Tantalizing Maria (The Temptation Saga 7)

“Putting me off again, are you?” He shook his head.

“No.” Maria cleared her throat. “I mean yes. I…think it’s time to break up.”

He shook his head again, his eyes wide. “Are you serious? You put me off for a year, and now you’re ending things? You’re a fucking tease, Maria.”

“You don’t understand—”

“You’re damned right I don’t. I gave up a lot of ass, waiting for you. I could have been screwing the whole cheerleading squad!”

“Well, now you’re free to do so.” Maria stood from the bench outside the school. “Go for it.”

Greg yanked on her arm. “We’re doing it, you little bitch.”

Her stomach dropped as icy fear boiled in her. They were right outside the school. Granted, it was after hours and very few people were around. She’d been waiting for Shelley to pick her up after a club meeting. But they were out in the open. Surely he couldn’t think…

“Let go of me. I’m sorry if I hurt you, but I need to break up with you, Greg.”

His angry gaze met hers. He held on to her arm for a few more seconds and then dropped it. “You’re not worth it.”

Words she’d heard more than once from various sources—although they were usually hurtful, she was happy to be hearing them now.

He turned and walked away.

* * *

“We’re gonna rob your old man,” Max said, his hazel eyes cold.

“Say what?” Jeff jerked his neck around so hard it hurt.

“Did I stutter? We’re gonna rob Grandpa Norman. You always say the old coot hates banks and keeps most of his wealth in a safe in the house.”

“Yeah, but—”

“And you’re always saying how you got cheated out of your inheritance by your grandpa and your sainted brother. We’re your buddies. We’re gonna help you out. We’re gonna get your share back for you, and then, of course, you’ll split it with us.”

“No way,” Jeff said. “I’m having no part of that. It’s one thing to hold up a damned liquor store. No fucking way am I going to hold up my own family.”

“What the hell have they ever done for you?”

Good point. Those two fuckers would no doubt rather see Jeff dead. Maybe Max was onto something. Of course, Norman was in the hospital. Which actually might make things a little easier. He’d only have to get the combinations—but how?—and then they could get in and out while Wayne was either out of the house or asleep. Asleep might be better. Jeff could slip him a sedative or something. Or get him drunk and wait until he passed out.

Of course, the golden boy didn’t imbibe much.

He’d find a way. One way or another, Jeff would get what he was entitled to, and Golden Boy would get what he deserved.

He cleared his throat. “What’s the plan, then?”

“We’ll be masked, of course. No sense you getting into trouble if they see it’s you. All we need you to do is get us into the house and get us the combinations to all your grandfather’s safes.”

“I don’t know. How would I get those combos? They sure as hell wouldn’t give them to me.”

“Take big brother out for a drink and slip him a little something so he starts talking.”

“I’m not even sure Wayne knows.” Jeff knew that was a lie as soon as it left his mouth. Of course Wayne knew. Norman trusted him with everything. But drug his brother? Could he do that?

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Yeah, he could. What the fuck? The stuff was rightfully his anyway. He was sick to death of being cheated. It would stop, as of now.