A Thief In The Night Read online

  For my Judi. Keep her in your thoughts as you read, please. One of my beloved Perverts isn’t feeling well and we need her to get back on her feet.

  I think Roshni and I put together a winner here. Thanks again, girl. You’re my rock.

  Thank you for your patience and support, Cyndi. You always bring a touch of sanity and I learn something every time.

  Kevin,

  7-18-2016. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.

  Please visit my Amazon Author Page for more K. Sterling titles!

  The Boys Of Lake Cliff bundle including the following titles:

  Hide And Keep

  Safe And Sound

  Spark And Flame

  In The Kill (Lavender #1)

  Hide And Kill

  Bleed And Seek

  Find And Keep (Lake Cliff #6)

  Reginald’s Solo Adventure: Mr. Harcourt And The Hurricane

  Reginald And Paul’s first adventure: Lust Marry Kill

  Swallowed In The Sea

  Happily Ever Alfie

  Exposed

  The Leading Man

  Hell In Beldon Hall

  Under The Stars

  Tangled In Fate

  The Jock’s Trap

  The Crush

  A New Day

  The Shattered Spell

  Falling For Disaster

  Building Heat

  The Shop Downstairs

  The Guarded Heart

  Courage In Love

  For One Night Only

  Waiting For Mr. Ashwell

  In The Rough

  The Hard Fall

  Playing The Hero

  The Perfect Mess

  Hetero Titles:

  Saving Kate (released as/with Abigail Graves)

  Saved By A Siren (as Abigail Graves)

  Wicked And Wild (as Abigail Graves)

  Claimed By Chaos (as Abigail Graves)

  Are there any rakes left in the world? I think there are. If you know where to look…

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  He was the one they called Roman.

  Quinn waited weeks just to catch a glimpse of Roman and he couldn’t take his eyes off him as he pushed his way through the crowded ballroom. Hands slid over Quinn’s arms, chest, back and ass but he ignored them as he waited to catch Roman’s eye. He reached the bar and leaned to order a drink and Quinn’s heart exploded as Roman glanced over his shoulder and their eyes locked.

  He was beautiful and terrifying as his pale silver eyes tightened and swept over Quinn. His teeth dug into his lip and Quinn resisted the urge to cover himself. He felt even more exposed in Jayce’s shoulder harness, mesh pants and biker boots. There wasn’t a moment during the last several months when Quinn didn’t feel like he was in over his head but he suddenly felt a swell of panic as Roman’s tongue slid across his lips appreciatively. You’re so close, you can’t back out now, Quinn urged then swallowed hard before drifting closer. Roman thanked the bartender for his drink and raised it to his lips. He studied Quinn over the rim of his glass before draining it.

  “Have a bottle of champagne sent to my private box,” he said then slid Quinn a drowsy, inviting look as he backed away from the bar. He raised his hand and curled his finger, beckoning him to follow. Quinn had never looked at a man and felt anything remotely close to desire but he was mesmerized as his feet carried him through the ballroom and out the terrace doors. Roman captured his hand and kissed it as he towed him along the terrace. “You’re very pretty. What’s your name?” He rumbled and Quinn was dizzy as heat spilled into his groin.

  “Quinn,” he breathed then silently scolded himself. His brain wasn’t working. He wasn’t supposed to tell anyone his name.

  “Are you new, Quinn?” Roman asked and he nodded as they made their way down the steps and along the edge of the lower courtyard, around the dancers.

  “This is my first time,” he admitted. He’d watched for weeks but he waited until Roman showed up to slip in with the “models” and young men who’d been carefully scouted from London’s posher nightclubs.

  “An American? I’ll have to see what I can do to make this special for you,” Roman said as he held back the curtain to one of the private garden boxes. Quinn’s nerves fizzed wildly and his skin prickled as he stared at the wide double lounge. A table was set for a romantic dinner and a bottle of champagne chilled in a bucket as a miniature chandelier cast the room in a warm glow. “I do bite,” Roman teased as his other hand pressed gently against Quinn’s lower back.

  “I’ve heard,” Quinn said shakily as he stepped into the tent then jumped as Roman pressed against his back.

  “I’m curious,” he purred against Quinn’s ear as his knuckle skated down his shoulder. “What have you heard about me?” He asked and Quinn shivered as wet heat traced his ear.

  “You’re a god,” he whispered. Quinn befriended several of the boys who were regulars and they all wanted to fuck Roman. Many had and were desperate for a second chance. Roman chuckled as he rubbed his lips along Quinn’s neck and goosebumps spread down his arms. You’ve been spending too much time with gay men. You’re getting seriously confused, Quinn warned as need plumed within him. Roman hummed and it was low and rich and made Quinn’s knees weak. Do something! He’s going to make a move and you’ll be fucked. Or you’ll get fucked, he realized and his cock pulsed angrily as it pushed against the front of his pants. “Can I ask you a few questions?” He said quickly as he backed away, putting a little distance between him and Roman. His eyes glittered with amusement as he prowled after him and Quinn felt like a mouse entertaining a panther.

  “Is this a game? Do I have to answer your questions before I can have my way with you?” He drawled as he hooked his finger in the strap across Quinn’s chest and pulled him close. “Or do I get a kiss for each question I answer correctly?” He asked as he angled his head and rubbed his lips along Quinn’s. His breath tasted like scotch and cinnamon and Quinn felt drunk as he swayed closer. Focus! You’re running out of time!

  “Do you know where Jayce Waverly is?” He asked and Roman paused and his brows pulled together before he shook his head.

  “I don’t know who that is, I’m afraid,” he murmured as his hand slid around Quinn’s throat and he tipped his head back. “My turn,” he said and Quinn grabbed his arm for support as his tongue traced his lips. “Very sweet,” he purred and Quinn gasped as Roman’s lips covered his. He held on as Roman’s tongue swept and thrust lazily and heat washed over him. Up until that moment Quinn had only kissed women. Not as many as he would have liked, admittedly, but he’d always enjoyed it. It always felt good and exciting but this was…frantic and enthralling. He wanted to scream and his cock hurt, he was so turned on. He gasped as he pulled his lips free.

  “He looked almost exactly like me and the two of you spent a night together in January,” he panted and Roman’s head snapped back. His eyes were seeking and sharp as he took a closer look at Quinn.

  “Jayce…” He repeated to himself then winced
as his head tilted. “It’s just barely familiar but I can’t remember anything about him, unfortunately. No offense but I’ve spent the night with a lot of pretty young men in this tent,” he confided and the horrible truth Quinn refused to acknowledge finally crept upon him as he looked around Roman’s private pleasure box. The sounds of the party drifted in and it was a swirl of moans, screams and intoxicated laughter. It was sex, drugs and unrestrained power whipped into an orgy of nameless, faceless hedonism. “You’re disappointed. Let me make it up to you,” Roman said as he cradled Quinn’s face and captured his lips. He was potent and commanding and Quinn melted as their tongues twirled ravenously.

  “No!” Quinn gulped as he pushed Roman away. “I have to go,” he slurred as he tried to clear his head and Roman looked stunned.

  “You’re leaving?” He asked as if he couldn’t fathom anyone resisting him. It was pretty remarkable and Quinn felt himself hesitating as Roman’s finger pressed against the underside of his chin. He was helpless as he stumbled closer and leaned toward Roman’s lips. “Stay, Quinn,” he crooned as their lips clung.

  “I waited so long, I thought you could help me,” Quinn breathed and Roman hummed seductively.

  “I’m sure I can find some way to help you,” he said as he danced them closer to the lounge. He can’t help you. He doesn’t know anything about Jayce. Stop pretending you don’t know what Jayce was, Quinn ordered and tears spilled from his eyes as his brain finally accepted what he’d refused to see.

  “I have to go!” Quinn said as he pushed Roman aside and he swore as he fell back on the lounge. “I’m sorry,” he said as he reached behind him for the curtain then threw it back and ran.

  Quinn dodged couples and throuples as he hurried around the garden then ducked into the garage when no one was looking. It was dark and quiet and Quinn silently tiptoed past vehicles until he reached a limo at the end. He looked around to make sure he was alone before he slipped inside and silently shut the door.

  Fifteen minutes later, Quinn was dressed in his jeans, t-shirt, sneakers and wool coat and hurrying down a sidewalk in Belgravia, away from the stately mansion and the debauchery concealed behind its elegant facade and tall iron gates. He never wanted to look at it again. The months of spying and lying just to get inside and get a few minutes alone with Roman Carlisle had all been a waste.

  Quinn fought back tears and made his chest rise and fall at a normal rate, holding the panic at bay as he pushed through crowds and jogged past pubs and late night takeaway shops. His hands shook and his heart ached as he unlocked the door to his building. He leaned against it and breathed through the clenching in his stomach as a sob gained strength in his gut then pushed away and hurried to the steps. He climbed to the first floor landing and rubbed his sleeve against his nose as it began to run then sniffed hard. It took him a moment to unlock his door and grief and fear closed in on him as he slammed it shut behind him. Quinn locked the door then wrestled off his coat and flung it at the peg as he headed for the kitchen. His chest heaved as he pulled the refrigerator door open and reached for a bottle of water. He shut the door and the bottle slipped from his fingers as Roman leaned elegantly against the counter, watching him.

  “I find myself quite curious as to why an American would go to so much trouble and put himself at such risk just to ask me a few questions,” he mused as he rubbed his chin and Quinn’s cheeks puffed out as he blinked back at him.

  “How did you…?” He asked as he pointed vaguely over his shoulder and Roman waved it off.

  “That was absolutely nothing. Come on, out with it,” he said as his arm stretched and his hand curved around Quinn’s neck. He pulled him close and Quinn was weak as his thumb skated over his lips. “Why did you go through all that trouble to find me just to leave when it was getting interesting?” He asked and Quinn felt like he’d been hypnotized as Roman’s eyes spilled into his.

  “My twin brother’s gone, he was going to meet you the night he went missing,” he huffed breathlessly then swallowed the knot in his throat as Roman shook his head.

  “I’m sorry but I don’t remember him,” he murmured then sucked on Quinn’s lip. “I might be willing to look into it…” He offered suggestively and Quinn stifled the rush of hope that mingled with paralyzing fear as it bloomed within him. He cleared his throat as he eased back a bit.

  “I need help, I don’t know what else to do. I thought you might know where he is. Or the other guys that have gone missing,” he said then licked his lips. They became dry and uncooperative as Roman backed him against the wall. “It’s just that I’m not gay,” he admitted then cleared his throat a little louder. “Jayce was but I was just there so I could find you,” he explained quickly and Roman’s lips slanted wickedly as he planted his hand on the wall next to Quinn’s shoulder.

  “Oh, you’re definitely something,” he purred and Quinn stopped thinking as Roman’s lips covered his. Roman’s tongue swirled and thrust lazily and there was so much hunger as his hands skated over Quinn, as if he was learning him and bathing him in heat. He pulled his lips free and Quinn stifled a groan as Roman’s breath huffed against his throat as his lips found his ear. “I think you’re exactly what I need, Quinn,” he whispered then blew softly, making Quinn shiver before he bit into the side of his throat and sucked as goosebumps rushed down his back and chest.

  “Does any of that mean you’re going to help me find my brother?” He breathed as his eyelids fell. “Wow!” Quinn mouthed as pressure and heat flooded his groin.

  “I’ll help you. If your brother’s out there, we’ll find him,” Roman vowed as his lips skated along his jaw and Quinn’s emotions swung wildly between hope and fear. He wanted to believe he finally had a breakthrough and found someone who could help him but he was afraid he was putting his trust in the wrong person and he wasn’t sure what he was agreeing to. And it was hard to think as Roman’s lips made him weaker and drowsier.

  “Can we just… It’s so hot!” Quinn gasped as he pulled his lips free. He pushed as his eyes snapped open and Roman was gone. “What?” He cried as he leaned and looked around then carefully stepped away from the wall. He turned slowly then bent and looked under the table. “How?” He shook his head as he wandered into the living room. “Maybe I imagined it,” he murmured as he rubbed his forehead. He had no idea what happened but he needed a shower.

  Chapter 2

  There was something…compelling about Quinn Waverly. There was so much more life and energy in him than the men Roman had grown tired of. He glowed in the middle of a ballroom full of dull, empty whores. Some were wealthy and some were starving but they were all bored and desperate. They were all whores. Not Quinn. He was shiny and new and Roman’s fingers itched and the hairs on his arms stood the moment he laid eyes on him.

  It was so rare for Roman to see something he truly wanted. He had everything and he’d had everyone. Nothing was beyond his reach. If he thought he could find a buyer, he’d steal the Declaration of Independence just to do it. He’d fucked everything from university boys to bears to bulls and it was getting harder for him to stay hard. Not because he couldn’t perform, he just lost interest and his mind wandered. Often to Mr. Bishop. He was in such a mood lately and it did terrible things to Roman’s focus. But he was having a hard time focusing on anything other than Quinn Waverly and it was refreshing.

  “Perhaps it’s because he’s American,” Roman mused as he leaned into Quinn’s refrigerator. It was very tidy and the food was healthy but there was very little of it. He shut the door and he whistled softly as he opened the small pantry. Rice, pasta, a few tins of tomatoes, beans… Almost bare as well. Roman followed Quinn to work then doubled back to take a look around his flat. As far as he could tell, Quinn was a nurse to three young children. The Whittacombes were very posh and lived just around the corner from where he met Quinn. Roman spun and his head tilted as a piece of folded paper was slipped under the door to the flat. He waited until the hall outside was clea
r then retrieved it.

  Quinn or Jayce,

  Sorry but there’s another leak. The kitchen sink this time. I think I got a bucket under it soon enough. Downstairs is away on holiday so you may want to check. If there’s any way you could get to it before my in-laws are in town this weekend, I’d be very grateful!

  George C.

  Roman hummed thoughtfully as he tapped the note against his chin then shrugged and tucked it into his coat pocket. Quinn’s flat was on the first floor and the smallest but the address was respectable and definitely more expensive than any nanny could afford.

  “Especially one with a deadbeat junkie for a brother,” Roman observed as he strolled into what was clearly Jayce’s bedroom. The surfaces were cluttered with electronic detritus and scrap jewelry commonly found in addicts’ quarters. Cast off bits with almost no value, scavenged to exchange at pawn shops for drug money. Everything was stained and scarred from abuse and cigarette burns but the room was clean. The wood was regularly scrubbed, dusted and polished without disturbing any of Jayce’s mess and clothes were neatly folded on the foot of the bed. “Oh, Quinn…” Roman sighed as he turned his attention to the pictures pushed into the dresser mirror’s frame. He scoured his brain for any recollection of Jayce after he left Quinn. It became a bit of a brain worm and nagged him through the night. Outside of sex, Roman rarely forgot a face but Jayce’s didn’t strike him as familiar until he really strained. Roman pulled one of the pictures and shook his head. Jayce was so like Quinn but Roman would forget his face again in a heartbeat. But he wouldn’t forget Quinn…

  Jayce looked like every other pretty blond escort Roman came across at parties and clubs. He was high-end trade, nothing more than a party toy. Roman burned through one just about every time he went out, sometimes two. Unless he was too bored or tired. Quinn had the same sharp jawline and soft green eyes but there was none of the hollowness or shame. Jayce was a worn out shell and his addiction was particularly brutal. It was whipping him hard and fast toward the edge of a cliff and Roman suspected Quinn was the only reason he’d avoided going over. A bump of this, a hit of that… Roman watched young men like Jayce trade their souls and bodies for a flash of bliss or a place to hide from their pain countless times. He was often the one who paid the dealer to keep the party going.