A Villainous Affair

Chapter 8

Several months later on a bright Monday morning, Herb ambled up to Scarlet's flat. She'd refused to disclose the reason behind her invitation, but he'd surely soon find out.

As he took the stairs two at a time, he reflected on their recent collaborations. Scarlet had gone on about twenty more heists, each one more successful than the last. She handled the major planning while Herb provided technical support. A few times, he'd accompanied her on some of her criminal outings. He loved any chance he got to watch her in action.

To his delight, she'd recently proposed centralizing their operation with a multipurpose facility-living spaces, a lab for him, a loot room, the works. She wanted to build a huge fortress designed in the shape of a fairy tale castle on the outskirts of London. Herb had been sketching the blueprints when she'd called and invited him over. Maybe that was the reason for the visit-to further discuss the fortress' amenities.

Herb knocked on Scarlet's door. She opened it immediately. Had she been waiting there for him? The thought made his stomach flutter.

He stuck a hand in his pocket. Noted the flowery dress she wore and her shapely thighs peeking from beneath the lacy hem. Dazzling. "Morning."

"Good morning." Her eyes gleamed. "I have a surprise for you."

"Really?" He grinned. "Must be my lucky day."

"Yes, it is." She gestured for him to follow. "In here."

On the way to the bedroom, Herb winked at the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hanging prominently on the wall. He made a note to erect a spotlight for it after they built the fortress.

She stepped into the bedroom. "Since you're so tall, I got three different sizes to make sure at least one would fit."

Herb gaped. In the middle of the room were three mannequins. Each mannequin displayed the pinstripe jacket he'd seen at that men's clothing store. "You...you bought these for me?"

Scarlet giggled. "Oh, Herb, you're so funny. Of course not."

Herb smiled as understanding dawned. "Ah. Well, it still took time and effort to, ah, acquire them. This is way cool of you. Thanks!"

Scarlet smiled shyly. "I'm glad you appreciate it." She cocked her head. "You're really unlike other men, villains or otherwise. So polite and considerate. At first, I thought you were angling for something, but then I realized...that's just you."

"Other men you've dated?"

Scarlet made an adjustment on one of the jackets, though none was needed. "I don't date."

"You don't...you've never..." Herb drew in a sharp breath at the implication of her disclosure.

"Not with men, anyway." She brushed off her hands. "Enough chitchat. Come try them on and see which fits best. If you need a different size, I'll get it for you."

Herb nodded, though his head was spinning. Every moment with Scarlet Overkill was a lesson in unpredictability. He never knew what she was going to say or do next. He realized he wanted to have that feeling of surprise every day of his life-for the rest of his life.

Scarlet left the room. Herb tried on the jackets until he found the perfect fit. He felt like a new man, one finally worthy of the woman waiting for him in the other room. He joined her in the living room and modeled his new outfit.

From her perch on the couch, Scarlet nodded in approval. "Like I said, snazzy."

Herb gestured toward the kitchen. "Want me to make us some tea?"

Scarlet blinked in surprise, something she often did when he offered to do something for her. As though it was a new experience for her. Like she wasn't expecting him to be nice to her. Made him wonder why she always seemed to expect the worst.

"Sure. If you're hungry, there are some biscuits in the bread box."

"Groovy." Herb paused on his way to the kitchen as a thought occurred to him. Turned back to Scarlet with a sly smile. "Say, are you trying to butter me up for something? First the suit, now biscuits. What's your angle?"

"Nothing! Just because I'm a villain doesn't mean I shouldn't have good manners and hostess skills. Can't I simply offer my guest some refreshment?" Scarlet turned away with a harrumph and busied herself with a villain trade magazine.

"Of course. Whatever you say."

Herb grinned on the way to the kitchen. He had a very good reason for smiling. He'd caught her blushing.