Page 78 of To Steal a Heart
“Garrett wouldn’t even take his cut from the mask.” Katia’s tone grew musing. “I suspected then and there that Garrett had fallen for you, but he adamantly denied it.” Her face tightened with rage. “You see, I’m the jealous type and don’t like sharing my man with anyone else.”
“I’m not your man,” Garrett seethed.
Katia’s voice grew plaintive as she locked eyes with Garrett. “I loved you. I would have given you the world. You were mine,” she hissed, “until she came along.” She eyed Arden with such malevolence that it chilled her blood.
Arden’s heart twisted with the knowledge that she’d gotten it all wrong. She’d come here tonight in good faith, and there was a very good chance it would get her and Garrett killed. Emotion choked her throat as she turned to him. “I’m so sorry I misjudged you.” He was a thief whose love for her would be his undoing.
Regret shadowed his eyes, deepening them to pools of indigo. “I’m so sorry I dragged you into this.” He caught hold of her hands and cupped them in his. “Whatever happens, you need to know that I love you,” he said fiercely. “You and only you.”
“How sweet,” Katia mocked.
“It’s me you want,” Garrett asserted. “Let her go.”
Katia pursed her lips together. “Sorry, no can do.” A chuckle sounded in her throat as she directed her remarks to Arden. “You know, Garrett’s good. He almost had me convinced that he felt nothing for you. When I saw you dancing with that other guy tonight,” she frowned as she cocked her head, “what was his name? Oh, yeah. Wesley. When I saw you with Wesley, I thought you were in the clear. You see, this whole thing was a test. I needed to know that Garrett was loyal to me.” Her voice went shrill. “Only me! If you hadn’t come in here tonight and spilled your guts, then I wouldn’t have been the wiser.”
“No good deed goes unpunished,” Arden muttered.
Katia giggled. “I suppose not.” She took in a breath. “Now, what to do with you?”
“Let her go!” Garrett thundered as he released Arden’s hands. “I’m the one you want.”
She threw him a doe-eyed expression. “Yes, you are the one I want.” Fury twisted Katia’s features. “And I intend to have you. Oh, don’t look so glum. You’ll eventually get over this, and we’ll be the dynamic duo once more.” Her expression grew mocking as she homed in on Arden. “You write suspense. Tell me. What’s the most efficient way to dispose of your dead body?”
A paralyzing terror froze over Arden. No! She couldn’t shut down. She had to fight to the bitter end. She forced the words from her mouth. “Did you know that there are cameras on every floor of the hotel?” It gave her a ping of satisfaction to see the apprehension that leached into Katia’s eyes. “That’s the first hurdle that you’ll have to overcome.”
A triumphant smile tipped Katia’s lips. “That’s where Asa comes in. He can work his magic and erase the feed.”
“I wouldn’t count on that,” Garrett growled. “Asa works for me. Not you.”
“I’m sure I can figure out a way to motivate him. If a mountain of money won’t do it, then I’ll resort to other means.” Her eyes narrowed. “Such as his mother who lives in Hawaii.” Her voice grew silky smooth. “I know Asa wouldn’t want anything to happen to dear old Mom.”
“You’re a monster,” Garrett raged.
She laughed. “A monster who knows how to get what she wants at all costs.”
Arden cut into the conversation, keeping her gaze fixed on Katia. “After the deed is done, you’ll need a way to dispose of my body. That won’t be easy, considering that you’re in a fully staffed hotel.”
“I’m sure I’ll figure out something,” Katia said easily. “You’re small enough to stuff into an oversized suitcase.” Impatience flicked over her face. “Enough of the chitchat. Time for you to leave us.”
Garrett sprang to his feet and jumped in front of Arden to shield her. At the same time, a knock sounded at the door.
“Seriously?” Katia muttered with a roll of her eyes. “Another visitor?” She leveled a glare. “Don’t breathe a word, or I’ll shoot you both.”
The knocks escalated to pounding. “Open up!” a raspy voice demanded.
Startled laughter gurgled in Arden’s throat. She’d recognize that raspy voice anywhere—Grandmother!
“Sorry, but it’s not a good time,” Katia called loudly. “I’m not dressed and was just heading off to bed.”
Garrett shifted his hand to his pocket. In a subtle move, he pulled out what looked to be a pocketknife, holding it in his fist.
“I know you have my granddaughter in there! Either you open this door immediately, or I’ll bring the almighty power of this hotel down around your head and will crush you like a bug.”
Katia smirked. “Your grandmother is a royal pain like you.”
Arden felt a burst of pride. “Yes, she is.”
“Just a minute,” Katia said sweetly. “Both of you, stay put!” she hissed. Keeping her gun trained on them, she inched her way to the door. Katia turned the handle and cracked open the door ever so slowly.