The Billionaires Little Thief

RILEY'S POV

"Third heist of the month," I shouted, raising an invisible glass with my free hand. "Here's to many more."

"To our gaddamn luck," Avery fired back, unleashing that low, wicked laugh of hers- the kind that cut through the adrenaline and had me laughing right along with her, despite the pounding in my chest.

For a moment everything else vanished, it was just us, the bike, and the thrill of speed.

For a fleeting moment, I let my mind drift back to those endless nights after the accident that stole my parents from me, turning me into a homeless orphan. I couldn't forget the raw ache of grief and the biting chill of the streets where I'd curled up alone,praying death should come to take me to my parents.

Avery had found me there, a wild, fierce girl with tangled hair and defiant golden eyes. She'd pressed a stolen loaf of bread into my trembling hands when hunger had nearly killed me.

Since then, she had become my ride-or-die, the only thing close to family I had left in this unforgiving world.

We learned young that no one hands anything to orphans. Mercy was a fairy tale, and safety a luxury we couldn't afford.

So we decided to carve out our own path, taking what the world refused to give.

I glanced down at her now, her arms locked tight around my waist as we sped through the darkened streets.

I could still picture our very first heist together. I was eight, and she was ten, already bold as brass.

We'd lifted a couple of apples from a market stall. It was nothing grand, just enough to quiet the gnawing in our bellies, but the rush of success had felt like victory, like proof we could survive on our own terms.

And now here we were, those same scrappy petty thieves from King's Street, racing away from the boldest score we'd ever pulled.

"Hold on tight," I shouted over the roar of the engine, leaning forward on the bike, the night breeze blowing my hair over my face.

"if you don't, don't blame me when you kiss the damn asphalt!" I chuckled, revving the engine louder.

Avery laughed, adjusting herself behind me. " Come on babes.. . I've got this, don't worry about me."

I smirked, increasing the speed as we maneuvered through the streets of Toronto.

"Home sweet home" I yelled, guiding the bike into the alley beside BLACKED biker's club.

The engine roar subsided as I parked.

Avery swung her leg over the motorcycle and hopped down, the heavy duffel bag stuffed with cash and glittering jewels from the mansion clutched tight against her chest like a hard-won trophy.

I tugged off my helmet, shaking out my golden-blonde hair so it spilled down my back in a wild cascade. I tucked the helmet into its spot on the bike, gave the sleek frame an affectionate pat, and turned to her.

Grinning, I slung an arm around her neck and pulled her close.

"Come on, babe. Let's get absolutely wasted."

Avery's eyes sparkled with mischief as she plunged a hand into the bag, pulling out a thick bundle of crisp bills. She pressed it to her face, fanning herself with it and breathing in deep, savoring that sharp, intoxicating scent of fresh money.

"Oh, love, trust me we're getting spectacularly, gloriously fucked-up tonight."

She flicked the bundle of bills against my cheek and we burst into laughter as we stormed inside.

The heat of the club hit us like a wall the moment we pushed through the heavy door.

Inside, it was all chaos: throbbing basslines rattling the walls, the sharp tang of motor oil clinging to leather jackets, and the thick haze of spilled whiskey and sweat-soaked bodies.

A few hard-eyed bikers lounged near the bar, their stares snapping to the swollen duffel bag Avery cradled against her chest.

I met their glares with a sneer, my lips curling just enough to show my sharp teeth.

They looked away fast.

This was a den of thieves, sure everyone here stole from everyone else eventually, but they knew better than to tangle with us.

Not when Avery's boyfriend ran the place.

"Spencer!" Avery called over the music, her voice bright and eager as she spotted him at a corner table.

He was slouched in a burgundy leather jacket and black jeans, poker cards fanned in one hand, a half-empty mug of beer in the other, laughing with a circle of his boys.

At the sound of her voice he turned, and the moment his gaze landed on the bag, greed flared bright and naked in his eyes. He shoved up from his chair so fast it scraped loudly against the floor and barreled toward us through the crowd.

"Babe," Avery smiled softly, a flush rising in her cheeks as he reached us.

But Spencer barely glanced at her. His attention was locked on the bag, his fingers already twitching toward it.

My stomach twisted with disgust.

Son of a bitch.

Ugly, womanizing piece of trash.

I hate him... Only God knows what Avery sees in him.

I could already see the calculations spinning behind his eyes on how quickly he could claim it all as his own, just like the last time.

He reached for the bag, but I quickly stepped between them, blocking his grab.

"Fuck off, Spencer," I growled. "Touch it and that will be the last you use that filthy hand of yours."

Spencer puffed up his chest, ready to bark something stupid and tough, but Avery quickly slipped between us, pressing a hand to his chest and flashing that smile that always melted him.

"Easy, baby," she purred, her soft voice easing the tension.

"We're celebrating tonight. Let's get drinks, strong ones. You can look at the haul later."

Spencer's scowl wavered; greed wrestled with pride, but she won.

He grunted something that passed for agreement, but I know how cunning he is.

I yanked the bag from her and kept it secured in my own hip.

Spencer gave me a deadly glare but didn't say anything, instead he slung an arm around Avery's shoulders, and steered her toward the bar.

I followed right behind them.

The rest of the night blurred into a storm of cheap whiskey, roaring laughter, and cigarette haze. Cards slapped tables, dice rattled, money changed hands in careless piles. Bodies swayed under colored lights, and the music never stopped pounding.

Avery drank like she was trying to drown the world, ending up sprawled across Spencer's lap, giggling at nothing while his hands wandered places I tried not to notice.

I stayed sharp and sober, my eyes flicking to every movement that dare come close to the duffel at my feet.

When the first pale streak of dawn bled through the grimy windows, I hauled Avery up. She was limp and laughing, barely able to stand.

I half-carried, half-dragged her out to the bike, shoved the bag into the front compartment, and strapped her behind me. She clung on loosely, head lolling against my back as I gunned the engine and tore through empty streets toward home.

Our place was a narrow, weathered two-story row house on the edge of King's Street peeling sage green paint, crooked shutters, a tiny porch sagging under years of neglect.

Ivy had claimed half the brickwork, and the single streetlamp out front flickered like it was on its last breath.

I killed the engine and yanked Avery off the bike. The moment her boots hit the ground she doubled over, retching into the patchy grass.

"Eww... come on," I muttered, wrinkling my nose. "Get on your damn feet. I'm not carrying a grown-ass woman up those steps."

With the bag tucked tight under one arm, I hooked the other around her waist and hauled her toward the porch.

We stumbled up the three creaking stairs, nearly kissing the splintered boards before slamming shoulder first into the front door instead.

Avery slid down the wood with a groan, landing in a boneless heap at my feet while I dug through my jacket pockets for the keys.

"Since when do we get mail?" she slurred,her head tilted sideways, staring at something on the welcome mat.

"Mail?" I echoed, finally fishing out the key ring. "What mai-"

The words died as I followed her gaze.

A plain brown envelope lay beside her boot.

My brows snapped together. "Who the hell dropped this?" I muttered, crouching to snatch it up.

We never got mail. Not bills, not flyers, nothing.

Wrong house, I almost decided until I flipped it over and saw the two words scrawled in precise black ink across the front:

To Little Thief.

My heart did a sickening flip.

Little Thief.

Only one person had ever called me that.

Could it be him????

Ice slid down my spine.

I tore the envelope open with shaking fingers, unfolded the single sheet inside, and read:

Little Thief,

You have five hours to return every damn thing you removed from my mansion at 47 Hawthorne Lane. If the items are not restored (undamaged and in full) prepare to face the consequences of your actions.

Regards,

Leonardo Blackwood.

I stood frozen on the porch, the envelope clenched so tight in my fist my knuckles burned.

Leonardo Blackwood

The name echoed in my head. My pulse roared in my ears, drowning out the distant hum of the city. Avery was slumped against the doorframe behind me, half awake and unconscious.

My vision blurred for a moment, and memories I had tried to bury clawed their way forward.

That night ..... I could never forget.

Cold air tore through my chest as I sprinted down the narrow alley, I cut left, then right, shoulders clipping rusted dumpsters, my heart hammered violently, panic flooding my veins. the sharp scent of garbage and rain mingling in the air.

Footsteps thundered behind me.

"Stop her!! Thief!!

I didn't dare look back.

All this... for a few ordinary gold bracelets from a crappy downtown jewelry store.

Somewhere far away, Avery must be doing the same thing. We had always done this together, but tonight, we were separate and here came the consequences.

Then the alley opened to the street, I burst out of the alley

Headlights blinded me, a horn blared, and I felt an impact.

Pain exploded through my side, the world spinning violently as I hit the asphalt.

For half a second, I thought I was dead.

Before I could even catch my breath, strong hands lifted me off my feet and pulled me into the car.

The door slammed. Darkness and leather and the faint, intoxicating scent of expensive cologne surrounded me.

I lifted my head, and froze.

Sitting across from me, he sat there like he owned the world, his face illuminated by the car's dashboard light. Tailored black suit, immaculate despite the chaos outside.

But it was his eyes that pinned me.

Dark, cold, calculating.

I knew that face. Everyone did.

Leonardo Blackwood.

The underworld whispered about him in hushed tones at the biker club.

Even in the confined space of the car, he dominated it entirely, making me subconsciously wonder just how small and fragile I must look before him.

The car was moving again, smooth and steady, but my breathing was still ragged and my hands shaking so badly

He didn't look at me at first; he just stared blankly outside the window.

"Do you know why you're alive?" he asked calmly, finally breaking the silence.

"My throat tightened and I clutched the hem of my jacket tight".

"Because I'm in a good mood," he continued, not giving me the chance to respond "And you are lucky I'm in a hurry".

The words settled slowly, sinking deep into my heart

I swallowed hard, clutching my jacket tighter.

He then turned fully. His gaze locked onto mine, dark and unreadable.

"Listen to me very carefully, little thief," he growled,his voice dropping lower. "I don't care what your reasons might have been or whatever sad, sob-manipulative story you might have in your head."

My pulse raced.

"If I ever catch you stealing again," he said, voice low and lethal, "I will erase you so completely, that no one will remember you ever existed".

Before I could react, something spun through the air.

The bracelet. The one i stole.

I scrambled to check my pockets, my chest tightening-but it wasn't there.

"That's mine.... How did you-"

He didn't answer.

His eyes just remained locked onto mine like a predator sizing up its prey. smoothly, he flipped the bracelet again between his fingers.

"I've been in this game long before you were born," he said,calm but deadly." And you know the rule, right?"

I swallowed hard, anger flaring despite the fear curling in my stomach.

"I do," I replied obediently. "What's stolen cannot be claimed."

"Good girl," he said, clicking his tongue, a soft, mocking sound, then tossed the bracelet out the window.

I froze, my chest tightening, a storm of disbelief and fury crashing through me.

He just.....he just threw it away?

Did he really just throw away my entire sweat and struggle? My only hope for a decent meal this week?

Anger flared hot and sharp inside me.

"How dare y–" I snarled in a burst of outrage, but the words died on my lips as he leaned closer, that dangerous, unreadable smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

"Get out." he snarled and immediately the car halted, the door swung open on its own and he pushed me out in the middle of the road.

Motherfucker!!!

Before I could raise my middle finger, the car was already gone.

The fear of that night made my skin crawl.

I knew then If Leo ever found me again, it would be trouble for my entire existence.

I shook my head, trying to push away the intensity of that night.

Avery shifted behind me, groaning, still half-drunk, oblivious to the war raging in my head.

I swallowed hard

"Get up" I muttered, my voice hoarse.

She mumbled something incoherent, trying to drag me to sit beside her.

I dragged her upright, ignoring her protest as I hauled her through the doorway. My fingers tightened around the envelope as I dragged Avery inside.

The door slammed shut behind us, the lock clicking automatically.

I laid Avery onto the couch, guiding her head gently onto a throw pillow before stepping back. She barely stirred, her chest rising and falling in an uneven rhythm.

I paced, back and forth.

The words from the letter kept replaying over and over in my head, each sentence sharper than the last.

I sank into the armchair across from the couch, unfolding the letter again in my hands. I read it once, twice and a third time.

I threw my head back"God what have I done".

When dawn finally crept in through the cracked curtains, I hadn't moved.

Avery stirred sometime after sunrise. She groaned softly, squinting against the morning light leaking through the curtains.

She shifted and saw me, still sitting there and staring into nothing. She froze.

"Riley?" Avery called, pushing herself upright, yawning loudly.

"Why are you... why are you sitting like that?"

I didn't answer.

Avery swung her legs off the couch, rubbing her temples.

"Hey, did you get some sleep at all? You look like a ghost"

Slowly, I turned my head and dropped the bombshell.

"We're in trouble"

Avery's stomach dropped.

"What are you on about, babes?" she whispered, her voice already trembling from fear.

I finally exhaled, a shaky breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding all night.

"Someone left us a letter," I said quietly.

Avery straightened fully now, the hangover fog lifting. Her gaze drifted from my face to the envelope still lying on my lap.

"What kind of letter?" she asked.

"The kind you don't ignore." I replied

She stretched forth her hand and quickly snatched the letter from me, her face draining of color as she read it fast... then again, slower this time.

Leonardo fucking Blackwood!!" She screamed, her eyes wide in horror.

"As in Leonardo? The real one!? The leader of the black crest syndicate?"

I nodded, the mention of the black crest syndicate sending a fresh wave of chill down my spine.

Avery's mouth fell open in shock, the letter slipping her hand, "Hell. Fucking. No!"

She slumped back onto the couch, her face contorted with fear. Even though she never had a personal encounter with Leo like I did, she knew the weight his name alone carried in the underworld.

"We're doomed!" She muttered, her voice shaky.

"How didn't we know the mansion belongs to him?"

"That's not what we should be bothered about right now, we have just a few minutes left, we have to return everything."

"Return what? We spent half of the damn cash last night, almost 10k. Where the hell are we supposed to get it in a few minutes?!! "

She sprang up again, "we need to move, that's the only solution. I gotta call Spencer right away, he's gonna help us."

I nodded weakly... maybe that's the only reasonable thing to do right now.

Avery grabbed her phone from the couch , dialed Spencer's number and went out.

I don't know what they discussed but when she returned something was off about her.

Maybe it was the fear in her eyes or maybe I was just being paranoid.

"What's wrong?" I asked quietly.

"I need to meet Spencer," she said. "He wants me to come."

"Are you fucking leaving me alone?"

"The fuck you mean?" She slapped my head playfully, " how could i? I just have to go meet Spencer for proper planning, just wait here for us, okay!?"

I sucked in a deep breath, " ok babe. Don't stay long."

"Sure" she went inside, picked her favourite hello kitty backpack slung it over her shoulder, then dashed out the door.

Immediately the door closed behind her I sucked in another deep breath, hell i doubt I have sighed this much my entire life.

My brain started thinking about the next step. I don't know what solution Spencer's got but I can't just wait around.

How about I count the remaining money left? Maybe I can beg Leonardo Blackwood to give me some time to pay up the rest?

My eyes darted to where I'd dumped the bag last night, just by the door.

"Oh my god!" Panic slammed into me like a freight train.

It's gone. The bag is gone.

Avery.... She took the money?!.

My stomach lurched, twisting cold and heavy.

No. No. No!

I snatched up my phone, fingers trembling as I dialed Avery's number –Once, twice, ten times. Each ring ended the same way; straight to voicemail.

My chest tightened, and a sick helpless rage bubbled up.

"No... this can't be..." I muttered in disbelief.

"How could she?. My thoughts scattered, colliding with one another. She can't just betray me like this... she wouldn't leave me... would she?

I barely had time to process the betrayal when a sudden sound sharp knock at the door cut through my chaos.

My head snapped to the door "oh no! He's here."

The knock came again.

I stood in the middle of the room, breath uneven and my palms damp, I stared at the door contemplating whether to open the door or not.

I reached for the door knob, my fingers trembling, I twisted the door knob and the door swung open.

Leonardo stood there, his expression unreadable, two guards stood behind him, they didn't need weapons to look dangerous, but I didn't care about them.

I opened my mouth to greet him, and nothing came out at first.

Leornardo didn't wait for an invitation, he walked in, his guards following right behind him.

His shoes clicked softly on the floor as he moved like the space belonged to him. He dropped onto my couch, crossed one leg over the other, and leaned back.

"Hello little thief"

My stomach tightened.

He lifted his eyes to mine, looking dark and calm.

"It seems" he said slowly, "you have a very short memory"

I swallowed "You heard my words that night, and yet you still found the courage to take what belongs to me"

My chest rose and fell.

"I didn't know it was your house, and I don't have your money," I said, forcing my voice steady " so if you're here to kill me just go ahead, I'm not scared of dying."

The room went still.

For the first time, a surprised look flickered across his face.

He studied me.

".. interesting" he murmured.

He stood up from the couch, coming towards me.

Each step he took towards me felt like pressure on my lungs.

"I know your partner ran away with the money" he said quietly "but that doesn't change anything"

He stopped in front me.

"You stole from me. And no one takes what is mine and walks away".

"So," he continued, "if you do not have the money.. then you become the payment."

"If you do not have my money, then I will have your freedom."

Cold spread through my veins.

He stretched his hand to his guard and he was handed a folder, and he placed it on the table.

"This is your debt agreement"

My breath hitched.

"And if I refuse?" I snapped.

"Then you will be forced"."Now sign the contract"

My stomach twisted.

I stared at the paper for a moment, then I took the pen and signed.

Leonardo slid the contract back into his jacket.

"For clarity," he said calmly, " this agreement is not a suggestion."

I lifted my chin. "You think I signed it because I had a choice?"

The corner of his mouth twitched.

"Good," he replied. "Then you understand the terms of the contract."

"You do not belong to this house anymore, get what you will need," he continued, "you have five minutes."

My jaw clenched.

I turned and went to my room, throwing clothes into my bag with shaky hands. I didn't break down. Just fury and fear tangled together.

Five minutes later, I was back.

Leornardo didn't speak, he simply turned and walked out, and I followed behind him.

I opened the car door and slid inside.

The drive was silent, I stared out the window, looking at the passing cars.

Avery's face kept flashing in my head, her laugh, her voice, the way she always swore she'd never leave me.

How the hell could she do that to me? Liar.

I felt the car slow down in front of a tall and black iron gate.

The gate opened without a sound and the mansion came into view, it looked like a kingdom carved from money and power.

Light lined across acres of perfectly trimmed lawn. Water shimmered from a massive fountain at the center of the drive, the golden lights glow softly against the dark stone walls.

The car came to a halt in front of the mansion, before Leonardo even touched the handle, the door was already opening.

Maids came rushing, at least six of them, all in perfect black and white uniforms, they moved out in perfect rhythm, one reached for my bag in the trunk of the car.

I stepped out slowly, my boots echoing against marble.

Leonardo walked ahead and I followed behind him.

Doors opened before he reached them.

Inside, there were more maids across the hall, carrying trays, arranging flowers, and cleaning the hallway. They bowed and greeted him in unison.

Leonardo stopped at the base of the staircase.

"Clarrise" he called out.

She appeared almost immediately like she had been waiting to be called.

Tall, slim, perfectly dressed, with her dark hair pinned neatly.

But what caught my attention wasn't her beauty.

It was the way her eyes lit up when they found him.

"Sir," she said, her voice soft, almost intimate. "You're home earlier than expected."

Her gaze lingered on his face,her fingers brushing lightly against his sleeve.

Leornardo didn't react, he didn't even look at her.

"Take her to a room," he said, nodding slightly in my direction.

Clarisse's smile froze.

"Yes sir."

She turned sharply. "Follow me."

As we walked, her heels clicked sharply against the floor.

She stopped walking and turned to me, her eyes filled with contempt.

"Just because he brought you here does not make you special"

I shrugged. "Trust me, I didn't apply for this shit."

"You will obey the rules of this house, you have your place and I will make sure you learn it" she said.

I leaned closer, my voice low, " And you will learn not to talk to me like you own me."

Her jaw tightened.

"You are beneath me," she said quietly. "Remember that."

I smiled.

"Then why do you look so threatened?"

She resumed walking. Then she stopped in front of a door and turned to face me.

"This is where you sleep," she said. "You leave nothing lying around, you speak when spoken to, and do not wander around.

"I tilted my head, letting out a sarcastic smile. "Oh, don't worry, I'm quick to learn, when someone is worth listening to"

Her mouth tightened. "Girls like you do not last here."

I smiled sweetly. "You'll be surprised."

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Enjoy the room while you can, you will not be here for long."

"Is that a promise," I replied "Or a threat?"

"We shall see," she said and walked away.

Days passed, and I adapted quickly. The other maids were friendly enough, teaching me the routines, we worked and laughed together.

Except Clarisse, she watched me, looking for mistakes that weren't there.

Every chance she got, she tried to remind me I didn't belong.

And every time, I make sure to remind her I'm not to be messed with.

But Leonardo?

I didn't see him, didn't even feel his presence, his study stayed closed, I heard through the maid gossip that he was on a business trip.

Then one afternoon, I was in my room, folding my clothes when a sharp voice echoed through the corridor.

"My ring! Where is my gold?!"

Clarisse storms through the hallways.

"I want every room checked," she said, shouting on top of her voice

One by one, she searched through the maid's rooms and bags in the house.

Then my door slammed open.

I looked up slowly.

"Ever heard of knocking?" I snapped.

Her eyes flicked over my room.

"My ring is missing," she said coldly, "And it was after you arrived."

I scoffed, "That's the dumbest accusation I've ever heard."

"If you have nothing to hide," she said "Then let me check your things."

I raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, "Go ahead and check if it'll make you feel better."

She didn't respond, she just ripped through my room and my drawers, my belongings flung across the floor.

She carried my bag and dumped everything inside it on the floor.

The gold ring rolled out onto the floor. I froze with surprise written all over my face.

A slow triumphant smile spread across Clarisse's face.

And I knew by the smug look on Clarisse's face, exactly who did it.