl," he replies with amusement, unperturbed. “But for this to work we'll have to trust each other. At some point though, I'll be glad to know that you can see yourself as you really are."

“I don't get it," I comment shaking my head. “Who told you that I don't see myself as I am?"

“How would you define yourself?" he asks with a raised eyebrow. “In three words, tell me who you are."

I don't understand his question, but I try to find three words that define me. But to tell the truth, I fail in the attempt.

“I can't," I affirm.

“I can."

He takes a step towards me. We stand facing each other, and his closeness makes me look up. He's f*cking tall, and his hair of gold and red makes him look like a lion. His eyes sparkle in the light and he has a smile full of mystery on his perfectly shaped lips.

“Intelligent, cunning, and beautiful."

His statement takes my breath away.

“You've lost your mind," I snort, as I step away.

“How do you define yourself then?" he asks, amused.

I shake my head and turn away. His closeness confuses me.

“Any way but that," I declare.

Theo waits a moment before answering. His eyes are fixed on me and there is an enigmatic seriousness on his face.

“I hired you, not only because you are a thief, but because you meet the requirements of someone who could fulfill this job. But to do that, I need you to believe in your potential." Even as I step away, he takes another step towards me. Suddenly, the scent of his cologne is all I can smell.

“You're smart," he proclaims. “And astute. You know how to see things from another perspective. You just have to be trained to see things from the right perspective."

“Maybe," I affirm with a whisper. “But it was a consequence of necessity. And beauty has nothing to do with it."

“On the contrary. It has everything to do with it," he answers, his enigmatic smile creeping up his lips and his eyes.

“Why would it have anything to do with it?" I ask with my heart racing.

“Because beauty casts a spell," he murmurs slowly, and I feel the touch of his fingers, almost carelessly taking a lock of my hair.

At that moment, my whole world comes to a standstill, and in return, my heart begins to beat uncontrollably.

“And I'm going to need you to be a bit of a thief and a sorceress to get what I want."

“Who do you expect me to cast a spell on?" I mutter, sensing that he's just talking gibberish.

But Theo smiles as if that's the heart of the matter.

“Me," he answers, as if it was possible.