Synopsis/Blurb: ... "Elena, do you know what you're getting yourself into?" Layla, my best friend asked sounding concerned. All for the right reasons though. I smirked, crossing my legs. "He is rich, he is handsome, he is powerful..." A sly smile graced my lips "Noah Reynolds, is my target" ... Professional con artist Elena Vasquez targets Noah Reynolds, a wealthy businessman with a guarded heart, as her latest mark. Unbeknownst to Noah, Elena plans an elaborate heist that entangles them in a web of deception and unexpected romance. As they navigate through twists, turns, and conflicting emotions, Elena and Noah discover that their lives may be more connected than they ever imagined. Can they overcome their pasts and find love amidst the chaos of their own making?
Chapter 1 Hello Beautiful
Elena's POV
My eyes scanned the room, searching not for something but someone-my next target.
I was at Diamond's Bar, the most exclusive spot in the country where men of all calibers and races came to unwind. Among the sea of opulence, I was looking for more than just anyone.
The place was filled with wealthy patrons, walking ATMs as I saw them. But tonight, I had my sights set on a specific individual.
Turning slightly, I examined the crowd. To the far left on the stage was Adam Richmond, a fifty-five-year-old billionaire with two married daughters, indulging in an unseemly dance with a stripper.
"Shameless," I muttered under my breath.
Richmond's behavior was disgraceful, his actions more befitting a man half his age.
"Not this one," I decided. He'd be too easy, and I wasn't looking for an easy mark. I needed someone more... elusive.
My gaze shifted to another man, dressed in a dark blue suit, seated alone and observing the room with the same intensity I had. The bright lights made it difficult to see his face, but his demeanor and the way he sipped his drink suggested he was both handsome and young. There was an enigmatic aura about him that drew me in.
"Alright, Elena, time to work your magic," I said, draining my glass before setting it down with a decisive thud.
Taking a deep breath, I shook off my nerves and approached Mr. Mysterious.
Yup, I named him, whom I usually gave all my target nicknames until I got to know their real name, and right now...this guy was giving up a mysterious vibe.
' This guy better be rich' I muttered to myself, but who was I kidding? In Diamond's Bar, a person couldn't be here without having at least a billion dollars to his or her name, well maybe apart from me since I was as broke as hell right now. My presence here was due to my reputation-Elena Vasquez could get into any place she wanted.
I advanced towards my Mr. Mysterious, swaying my hips deliberately. The tight red gown I wore accentuated my figure perfectly. As I neared, I finally caught a glimpse of his face, at least almost but just before I could someone rudely interrupted me.
"Hello, beautiful," a tall man in a black suit blocked my view. His beard was so unruly it almost obscured his features.
It's not like he would have looked better without them, anyway.
'Who keeps that much facial hair?' I wondered, frowning. His appearance was unkempt, and the excessive beard did nothing for his attractiveness.
I forced a smile as he grinned back, though his smile was almost lost beneath the beard.
"I'm just wondering what a beauty like yourself is doing alone."
'Why is that any of your business?' I wanted to ask with spite but held my tongue, looking around slightly.
Most of the women here were strippers, and the few that weren't were already engaged in conversation, with their selves. I was indeed the only woman here without company, but that still wasn't his concern or business.
"Why can't a man see a beautiful lady and just look away?" I replied, my tone edged with irritation. The bearded man's grin widened and my frown deepened.
"Because men are drawn to beautiful and hot things, especially one like you."
His comment was demeaning. I tightened my grip on my composure. "It's best for you to stay away from hot things, or you might get burned." I spat.
How was this dude even qualified to be called a billionaire?!
He chuckled, then glanced sideways. "Wait, are you talking to me?" he asked, his amusement fading.
"Did you see anyone behind you?" I retorted, more annoyed than before.
He looked taken aback, struggling to comprehend. "I was actually heading somewhere before you stopped me. Can you please move aside?" I asked, adding a forced politeness.
The man looked stunned, not moving an inch. "I'll just go around you then," I said, stepping around him and heading back to Mr. Mysterious's table.
But he was gone.
"Fucking shit!"
Cursing under my breath, I blamed the bearded man for ruining my chance as I stared at where my Mr Mysterious was seated a few moments ago.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed, startling me.
"Hey!"
I turned to see the bearded man glaring at me, his eyes full of anger. The music had faded, and many eyes were now on us.
"What the hell, you're attracting attention," I snapped, noticing the curious stares.
"Do you know who you're talking to?" he growled. "Is it because I'm being polite?"
His anger was intense, and I was caught off guard. I was an attention seeker, but this was definitely not the kind of attention I wanted or needed right now.
"Sir, you need to calm down. If anyone should be angry, it's me," I said, trying to defuse the situation while putting my hands out to try to calm.the raging man.
The commotion was attracting unwanted attention. I needed to leave before someone recognized me. I took a deep breath, attempting a smile. "I'll just leave, and you..."
"Don't you dare!" His voice was filled with menace as he grabbed my hand roughly forcing me to face him again.
I froze, terrified. My instincts screamed at me to run, but my legs wouldn't move.
The situation was dire. If this had been a woman, I might have handled it differently. But this was a formidable, intimidating man, not to mention he was a billionaire.
' Elena, what the fuck have you gotten yourself into this time. ' I had a knack for finding trouble even when I wasn't looking for it; this was a typical example of such a situation.
"Let me go!" I pleaded, struggling against his grip.
He was strong, really strong.
A new plan formed: escape as soon as I could. But his strength was formidable, and panic began to set in.
"Please, let me go," I begged, my pride taking a hit.
Maybe I could have done something, flip the guy over or even twist his hands using mine, but I just I couldn't, not here.
There were people watching, and this was a billionaires' territory. There was nowhere I could run that he wouldn't find me if he meant it, and from the looks of things, he really meant me!
"I'm sorry, just please let me go." As prideful as I was, I knew when I couldn't win and this was an example of such rare cases.
"No, you bitch!" The bearded man smirked tightening his grip on my hands. "I'm going to shut that mouth of yours and teach you some manners". He said holding my shoulder in a tight grip with a terrifying smile on his ugly face.
'You've really done it this time Elena.'
My eyes darted about and I desperately looked for a means of escape.
Fuck!
"Let go of her!" a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension. The bearded man hesitated, and I looked up to see my unexpected savior.
What the...
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