Thieves Among Us-Closed

[Aussie_Wolf]

Hmm she was playing for major stakes then. Well then perhaps he should test her resolve.

"Well the sight of you in that dress has inspired me my dear. Your radiance knows no bounds and your beauty is going to far outstrip anything we see in here tonight. So if I win I get one night with you to do with as I see fit."

He grinned cheekily at her and smiled roguishly. "Dare you take up the challenge?"

 

[Perplexia]

She almost blushed under his gaze and compliment. "I am afraid sir, that one does not place a bet unless they are aware of the stakes one is actually willing to risk loosing. 'to do' as you seem fit could teeter on being harmless to being quite dangerous. It also means that you can change your mind at to what that is at any point. I am afraid sir you will need to be more specific in your claim before I dare to accept."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Oh she was very clever. She had neatly avoided that trap. Indeed he could have done anything to her under those terms including taking her immortal soul, or indeed making her just like him. Oh well it was good to see his money had not been wasted on her education at least.

"Very well madam. Then let me refine my terms. A night on the town including but not limited to a dinner, a show, some form of entertainment and then back to my rooms where until morning you will stay and I will do my utmost to convince you to do nasty things with me," he smiled.

"However I will not force you to. I am not that sort of man. If you can resist my charms you will be free to go in the morning. Do we now have a deal?"

 

[Perplexia]

This time she wasn't able to avoid the shock that displayed on her face. As quickly as it appeared it disappeared and was replaced by a smirk. "Sir, I offer a counter offer to your proposal. I will give you 3 attempts at courting me, including the dining and entertainment. But I shall not go back to your home. I am still a lady and that is simply not done."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

"Very well my dear, it appears we have a wager," he smiled at her as he offered her his arm to escort her inside.

The museum had been given a slight makeover for the night. They were having a gala while at the same time unveiling a new exhibit. It seemed that they had acquired some artifacts from Egypt that they were most eager to put on display. He had heard rumors of gold and other precious metals as well as tales of a mummy.

The gold and jewels he would be interested in, the mummy they could keep. Yet it would also prove to be a great distraction. While everyone's attention was focused on the new exhibit, other more profitable, and certainly more easier to sell items, would be available to pilfer.

Of course he was sure that had occurred to her as well and he wondered just what she had targeted tonight. As they approached the hall the party was to be held in he scanned for security measures. So far it just looked like the usual. A bunch of rent a cops, that already looked bored, and the standard alarm systems you would find in a place like this. If this was all there was he could rob this place blind in his sleep.

Handing over his invitation to the usher at the door he escorted her in and smiled again at her. "Well then my dear, shall we mingle until the dancing starts?"

 

[Perplexia]

He didn't seem appalled at her counter offer. She was right he was dangerous. The sooner she won this bet the sooner she could feel content in her life and not have it distracted with the distractions that came with Mr. Skinner.

"Let the party begin" she said with a smile as she took his arm and they followed the rest of the crowd inside. "So do tell me who are we this evening?" she questioned in a whisper darting her eyes at the invitation. "Do I get the honor of being a lady, a duchess, or a countess?" she grinned at him playfully as her fingers gracefully removed the diamond bracelet off the woman in front of them and slid it into her bubble.

Her eyes scanned the building and crowd for anything different then we scanned it yesterday. Other then the new displays of Egyptian artifacts and jewels. The security was still the same with the exception of a few more sleepy personnel guarding the treasures. That is one thing she loved about the British, they always considered themselves a step about and therefore others just simply wouldn't dare.

Her eyes danced around from necks to wrists to fingers of all the little bobbles that would soon be hers. She loved it when men wore the chains connected to their wallets. It kept her from getting the wrong pocket. It was also easier to lift out.

As she looked up at him waiting for the answer for their identity she found herself remembering how close they were dancing. How he made her loose her breath and that she wanted nothing more then to feel his lips. Even if it meant she would have to slap him for being fresh. She smiled at the thought and waited.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

He smiled as he watched how gracefully she purloined the woman's bracelet even as he removed one of her pearl necklaces. Hmm one up for her, yet as he shook the hand of an an elderly gentleman and relieved him of his wallet and gold ring, he turned to her.

"Why tonight my dear we are the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Unfortunately the real duke has died without issue so we have to be careful, but I know enough about the family to pull the disguise off if anyone questions us."

He circulated them around the room, talking to men and women and pretending to drink a lot while drinking very little. However small trinkets kept vanishing from the people they met. Never large pieces that would be noticed, but smaller ones that could be overlooked.

He even challenged himself on occasions and lifted men's wallets, took their money and then returned them. All the while he observed her actions. She was good, very good. In fact he would say she was actually winning their little duel. As another waiter approached he gathered another drink for each of them and offered it to her.

"You are having a successful night I see my dear Countess. I fear I am falling behind. I do hope I am able to catch up, after all I am thoroughly enjoying your company."

The band chose that moment to start up and he smiled and bowed offering his hand to her and gestured to the dance floor. "Shall we my dear? Let's show these stuffed shirts how to dance."

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled and took his hand allowing him to take her out on the dance floor. "when i was in boarding school this is how I occupied myself. Although I made a game of putting the wallets in the wrong pockets to create chaos." she said softly while the began dancing. It was apparent to her that a lot of eyes were on them as they moved together effortlessly around the floor.

"I'm not comfortable with all these eyes on us" she said softly trying to tune out the crowd and keep her focus on his eyes. It didn't take very long at all for her to become lost in them as they twirled around the floor. "I'm not sure whether i hope you catch up or not" she admitted as the dance ended. They switched partners and continued their game throughout the evening ending up back together in the end. "I think we should mingle a bit, 'an item on the second floor i would like to view, care to join me?"

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Again he took her hand and walked with her up to the second floor, pausing occasionally to chat with people. It did not take them too long however until they were strolling along the corridors. He stopped at several well known paintings to admire them and to check on the bored guards. They seemed more interested in looking at pretty ladies than they did in keeping an eye out for any would be thieves.

Smiling he looked at her. "I am in your capable hands my lady. Please lead on. I am sure whatever you wish to view is going to make it extremely hard for me to continue working with you."

 

[Perplexia]

Leading him around a corner she had him stand behind her which would block her entirely what she was doing. Crouching down she pulled a lock pick from her hair and began to open the case that they had so strictly stuck in the corner as if a 6th century broach should ever be hidden in a corner. Just that alone made her want to steal it.

Slipping into the case she liberates it wrapping in its velvet pouch and sliding it into her bubble. slowly rising behind him she slides her arm around his waist. "All done" she said with a smile and seeing no change in being observed.

"There is a story that goes back centuries about a broach that was actually a key to unlocking a chest buried in the catacombs of an old monastery. The rumor has it that it holds several maps that have treasures of unimaginable wealth attached to them. Seven to be exact. Their is of course the myth that in each of these treasures is a portion of an idol. The holder of the idol is granted which ever power they wish. I won't consider this item as part of our deal, since its potential value is immeasurable."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Well that was interesting. It wasn't as if he had that certain chest and those certain treasure maps and had been waiting for someone to show up that was both good enough, and loyal enough for him to seek them out with. Of course he hadn't needed the broach anymore after he had unlocked the chest and so he had hidden it again. He had been amused when it had been 'Discovered' again.

"Oh you are most generous my dear, considering it is just a rumor after all and you could have just stolen nothing more than an ornamental broach. Pretty in itself I admit, but maybe only worth 30 or 40 thousand dollars."

He strolled with her towards the party again then stopped to admire another painting. "Now here is a true work of art. I have always admired the art of the great Leonardo Da Vinci," he told her. "Both he and Michelangelo truly knew how the human body worked, and did you know they were so far ahead of their time they invented things we are just beginning to use today."

Smiling at the picture he moved past it to a slightly smaller one. "Now you tell me how this thing," he said pointing to a picture of a cartoon woman's head, "Deserves to be in the same gallery. I have even heard of an American that's painting soup cans and calling it art."

He shook his head then moved down the hall to a small display case. Inside was an exquisite diamond the size of a small child's hand and cut in a traditional brilliant manner. Looking left and right he saw no one was looking and took out several pieces of equipment. He would need to bypass the alarm on this one as well as pick the lock. A simple matter of course, however there was one more little trick to overcome as well as the matter of making sure no one noticed it missing.

"If you would be so kind as to return the favor from earlier Madam," he smiled as he ducked down.

Barely a minute later he stood up. "Blast," he told her gazing at the jewel sitting in the case as he returned his tools. "Damn thing has been upgraded. I don't have the right tool for the job. Looks like you will be winning tonight." Shaking his head he began to lead her back downstairs. "Well then perhaps another dance as a consolation prize my dear," he asked smiling, placing his cane and hat down again.

 

[Perplexia]

"I'm sure you're right" she said lightly regarding to the broach. "It is after all not an unknown tale. I'm sure it's been found out to be true or false already. Though I did like the idea of a treasure hunt. Such a shame, I thought i had something remarkable for a moment."

She sighed and walked with him through the gallery as she stopped in front of the diamond. Standing in front of him as he crouched. She kept an eye out until he rose uttering something about not having the tools he needed for the security system.

"I will gladly honor you with another dance" she replied as they walked back down the stairs to the dance floor. Her emotions she found were mixed over the prospect of winning their bet. But if it was fated as such, then she supposed there was nothing she could do about it.

Taking his hand stepped into step with him. "The night isn't over just yet, there is always opportunity for you to come ahead. After all I'm sure you have something up your sleeve that will weigh in your favor" she teased as the music played and she found herself once again locked in his gaze.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

He smiled as they danced and he gazed into her eyes, drawing her in. Just as a test he slipped one of the bracelets she had stolen out of her dress and into his pocket. Hmm now perhaps he could win this way, but that was being dishonest. Allowing her to do all the work and then reaping the rewards.

"Well I suppose I could steal you my dear. Obviously you are worth more than anything in this entire museum, as you could steal it all," he chuckled as he continued to gaze into her eyes. " I think that is the only way I am going to beat you tonight however. The party is winding down and it is always best to leave early before people start to notice they are missing things."

He continued to dance with her until the song finished however, then led her back to retrieve his hat and cane then escorted her to the exit. On the way he plucked a single white rose from a vase and presented it to her. "For you my dear Countess," he chuckled as they walked away from the museum back towards the small cafe. As they stopped outside of it he smiled at her and bowed. "I am sure I have lost my dear, but why do we not meet up tomorrow night at our dance class to see by how much. At least give me the chance to see you one last time." Signaling for a taxi he waited until it had stopped then bowed over her hand and gently kissed it. "I would offer to give you a lift, but I know you will reject it," he laughed as he got in and the taxi pulled away.

 

[Perplexia]

The night had come to end as she watched his cab take him away. She knew that he was just as gifted as she was at the game they played, and wondered why he was giving in so easily. Perhaps he wasn't interested in the partnership any more then she had thought she was. Hailing a cab of her own she took her usual cautious measures to make her way back to her flat.

This had been one of the best evenings she could remember. But tomorrow evening would be the last time their paths crossed unless his tally had been off. Even then she didn't trust that he wouldn't add something to his stash to try to make things even out in his favor.

'What is your game Mr. Skinner?' she questioned to her empty flat as she twirled the rose he had given her before bringing it to her nose for a smell. Taking out a bag she began to empty her stash into it. They had made quite a hall in the name of fun.

The next evening came sooner then she wanted it to and she met him at the dance studio for their potentially last encounter. "As punctual as always Sir" she said greeting him as she tossed her bag to the side.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

He had dressed casually tonight. Slacks, blue shirt, blue tie and a fedora. it was a warm night and he hadn't needed to wear his coat, but he had it draped over his arm concealing his little surprise.

He put the coat in a chair and pulled a small bag from the pocket. "I have managed to gather about 7000 dollars together for tonight. Unfortunately I will have to sell the rest of my pieces off slowly of course, but I have had them valued and I have that estimate here," he said removing a small slip of paper. "My total haul was only about 47,000 dollars. Well short I am sure of yours."

He smiled and placed the bag back on his coat and then his cane slipped from under it, clattering to the floor. "Oh sorry. I stupidly picked the thing up when I left this evening and I was in such a rush I just couldn't be bothered returning it when I noticed," he smiled picking it up and placing it on top of the coat as well.

Returning to where she stood he looked at her. "Well then, give me the bad news. Just how bad was I beaten."

 

[Perplexia]

Rina smiled and then made a decision to simply lie. "You just beat me by 500 dollars." She declared shrugging and letting out a deep sigh. Guess I'll have to concede the victory to you. It is the oddest thing i could swear I was missing a piece that would have put me over the top. Guess I must have chosen not to take it and thought I did." She sighed again for dramatic effect and placed her coat and bag down.

"Shall we dance?" she questioned with a emotionless expression.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Phillip almost gaped at the woman, but managed to smile at her instead. Why the cheeky minx was lying. He must have done something right if she was willing to lie to keep him around. Yet he was sort of dissapointed he had not been able to spring his little surprise on her. Oh well another day then.

Walking towards her he took her in his arms and began to dance even though there was no music. She effortlessly matched him and they glided around the floor without too much conscious effort.

"Well my dear it seems I will be sticking around for a little while. I am actually very glad. I would have hated the thought of not getting to see your face again."

As they came to the end of the dance and he dipped her and looked into her eyes he bent lower and actually kissed her. It was a slow, sweet, gentle kiss, then he raised her back up to her feet and smiled at her.

"Well shall we take our ill gotten gains and take a stroll through the park? It would be a shame to waste the rest of the night."

 

[Perplexia]

"The bet was for three dates Mr. Skinner. Nothing more." she said with a smirk her lips still tingling from the amazing kiss he had placed on her. She had of coursed been kissed in the past. But most of it was in trying to get close to a mark to liberate his most prized possession.

"I would appreciate if you would do me the honor of asking my permission before placing your lips on mine." She stated with a calmness that surprised herself.

Her body was surging with all sorts of different feelings and desire she was uncertain what to do with. The only thing she could think of was how she wanted to hit something to let out this frustration that was suddenly upon her.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Phillip could smell the desire upon her as well as the confusion and anger. He chuckled to himself, not so loud that she could hear but he had to let his amusement out somewhat. Obviously this was the first time she had been truly kissed by a man she actually desired and she didn't know what to do.

"I am deeply sorry my dear. I assure you it will never happen again,"he apologized bowing to her. "Well unless that is you want me too,"he added with a slight smirk. "Now about that walk in the park. Was that a yes or a no?"

 

[Perplexia]

He certainly had some audacity she would give him that. Yes he was handsome and charming, but there was also a mystery there.

Although he said the right words to compensate for his actions she doubted his sincerity behind them. If anything they were trained to say and do the right things in a pinch. It became like second nature to them. Although she had loved the showings of the old 1938 movie, they were certainly no Robin Hood.

"Are you counting that as one of your dates?" she questioned raising an eyebrow and trying to regain her own footing. She wasn't going to let him gain the upper hand. She must remained poised and dignified. But it was a challenge, especially after that kiss.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

"A simple kiss," he asked shocked. "No that only happened because of your beauty and the fact that I got caught up in the moment. You can hardly blame me for that. I don't think you can count that as a date," he chuckled.

"No my dates will be a little more than that, after all I am trying to win the heart of the fair maiden," he said bowing to her with a flourish and a roguish smile.

"Perhaps if you were to allow me to plan a true date you will see what I mean. Let us say tomorrow at seven? I will pick you up outside our favorite bistro," he smiled. "Don't eat dinner as I will be taking you out and don't plan on being home until the early hours," he smiled.

With another bow he picked up his things and headed for the door. "Until tomorrow night M'lady," he said smiling then left.

 

[Perplexia]

Rina smiled and watched as he left. When she heard the door clasp from his leaving she dropped to the floor and placed a hand over her racing heart. Why had she lied to him so he could win? What on earth had come over her. The way they moved together, the way they had similar techniques, it was enough to suspect he was the 'copycat'.

He was clever, and had that certain bit of gentleman behavior with the right amount of scoundrel that kept him interesting. She wasn't blind to some of the women googling over him. Yet his eyes seemed to never falter from her unless it was a mark.

He was proficient like she was, and could be professional or whimsical. Her finger went to her lips where she could only feel a light tingle as reminiscence of his soft kiss. Why was he doing this, courting her. Surly he could have any woman.

Perhaps it was a game to him, that unobtainable treasure that he had to have for the thrill of it. Would it ever be enough? No, probably not. He was a thief and adventure like she was. There was never enough adventures or thrills in obtaining what was unobtainable. A soft scowl went over her face as she settled that must be his reason, and gathered her things.


As she made her way home with her regular avoidance method she realized she was a woman and in some ways it did make her less of an ideal thief. It was true until she met Phillip she had never found herself in this position. But he was more skilled in this romance business then she was. She had never needed to delve into her sexuality and until him, never felt anything so mind altering then his kiss.

She would just have to resolve herself not to fall for his charm. After a hot bath she went to sleep with that on her mind. The next day she took care in finding an outfit that wasn't too flattering.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Phillip had left the dance studio with the air of confidence and the stride of a man who knew he ruled the world. Inside however he was not the same.

As soon as he was out of sight he flowed to the rooftops and found the nearest shadow to sit in. Hunched over he began to think over all he had done. Had he gotten to close to her too fast? Was it a mistake to think he could be around her?

Every time he was near her was intoxicating. It was like he was alive again and could feel the sun on his skin. He had only meant to meet her, work a few jobs with her to gauge her progress before seeing if she was ready for the big time, and then fade out of her life again.

Now however he found himself drawn to her in ways he had never felt since that day so long ago. Oh her blood did call out to him, but not in that all consuming way of the hunger. No this was something else. It was if he wanted to possess her and make her his own. He actually felt like he was falling in love with her.

Shaking himself he stood up. No, he had to resist. He had sworn never to corrupt another and damn them to the life he lived. While it did have certain advantages, they were far outweighed by the pain and suffering.

With new resolve he began to move from rooftop to rooftop, a flowing shadow as he made his way across the city. He leaped gaps no mortal could with ease and moved as quickly as the wind and was soon standing in a darkened alley next to the hotel he had taken residence in.

Emerging with nary a wrinkle in his attire he walked in, smiling at the doorman as he passed and proceeded to his room. He had a night out to plan and a bet to win. He would just have to resist the urges boiling up within him. As he sat at his desk he looked at the bear sitting on it and smiled. "Well Mr Winkles, this is a fine mess I seem to have gotten myself into."

 

[Perplexia]

If they had sold habits she would have bought one just to discourage him. That kiss was still playing on her mind and no matter what she tried to preoccupy herself with it wasn't going away. She didn't need this complication in her life. But for once she found herself making excuses on how they could make it work.

But what if she was just merely a trinket to him. She understood far to well how the chase worked, the adrenaline, the rush of finding that one special item that seemed unobtainable and then once you had it... it was on to the next big score.

There was a reason she was good at what she did. She was focused and was quick on her feet. But with him, he left her breathless. Even when they were at the museum when they weren't together it was as if she couldn't wait to be next to him again. It was such an odd feeling and thought she had no idea what to do with it.

Trust.. that was the biggest issue, could she trust a thief?

She found a pale yellow dress that did nothing for her shape or color and decided to go with it. She had to go along with this date. But that didn't mean she had to put maximum effort into her appearance.

She left a message at the number to let him know he could pick her up at their cafe' at 7. Eventually the time rolled around and she hailed a cab. She wanted to be late, but her compulsion for being on time made her arrive just at 7.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

He was busy in his preparations when he received the note to say she would be ready to be picked up at 7 at their usual spot. Smiling he started to confirm bookings. She would be amazed at what his real name could do in this town. He had only to mention it and suddenly a table at the most prestigious restaurant in town had opened up in a nice quiet corner. A box seat at the theater had miraculously become available for a sold out show of the famous ballet swan lake and he had arranged for a horse drawn carriage and limousines.

Oh he was going to go all out on this first date to see what her reaction was. It would tell him a lot about her. Again he dressed in his tails and walked out of the hotel and straight into the waiting vehicle. Promptly at 7 they arrived at the Bistro and he emerged to find her in a most unflattering yellow dress. Ahh so this was how she was going to play it. Very well he could go along with it by totally ignoring it.

"You are looking as lovely as ever my dear," he greeted her with a bow. "If you would care to join me we are off to Mai'son Confet for Dinner. I was lucky and they had a last minute cancellation."

He guided her to the car and once they were comfortably seated the driver took off for their destination.