The Thief and The Smuggler

12: Ruby for the Creep

Ruby for the Creep

The mansion's pristine interior shimmered with modern elegance. Gabriel and Alina waited in the spacious living room, its minimalist décor blending high-end functionality with a distinct air of power. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed the Austin skyline, the fading sunset casting amber and violet hues over the sleek glass walls.

Alina perched on a low, white leather sofa, trying to appear relaxed as she scanned the room. Her dress—a daring emerald-green piece Gabriel had selected—hugged her figure, its plunging neckline a calculated part of the evening's charade. Gabriel stood nearby, pouring himself a glass of red wine from the polished bar cart. His tailored black suit gave him the effortless confidence of a man who controlled every variable.

"Wine?" he offered, holding up another glass.

"Not yet," she replied, smoothing her dress. "I need to stay sharp."

Gabriel smirked, swirling the liquid in his glass. "Wise choice. Our buyer isn't one to underestimate."

The sound of tires crunching on gravel broke the silence, and Alina's heart rate ticked up a notch. Gabriel noticed and shot her a calming look.

"Remember," he said, stepping closer and lowering his voice, "you're my fiancée tonight. Charming, a little clingy, and utterly devoted to me. That's all you have to do."

"I think I can manage that," Alina replied with mock sweetness, sliding an arm around his waist and leaning in just enough to make him chuckle.

The front door opened, and a manservant led in their guest. The buyer's presence immediately shifted the energy in the room. He was a middle-aged man, thickset, with a balding head and a pinstriped suit that seemed too old fashioned, but made out of rich fabric nonetheless. His posture screamed entitlement, and his smile was the kind of slick grin that made Alina want to reach for a knife.

"Mr. DeMarco," the buyer said, extending a hand. "It's an honor."

Gabriel shook it with practiced ease, the smile on his face as calculated as the one on his guest's. "The honor is mine, Carlos. Welcome." He gestured toward the sofas. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Alina's stomach churned as his eyes lingered on her a little too long, a sleazy grin spreading across his face. "And this must be...?"

Gabriel wrapped an arm around Alina's waist, pulling her close. "My fiancée, Alina," he said smoothly, pressing a kiss to her temple. "She insisted on joining me tonight. Couldn't bear to be apart, isn't that right, querida?"

Alina forced a bright, vapid smile, leaning into him. "That's right! I told him I couldn't let him have all the fun without me."

The buyer chuckled, the sound grating on her nerves. "Beautiful and loyal. You're a lucky man, DeMarco."

Gabriel's smile didn't waver. "I try to keep her happy."

They settled into the living room, where a table had been set up with a small, locked case resting on top. Gabriel and the buyer exchanged pleasantries and veiled jabs, their conversation a careful dance of power and leverage. Meanwhile, Alina played her part, draping herself over Gabriel's lap, her hand resting possessively on his chest as she giggled at his every word.

The buyer opened the case, his eyes lighting up as the Indian ruby gleamed under the soft lighting. "Magnificent," he murmured, running a finger along the edge of the jewel.

Gabriel nodded, his tone polite but firm. "As promised. Now, the payment?"

The buyer handed over a sleek black tablet, tapping a few keys before sliding it across the table. Gabriel glanced at the screen, confirming the transfer.