My butterflies go full force. Time seems to stand still. I open my mouth and then close it.
"Say whatever's on your mind, pet," he demands.
"What does that mean? I-I want you to clarify what that means so I'm not confused," I admit, then add, "about us. I don't want to keep being confused about us." My stomach dives so fast that I think I might get sick, but it's the question that's always on my mind.
He locks his blues on mine, his chest filling with air several times, his exhales steadied and controlled. He closes the small gap between us, tilting my chin up and studying me.
For the first time ever, I swear Riggs is nervous. It swirls all over him, and I'm sure he won't answer me.
But he does.
He lowers his voice, claiming, "It means I was wrong."
"About what?" I whisper, scared about what he will say.
"How I want to love you," he declares.
My emotions roll through me. I'm unable to escape the tears. I force myself to ask, "Meaning?"
"I need to do better."
I inhale sharply.
He presses his lips to mine, then vows, "Iwilldo better."
"Why?" I ask.
He strokes my cheek, announcing, "Because you see me. And I don't want us to ever end."
24
Riggs
One Month Later
Jones is a genius. He's siphoning money from Hugh's accounts at record speed. His system truly does seem unhackable. But as he stated earlier, he makes sure that he upgrades it daily to keep it that way.
The banks informed Hugh he can no longer keep his accounts with them. I know because Jones gave me the email documentation of Hugh going back and forth. The banks have had to replace his money too many times, and slowly, over the last month, they've all fired him as a client. They paid him out in cash, cutting their losses.
He's their only client that's been hacked like this, and since he's a target, they can't take the risk anymore. Hugh's level of arrogance is just as high as ever, except now there's rage involved. And the emails back and forth, well, let's just say they haven't been the nicest.
All my plans are coming to fruition better than I could have estimated. My patience has paid off, and it's time for the next step.
I know Hugh put his cash inside the safe at the office. I had a camera installed in the lights, and Hugh has no idea I'm watching his every move.
Thankfully, I observed him over the years, learning how he operates. I'm aware he doesn't trust his wife, so he wouldn't leave money at home. And he's underestimated me. He still thinks I'm clueless and loyal to him.
I called Jones yesterday and told him he needed to hack into my security system at work. I want him to loop the recording so it looks like the room's empty. I also need him to delete my keycard entrance so there's no proof when I empty Hugh's safe.
My moment is now. It's dark, and everyone's gone, including the janitors. I make my way into the building through the fire exit, bypassing the security guards at the front desk. Then I text Jones.
Me: I'm in.
Jones: Two more minutes.
I wait in the corridor and then receive another text.
Jones: You're clear.