Heart Thief

0016 Diamant

In a luxurious presidential suite, Skye stood by the window, caressing the enormous diamond in her hand - the Star of Africa, a treasured jewel of European royalty.

"Skye, long time no see," a deep male voice suddenly broke the silence.

Skye turned slowly to face the unexpected visitor, an Afro-European man with a weary expression. His handsome face had lost its usual composure. "Long time indeed, Zack," she replied coolly.

When she had spotted the familiar motorcycle earlier, Skye knew who it was - Zack, the top male thief in the organization, renowned for his calm demeanor and flawless record. An expert in diamonds and jewels, he was also a childhood friend.

Zack glanced at the Star of Africa in Skye's hand, shook his head, and collapsed onto the sofa. He poured himself a drink and downed it in one gulp. After a moment, he said, "I didn't expect to run into you here, Skye. I need your help."

Skye sat across from Zack, toying with the diamond. "I've left the organization. I don't want to get involved in your affairs."

"Don't deceive yourself, Skye," Zack replied coldly. "You know how important you are to the organization. The Boss won't let you go. Help me this time, and I'll pretend I never saw you. Your freedom or capture will depend on your skills."

Skye knew the score. The organization that had trained her for twenty years wouldn't easily let go of their golden goose. That's why she never stayed in one place for long after leaving.

"With your skills, what trouble could you possibly face?" Skye asked.

Zack smiled bitterly. "I underestimated the power of the European royals. After stealing the Star of Africa, I was caught before I could return it. I've circled half the globe, from Europe to here, but couldn't shake them. I need you to help me lose them."

Skye raised an eyebrow, surveying Zack. Such a serious mistake was unlike him. Being tailed across half the world spoke either to his escape skills or their tracking abilities.

Zack, embarrassed by Skye's scrutiny, felt ashamed of his predicament. He couldn't even return to the organization, forced to wander aimlessly.

Skye, amused by Zack's discomfort, tossed him the diamond. "Did you check the goods properly?"

Zack frowned. "It's genuine, no doubt about it."

Skye rolled her eyes. "I know it's real. I meant, did you examine it closely?"

After a careful inspection, Zack hesitated. "The luster on this side seems a bit dull."

Skye nodded. "At the 120-degree angle, there's a layer of jade powder. This type of soft jade, due to its age, has a special scent undetectable to humans but traceable by special equipment. That's why you couldn't shake them."

Zack was furious at being outsmarted by something he'd never heard of. He tossed the diamond back to Skye. "You handle it. You're the antiques expert."

Skye smiled and began rubbing the diamond against the tempered glass coffee table. Zack jumped up, alarmed. "You'll damage the surface!"

"That's your problem, not mine," Skye laughed. "I'm just helping you lose your tail." She explained that the jade powder, applied using an ancient adhesive method, couldn't be dissolved or removed by modern technology. The oldest, most direct method - abrasion - was the most effective.

Zack grudgingly admitted, "Even if it's scratched, it's still the Star of Africa."

Skye chuckled. Indeed, even if it broke in two, it would still be the Star of Africa. Time causes wear, whether natural or man-made.

"Let me crash here for the night," Zack said, already climbing onto the nearest bed. "I haven't had a good sleep in ages."

Just then, Jake's voice came from outside. "Skye, why didn't you lock the door?"

Skye frowned at Zack, who shrugged apologetically. He could c***k any high-security lock, but simple ones he tended to break entirely.

Jake walked in quickly, raising an eyebrow at the scene before him - Skye on the sofa and a handsome stranger on the bed.

"Need something?" Skye asked, sipping her wine.

Jake surveyed the room, then suddenly smiled. He sat next to Skye and opened a food container. "I promised to treat you, remember?"

Skye looked down to see the dish she had wanted earlier but missed out on. She was touched that Jake had gone back to get it for her.

Jake grinned. "No need to be too moved. I'll get cocky."

Skye glanced at Zack, seemingly asleep on the bed. His 6'2" frame and strong presence were completely ignored by Jake, as if he were invisible. If only he had such luck when stealing, she thought wryly.