Thief of Hearts: Pandora Ops, #1

By Kharma Kelley

It's 1961 in the city of sin, and everyone's feeling lucky. Succubus Gemma Aldenfrey is banking on this luck to help her track down a priceless, otherworldly artifact hidden in Vegas' most profitable and controversial casinos, The Rouge Palace. Pledging her service to a demon-hunting organization known as Pandora Ops, Gemma must stop at nothing to prove her worthiness to the sanctimonious group that fears her. 

 

When Gemma meets her match in the form of a devilishly handsome, mysterious casino owner, temptation brews. He knows her every desire and understands her torment like no one else. Does he really offer freedom or will Gemma become just another unlucky soul in Vegas? It's Winner, winner, saint & sinner in a hot new novella by Paranormal Romance author, Kharma Kelley!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kharma Kelley
• Release date: Oct 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9780998157382

Kharma Kelley

A Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy author, Kharma Kelley has been enamored with all things that go "bump in the night" for who knows how long. She truly believes that finding humanity and beauty in some of the most seemingly unconventional places is part of the romantic psyche to her. A big fan of the Big Easy, Kharma tends to weave her proud Cajun heritage and values into her books. She enjoys reading other urban fantasy and romance novels and playing Minecraft in her spare time.  "Tall, Dark & Deadly" is the first book of her "Agents of The Bureau" series. Expect more sexy, dangerous and even hilarious installments to be released along with a new "ShadowShifter" series coming in 2017. She frequents Wattpad (which she refers to as a story "incubator") often and beta tests her new story ideas there as well as provide guidance and critiques to aspiring authors. Her works are often compared to Laurell K. Hamilton, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole and the late great author, L.A. Banks. Quote from Kharma Kelley on writing Paranormal Romance:  "There's something intriguing about strong women finding love in all the "wrong" places in the world of fantasy. Of angels, demons, ghosts, werewolves and your occasional blood sucker, all these paranormal metaphors are catalysts of what humans are and crave most...that we're all different, beautiful and a little bit weird--and just want someone to love us for who we are."  She lives in Texas with her husband. You can visit her author website at www.authorkharmakelley.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Rouge Palace

1961

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When night fell on the city of Las Vegas, a different world emerged for Gemma. A thin veil of beauty and deceit was all that separated people from the good and evil. And this city had no shortage of evil. The lights illuminating the sky like a false Apollo descending on the desert, she knew, just like everyone else back at headquarters that this town was going to claim a slew of innocents and not-so-innocents on a night like tonight.

The window halfway down, she sat quietly on the passenger side of her black Lincoln Continental as Will drove. Driving before a job was bad juju. She preferred to breathe in the life bustling outside as they drove down the Strip. The rich, golden lights running in a pattern on casino signs was like a twisted carnival of sorts; where the games were always rigged and soul of man was the prize.

The last remaining jitters started to work itself out, leaving her palms clammy. Annoyed at herself, she rubbed her hands on her thighs. You’ve done this many times before. Get yourself together. This was true, however, this time was very different. This time, it wasn’t for vengeance or to play mind games.

Tonight, she had to prove her worth, and to join the ranks of the demon hunters in Pandora Ops, the price was high.

Their mission seemed like a simple extraction, but something in the air told her that simple would be taking a night off. Not wanting to feel alone in her troubles, she turned to look at her partner. Will?

What?, he responded with the subtlety of a razor blade; his eyes didn’t even leave the road. Between the briefing and the drive, he said less than three words to her. The crinkles in his forehead and scowl told the story why.

Never mind. She tried not to be too quick to pass judgment on her assigned partner, but it was kinda hard when he failed to do the same. He wasn’t exactly thrilled to be her mission partner. On account of what she was, no one shared such enthusiasm. None of it was her choice, but that didn’t seem to matter. Gemma wished she could say she was done trying to fit in, but in truth it was all she ever wanted. Though her father taught her that every child of God is valuable, no one outside of his church apparently got that memo.

Will pulled up to the back of the casino, driving slow till he got to the rear entrance past the loading dock. He turned off the headlights and turned to Gemma. She grabbed her bag from the back seat.

You got everything you need to look the part? Will asked.

Gemma raised her bag and nodded. She was able to get her hands on the right outfit and practice her ass off to pull this off. Considering this was her probationary mission, it had better work or else she would be possibly humiliated for nothing.

Hey, you sure you know whatcha doin’ in there? he asked. This isn’t like suckering guys on the street for nice cars and fancy shoes. She couldn’t ignore the frown on his face nor the frantic drumming of his fingers on the steering wheel. His dubious tone wasn’t foreign to her in the least. His years of service on Pandora Ops urged him to scrutinize her at every opportunity. But he wasn’t the only one. Everyone at Pandora had their doubts though she was certain it would change once she bagged this mission. It would. It had to.

She turned to survey the area, making sure they were alone. Yeah, once I get inside and come in as the talent, I’ll zero in on the mark and track down what we came here for. She stopped to unpin the paisley print scarf from her hair and leaned over to check her makeup and curls in the rearview mirror. When I pinpoint Fiore, I’ll start searching for the artifact. It shouldn’t take me long, but… she trailed off.

But what? Will asked, checking his rearview mirror.

Gemma shrugged. Depending on where it is, I may have to... uh...

Will rolled his eyes, signs of disgust on the crinkle of his nose. He leaned back in his seat, putting even a small bit of distance between them. Whatever. Just don’t kill anyone. Do whatever it is you do to get the Eye and don’t forget Stellina’s rule so no funny business by snacking on humans. Got it?

She turned to face him with her jaw clenched, her tone a pitch higher than normal. I got it, Will.

He shook a cigarette out of his pack and placed one between his lips. Will patted down his coat looking for his lighter. Good. I was told to keep a close eye on you, and I don’t plan on botching this mission.

Gemma rolled her eyes watching him search under his seat. Well, neither do I. And I have a helluva lot more to prove than you. So relax and let me do my job. She opened the car door and hoisted the bag on her shoulder before digging between her cleavage and tossed over her Zippo lighter. I’ll be needing that back. Try not to fuck up your suit.

She slammed the door shut as he turned on his headlights.

Will lit his cigarette and took a deep drag before exhaling. I’ll be seeing you inside as backup. He pointed at her with the cigarette. You watch yourself in there. Fiore and his guys are no Merry-Go-Round, and we don’t have a lot of information on the owner. You get tossed outta there or get caught, so long to the mission.

Gemma snapped a mock salute, annoyance stiffened her face. Yes sir.

He scoffed. And then you’ll just be another negro harlot from Westside. Before she could retort to his remark, Will drove off. She sucked in a breath, focusing on the reason she was there in the first place. She counted to ten before heading up the steps to the rear entrance of the popular casino. As soon as she stepped in, she ducked a couple of bouncers that were distracted with talking to a tall white guy with a bloody nose. Moving to the edge, she tried to focus on the details of the layout that Will shared so she could take her cover. Several waitresses came past her and helped her orient herself. The kitchen was south of the main house and stage, she thought to herself. Hustling past as if she belonged, she stepped past another door with a short dark haired woman standing outside. She was in the midst of putting out a cigarette, her sequined dress catching the light like a little beacon for Gemma. Her flicked-up bouffant hair shook as she looked up to see Gemma walking towards her.

That was her cue. Gemma’s eyebrows dipped, she charged forward with an apologetic voice. Oh my gosh! I’m so, so sorry I’m late! I had to get a ride, and he was so late picking me up.

The woman opened the door, not appearing to care about her sob story. You better hurry and get dressed. Elias will do a count off in about ten minutes and he docks the pay of the girls who’s late. She pursed her lips. No excuses.

Gemma breathed a sigh of relief as she walked past her and through the backstage entrance. I understand. I’m on it! Thank you!

All she heard was an annoyed grunt as the door closed. Don’t worry. I can take care of old Elias. But right now, it was time to get in the game. As soon as she turned the corner, her layout directions were immediately validated as there were showgirls everywhere. Giant headdresses with colorful, thick plumes rode on some of their heads, while others had it in their hands as assistants fastened them into their costumes. The clacking of ballroom shoes echoed in no discernible unified rhythm along with the giggles, speech, and zeal from a backstage full of women. She made a beeline to the dressing room and changed as quickly as she could. Pulling out her own ballroom shoes and costume, she sighed looking at it. I may as well walk around naked. Perhaps it would be more civilized, she thought with a shrug.

After putting on her costume and shoes, she grabbed the last headdress, when a skinny, chestnut-haired man barged in. She immediately stopped and popped a fake smile, recognizing him from the file photo. Hi Elias! I’m ready, I just needed--

You’re late! he interjected, looking her up and down. Line up has already begun and I don’t have time for excuses. Get your shit and get out. He turned to exit when Gemma ran in front of him.

Wait a minute! she said with genuine shock, pulling on his suit. I know the routine and I’m only two minutes late! You’re gonna give me the boot for being two minutes late and it’s not even curtain call?

Elias flicked her hand off his suit like it was a bug. He straightened the fabric before looking her in the eyes. "Honey britches, I’ve fired pretty girlies like you for a lot less. You see, we run a tight ship here and I don’t have time to deal with talent who can’t make it here on time and take this gig seriously. There’s a dozen girls who would kill to take your place. His eyes lingered over her body before giving her a pitiful head shake. And even more colored broads like you."

As he tried to step aside to get to the door, Gemma grabbed his wrist and smiled brightly. She searched out the small flicker of passion in his eyes and that was all she needed to start a fire of influence. A wave of lust flowed from her body and through her touch, immediately softening his hardened gaze. I’m really, really sorry Mr. Elias, she pleaded in a soft, sultry voice. But I hope you understand that I can’t risk not having this gig. She pulled him a few steps closer, enough to run her fingers through his hair gently.

Elias’s pupils dilated, staring through the haze of the beauty touching him. He quickly wiped the small beads of sweat forming on his brow, wiping his clammy hands on the pants of his suit. His lips dry, all he could think about was how to belong to her. W-What are you doing?

Gemma’s eyes lit a brilliant turquoise as she ran a flirty finger along his jawline. Tell me that I’m still in the number, Elias, she suggested. Leaning