How To Catch A Crook: Crooked In Love, #3

By Linda Verji

Wentworth Ransom III is filthy rich and used to getting everything he wants. And now he wants his sexy new assistant. Sin is her name, and all she makes him think of is new ways to sin. Her full lips and curvy body make him want to play naughty, seeing her makes his desires boil to the surface, and he wants her in a way he's never wanted anyone. But there's a catch…

 

She's a con-artist.

 

Only she doesn't know that he knows. And she thinks she's conning him. He can't wait to show her what a big mistake it was to target him. This is going to be fun.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Verji
• Release date: Jul 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9798215323724

Linda Verji

Linda Verji is an author of contemporary African-American and Interracial Romance novels. Born into a family of ferocious readers, Linda has always loved books. But it wasn't until 2014 that she decided to try her hand at creating and publishing her own stories. To date she has published nine novels. Her novels feature women of color, and the men who love them be they black, white, Latino, Mulatto, Asian... The love stories she writes traverse genres; from romantic thrillers to romantic chick-lit. She may throw in some mystery and suspense, or maybe even some gritty street-lit. But you can be sure that it will be an entertaining story that is sexy and full of raw emotion.

Book preview

Titles In This Series

Double Words.png

How To Tempt A Crook (#1)

How To Love A Crook (#2)

How To Catch A Crook (#3)

Join Linda’s VIP List for exclusive information about Linda’s other books, freebies, upcoming sales, and new releases. Signing up is easy. Simply click here.

About This Book

Two Words.png

Wentworth Ransom III is filthy rich and used to getting everything he wants. And now he wants his sexy new assistant. Sin is her name, and all she makes him think of is new ways to sin. Her full lips and curvy body make him want to play naughty, seeing her makes his desires boil to the surface, and he wants her in a way he’s never wanted anyone. But there’s a catch…

She’s a con-artist.

Only she doesn’t know that he knows. And she thinks she’s conning him. He can’t wait to show her what a big mistake it was to target him. This is going to be fun.

Gap.png

‘While they all fall in love with her smile, she waits for one who will fall in love with her scars.’

~ The Dreamer ~

1

Chapter Numbers.png

C

ARL WAS SIXTY-SOMETHING, ALMOST FORTY years older than her. Everyone who passed by stared at them like she was a black sugar-baby and he was a lecherous old, white man with too much money and no sense. But that didn’t bother Tamsin ‘Sin’ Jacob. She’d hang around older men than Carl – married them even. Other people’s opinions of what she did with her body or her life had never meant anything to her.

The fact that Carl was staring at her breasts like they were a succulent pieces of chicken wasn’t a problem either. Sin was so used to men leering at her various body parts that she’d gotten used to it. If anything, she’d learnt to use those leers to her advantage, sometimes even deliberately encouraging them. Take today; she’d deliberately donned this vivid pink bikini top, which was nothing more than three small triangles and strings, so she could proudly display her girls. The goal; make as many men (and women) as possible lust for her. A man in lust was a man who wasn’t watching his wallet.

No, Carl’s age or leering didn’t bother her.

What bothered her was that thing on his head. Sin had nothing against wigs but the blond squirrel-like abomination balanced precariously on his egg-shaped skull was an insult to wigs everywhere. Even the fact that he was wearing a bathing suit that was too small for his already tiny… man thing… and had tanned himself a weird orange wasn’t enough to distract from that horrible hairpiece.

Struggling to keep her eyes from wandering up to the man’s ‘hair’, Sin smiled at him like he was a god. She gushed, Has anyone ever told you that you have amazing eyes?

Thank you. Carl’s eyes remained glued to her breasts. You too, you too. Your eyes are very pretty.

Resisting the temptation to remind him that her eyes were up here, she leaned forward to give him an even better view as she said, So Carl, tell me about what you do. Your business sounds sooo fascinating.

It does, doesn’t it? Carl looked up from her breasts to eagerly explain, Most people think that making and selling toothpicks is boring work, but it’s a very interesting process…

Frankly, the whole process sounded about as interesting as watching water boil. However, every con-artist knows that the most important skill is being a patient listener. People like to talk about themselves, and if they think you care about their boring lives, they tend to be more trusting.

So, once we’ve purchased the birch logs, we take it to the… Carl droned on.

Though Sin listened, she remained aware of the Atlantis Hotel looming behind them. She wondered how Ten, her partner, was doing up there. Was she done?

Almost as if on cue, Sin’s phone pinged. She didn’t even need to check her phone to know that the ping meant that Ten was done, but she picked the phone anyway.

Meanwhile, Carl was still expounding on the complicated science of toothpick making. He continued, To cut the toothpick strips we use a puncher-

Oh no! Sin cut him off with a sharp gasp as she stared at her phone.

What, what… what’s wrong? Carl asked.

It’s a text from my husband. She cupped a hand over her mouth and stared at her phone in wide-eyed horror. He says he’s on his way here.

Carl’s jaw dropped. You have a husband?

Yes. Sin nodded. Forcing a tremble into her voice, she said, And he’s insane. See he just got out of prison for robbery with violence and he’s crazy jealous. If he finds me here with another man- Oh my God.

She didn’t need to say anything more. Carl shot to his feet like there were bullet-ants on his seat. Hurriedly slinging a towel around his waist, he said, I should… I should go. I’m not scared of your husband but… but… I have a few things to do in my room. You know how it is.

Of course, of course, Sin agreed but even before her words were completely out, Carl was already beating a hasty retreat. Grinning, she shouted at his back. It was great to meet you, Carl.

Once he was gone, she grinned and reread the message. It was a simple text that said, ‘Done’. Still grinning, she dialed Ten’s number.

The other woman picked up immediately, Yup?

Carl’s on his way up to his room, Sin informed her.

Ten chuckled. Well, he’s in for a big surprise.

How much did we get? Sin asked.

A lot but not nearly enough, Ten said. We need to hit a few more rooms.

Really? Sin protested. You said this was a quick hit and run.

Hey, it is not my fault that the guests in this hotel are broke.

I know, I know. Sin sighed. But still… A.J and Kelly will kill me if they find out what we’re doing. I told them I was done with this kind of stuff.

Hey, lady, I didn’t drag you into this, Ten reminded her. Your crazy ass stalked me to Miami then forced me to include you in the job.

Yeah, that’s true. Sin sighed.

Two years ago, Sin had been incarcerated after a con-job had gone sideways. After her release from prison (where she’d met Kelly and A.J), she’d promised that she wouldn’t do anything that would get her thrown in again. However, making promises was easier than actually keeping them, especially when a friend was involved. When she’d discovered that Ten needed help, instinct had forced her to butt in.

Like Sin, Ten wanted to go straight, but that was easier said than done. Ten’s adoptive father, Casper, had recently dragged her into a job that involved robbing a museum. A day before the robbery, Ten had backed out of the job. Though Ten’s expertise was critical to the robbery’s success, Casper and the rest of his gang had insisted on going forward with the job. End result; things had gone sideways and two of Casper’s team members had been arrested.

The other people involved in the job blamed Ten for the failure and their subsequent arrests. If she’d held up her end of the agreement, they said, the job would’ve gone off without a hitch. They now wanted her to give them the money they would’ve earned had the job been successful.

Of course it was unreasonable. But logic wasn’t a strong suit of most criminals.

Now Ten had two options. Refuse to give them the money and get a bullet in her face. Or pay up. She’d chosen option number two. Unfortunately, she didn’t have that kind of money. Worse she couldn’t even borrow it from her sister, A.J, because A.J didn’t even know that she was still taking contracts. Hence today’s escapades.

How much more do we need? Sin asked.

About twenty grand more. Ten’s voice echoed over the phone.

Okay, let me find a fat goose and I’ll text you their room number. Sin’s gaze swept over the pool-area already looking for the aforementioned ‘goose’.

I’ll be waiting. Ten ended the call.

After squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath, Sin rose to her feet then strolled to the edge of the pool. Smoothly, she dove into the water. The sun-warmed water engulfed her then dripped down her face and body when she rose at the other end of the pool. While acting like she was catching her breath, she assessed the people resting on towels and lounge chairs around the pool.

Her eyes settled on an older woman. Covertly, Sin took in the woman. The handbag by the woman’s seat was new, expensive looking and even had the Dior logo on it. However, even from this distance, Sin could tell that it was a ‘Made in China Town’. Nope. She quickly shifted her attention from the woman.

Sin’s gaze settled on her next target; a twenty-something man with two bottle-blondes flunking his seat and giggling at his every word. His watch looked like a real Rolex. His sunglasses? The real deal. When he picked up the keys to his Ferrari and waved it at the girls, Sin knew she’d found her goose.

Grinning, she turned around and dove back into the water then swam back to the other side of the pool. Getting rid of the giggling opportunists swarming around her mark would be no problem. They were amateurs – like children trying to race against an Olympic medalist.

What strategy should I use to get his attention? Sin wondered as she emerged dripping wet from the pool. She was aware of several men (and women) ogling her as she strolled back to her pool lounge but they didn’t matter. The only man who mattered right now was Mr. Ferrari. With any luck, he’d noticed the seductive display she’d put on as she exited the pool and would be ripe for an approach.

Should I be subtle and send him a drink or should I go all balls out and stroll over there to ask him if we’ve met him before. Hmm…

Even as she mulled over her game-plan, Sin couldn’t help noticing the slender brunette who’d settled on the seat that Carl with The Bad Wig had just vacated. Unlike the swimwear-clad vacationers lounging around the pool, this woman was dressed in an all-white suit. Perfectly coifed hair, pantsuit looks like it’s tailor made, designer bag, original Louboutins… The woman was obviously loaded.

Mark changed, Sin immediately decided as she edged closer to the brunette. A woman like this would likely have a diamond necklace or two in her room. The woman barely noticed Sin even when she settled right next to her. Her full attention was on the conversation she was having over her cell-phone.

Frustration pulsed in the brunette’s voice as she bit out, Are you insane? Do you expect me to sleep with you so Baron can keep his job?

Sin’s eyebrows immediately shot up. Well, this was interesting. Trying to act like she wasn’t eavesdropping, she turned her back on the woman as she toweled herself off.

The person on the other end of the phone-call said something to which the brunette sighed. "Come on, Worth. Why are you being like this? Baron, my husband, is your brother. Why would you do this to him?"

Oooh, snap! Sin’s jaw dropped. So the guy on the other end of the line was Rich Brunette’s brother-in-law, Worth, and he was trying to get her to sleep with him so his brother could keep his job? Wow! Men were such dogs.

Sin discarded her towel, put on her sunglasses then settled back into her seat to listen to more of the conversation.

Yes, I know he’s your step-brother. Disgust dripped from Rich Brunette’s voice as she continued, That doesn’t make what you’re doing any less vile.

Tell him, sister, Sin silently cheered her on.

Rich Brunette paused for about a minute to listen to whatever bullshit Worth was spouting before snapping, Yes, sleeping with you would be vile.

Truth, Sin subtly nodded. This Worth-dude was a real piece of work, wasn’t he? Trying to sleep with his brother’s wife? Where they do that at?

Where am I? Rich Brunette snorted. Like I would tell you that! A moment later, her snort turned into an outraged gasp. How do you know I’m in Miami? Panic contorted her freckled face as her gaze swept the width of the pool-area as if searching for her errant brother-in-law. Did you follow me from Portland?

Oh no, he didn’t. Sin sat up slightly so she could look around too to see if the bastard had turned up here.

Then how do you know I’m here? Rich Brunette didn’t even wait for his response. She gritted out, You’re psychotic. Leave me alone, Worth. Seriously! Leave me alone.

And with that she ended the call. With a frustrated huff, she tossed her phone onto the side table between hers and Sin’s seats.

Wow! The woman pinched the bridge of her nose. Wow.

Now, Sin wasn’t one to get involved in other people’s business but…. Okay, fine, she’d been known to stick her nose into business that wasn’t hers on more than one occasion, but in this situation, who would blame her. Rich Brunette obviously needed a shoulder to cry on.

Sin took off her sunglasses as she turned to face the woman. Are you okay?

Huh! The woman turned in her seat to face Sin. Her eyes still held a glazed look as if she couldn’t quite believe the conversation she’d just heard.

Are you okay? Sin repeated. Pointing to the lady’s phone, she added, You seemed to be having a hard time there.

The woman’s gaze lowered to the phone then back to Sin. With a sigh, she said, Ah, you heard my conversation with that psycho.

Mm. Sin nodded.

The woman sighed. I need a drink.

My treat, Sin cut in before the woman could call the server over. Sin raised her hand and a moment later, a server strolled over.

Both ladies ordered a drink. Once the server was gone, Rich Brunette introduced herself. I’m Claire.

Tamsin, Sin returned with a smile. But everyone calls me Sin.

Sin. Interesting name. The lady was quiet for a while before she mumbled, What is wrong with men?

So many things, Sin quipped. Where do we start?

Her quip was enough to draw a reluctant smile from Claire. However, the smile soon faded, and she asked, What would you do in my situation?

Sin snorted. Kick his balls.

Wish I could do that but I can’t. Claire settled back in the lounge and closed her eyes. He holds my husband’s professional life in his hands.

It took a little prodding, but Claire finally revealed the root of her dilemma.

The errant brother-in-law, Wentworth Ransom III (even his name sounded like the kind of name a dickhead might have) also known as Worth, was the son of Wentworth Ransom II. Senior, as everyone called Worth’s father, was a property magnate and the current Chairman of the Ransom Group of Companies (RGC). Claire’s husband, Baron, had come into the Ransom family when Senior had married his mother after Worth’s mother’s death.

Though Baron had worked at RGC for over fifteen years and was now Senior’s second-in-command, it still counted for nothing. The fact that he wasn’t Senior’s biological son was like an anvil over his head, making his future in the company precarious. Worth, despite never having worked a day in RGC, owned a good percentage of the Group’s stock courtesy of an inheritance from his late grandfather. He also held considerable sway over RGC’s Board of Directors.

He’s now threatening to get the Board to fire Baron if I don’t sleep with him, Claire finished.

That bastard! Sin exclaimed. Who does that?

The other woman sighed. I don’t even know how to deal with him.

Why don’t you- Sin paused when her phone beeped. A brief glance over her screen showed that it was a message from Ten asking her if she’d reeled in a mark. She ignored the message and turned back to Claire. Why don’t you tell Baron what he’s doing?

That will only make the matter worse. The brunette explained, Baron might do something stupid and get himself really kicked out of RGC. RGC is all he has…

…and Worth knows that, Sin finished. Sharp anger threaded through her. What kind of man played such cruel games with his family? Wow! That bastard.

Sin made her decision in that moment. Her voice firm with resolve, she said, You know what? I think I can help you.

You can help me? Claire’s eyebrows rose and hope flashed in her eyes. How?

I have my ways. Sin smiled as she sent a text message to Ten.

New target acquired.

2

Chapter Numbers.png

"A

RE YOU KIDDING ME?" TEN Henson stared at Sin like she’d lost all her marbles.

Though Sin had changed out of her swimsuit and was now wearing a dress and heels, Ten was still wearing the maid uniform that she’d used as a cover as she broke into hotel rooms upstairs. The two women were currently cloistered in the ladies’ room discussing the change of plans. Predictably, Ten wasn’t happy.

"This is not what I meant when I told you to find a new mark! the petite, dark-skinned woman exclaimed. Why did you promise that Claire woman that you’d help her?"

Because she looked like she needed help, Sin said. You heard her story.

"Yes, I heard her story. Ten folded her arms over her chest. What I don’t understand is why we have to get involved."

Because we can help her while also making some money, Sin coaxed. Wentworth Ransom is the son of the Chairman of RGC and he owns W Sport.

Ten offered her an unimpressed look. So?

Sooo… Sin explained, He’s more loaded than anyone either of us has ever gone after.

So he’s got a basement full of money- Ten’s lips twisted in a sneer. Whoop Dee Doo. Am I supposed to care?

Yes, you’re supposed to care. Sin explained, If we go after him, you can pay the money you owe Casper in one go, I can officially retire without ever having to worry about money again, and, most importantly, we can stick it to a bastard who thinks women are just holes for his dick. She edged closer to her friend to coax, Come on, tell me that’s not appealing.

By the light that flashed in Ten’s eyes, it was obvious that Sin’s proposal was a tempting, but she shook her head. Nope. No way. Too risky.

Since when did you start worrying about risk? Sin scoffed. The Ten I know revels in danger. The riskier a job, the more appealing it is.

I’m not worried about myself. Ten pushed her fingers through her short dyed hair as she pushed out a long, heavy breath. I’m worried about you, fool. You said that your time in prison was the worst time in your life. You said you never wanted to go back there again.

Aww. Grinning, Sin edged closer to her friend. So this is because you’re worried about me?

Uh uh! Ten skirted away when Sin tried to hug her. Don’t hug me then try to convince me to go along with this stupid job. I’m already mad that you got involved in my business but at least in this case I was the one doing the dangerous work. If things went sideways, I’d be the one taking all the heat. But this thing with you and Claire is different. If we go after Wentworth Ransom, you’re the one who’ll be in the lion’s den. The one he’ll come after.

Hey, I’m a pro, Sin reassured her friend. I can handle myself.

No, we’re not doing this. Ten shook her head vigorously. Ransom isn’t an easy mark.

No, he isn’t. Sin soothed, But I’ve reeled in sharks with sharper teeth.

Not as sharp as this. Ten frowned. Besides, have you forgotten that you failed at this once before? You landed in prison because of a job just like this one.

It’s not the same thing, and I didn’t fail, Sin defended herself. I successfully got away with Marvin’s money. The only reason I got caught was because he tried to kill me afterwards. And you know what happened to him after that?

Sin waited for her friend to answer her but all Ten did was stare at her like she’d lost her damn mind. So Sin continued, He got a longer sentence than me.

She chuckled at that last part. Marvin Dubner likely hadn’t imagined that his revenge plan would screw him over too.

Is that supposed to reassure me? Ten cut into her friend’s chuckle. Her eyes were practically shooting fire as she continued, Because it doesn’t. Marvin was a small-time accountant. Ransom is leagues ahead of him. If he decides to kill you-

I’ll be more careful this time, Sin jumped in before her friend could finish the sentence. I’ll make sure Worth can’t come after us after we’re done.

No, we’re not doing this. Ten shook her head more vehemently.

We’re doing it, Sin insisted then before her friend could voice any further protest, she rushed on, Look, I left Claire at the restaurant. Let me go speak with her then you and I can discuss this later.

There’s no more discussion. We’re not going after that- Ten yelled but Sin was already out of the door.

Sin grinned. Ten might protest but Sin knew that if she packed her bags right now and headed to Portland, the younger woman would promptly follow. Of course she’d grumble all the way, but she’d still follow. It was one of the things Sin most appreciated about her friends.

Though she’d hated her stay in prison, one good thing had come out of it. No, make that three; Kelly, Ten and Ten’s sister, A.J. Before those three women, Sin had never had any close confidantes. Oh, she’d had plenty of people who claimed to be her friends and people who claimed to be in love with her. But those relationships were superficial. There’d never been anyone who knew who she really was, no one she could trust with her life.

The fact that none of her former ‘friends’ had visited her during her stay in prison had only emphasized the shallowness of her past relationships. Sure, she still sometimes hid parts of her life from Kelly, Ten and A.J, but she still trusted that if she needed their help, they’d be there for her unconditionally as would she for them.

It was cruel of her to drag Ten into hers and Claire’s business, but to pull off this job, she needed a good teammate. And Ten was the best. Not only did the woman have a photographic memory but she was the second best break-in artist Sin knew. Of course the best break-in artist was A.J, but she’d break their legs if she knew what they were up to.

Moments later, Sin found Claire still waiting for her at the hotel’s restaurant.

I hope you don’t mind that I ordered for you. Claire pushed a plate of salad towards Sin.

No, I don’t mind. Sin settled in the seat opposite the brunette then got right to business. So what do you need to get Worth off your back? His money?

Money? Claire guffawed. I don’t need his money. I’ve got plenty of my own.

I can tell. Sin hid a smile.

No, we don’t need his money. Claire continued, What Baron and I need is the RGC shares that Worth holds. We don’t even need all of them; just enough to balance the power between them.

So like half of his shares?

Something like that. Claire nodded. If Baron holds the same equity in the group as Worth, it will be harder for the group to dismiss him. Her voice took on a wheedling tone as she added, We don’t even want the group. Just for Baron to keep his job. After all the sweat and years he’s put in, it’s unfair for him to get kicked out just because he doesn’t have Ransom DNA.

You’re damn right it’s unfair. Sin paused to mull over all the information Claire had given her before she said, Okay! So I need to get him to marry me then transfer his shares to me. After that I can transfer them to you and Baron, right?

Right. Concern flashed in the brunette’s eyes. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s really not. And you and I are crazy for even thinking of attempting it. Claire pushed out a shaky breath and shook her head. No, this is a bad idea. Maybe we should quit while we’re ahead.

Hey, hey, calm down. Sin reached across the table to squeeze her new friend’s hand. You’re talking to a pro here. I’m sure I can get the job done. This ain’t my first rodeo. I once got a guy to marry me in thirteen days.

Sin smiled as she fondly remembered her second husband. The man had been idiotic enough not to get a prenup before their ‘marriage’. Four months later, he was out fifty percent of his property. Most of that fifty percent had gone to his ex-wife while a small percentage went to Sin – her cut for successfully completing the job.

Ah! Good times.

Sin assured Claire, I’m an expert.

An expert? Claire’s eyes widened. You’ve done this before?

Yes. Sin didn’t add in the ‘several times’ because Claire looked skittish enough.

What if someone recognizes you? the brunette asked.

You said you’re based in Portland, right? Sin asked. When Claire nodded, she smiled. Then no one will recognize me. I’ve never worked a job there plus I’ll be using an assumed identity so even if they check me out they won’t find anything.

Where in the world would you get an assumed identity?

Don’t worry about it. I have my ways. Sin reminded her, All you need to be careful about is making sure that Worth doesn’t know we’re connected.

Claire still looked a bit unsure about the plan. Are you sure about this?

I’m sure. Sin bit into her salad before asking, Do you have a picture of Worth?

Not here with me, the other woman said, but if you search his name on the internet, you’ll find him.

Sin took out her phone and swiped her fingers over the screen. A moment later, she frowned. Wentworth Ransom III was hot… like sizzling hot. Even if he was a complete asshole, there were lots of women who could be fooled by his looks and money. Why go after his brother’s wife?

What’s up with this guy? Sin wondered aloud. He looks successful in his own right. He doesn’t need to come after you and your husband.

He’s doing it just to be spiteful, Claire explained. Some people are like that.

A fresh spurt of hot anger raced through Sin. The man needed to be brought down a couple of notches and she knew the right woman to do it. Herself. Usually, she preferred to go after old men who’d ditched their wives for sugar-babies but she’d happily make an exception for Worth.

How will you get his shares? Claire asked. It’s not like he’ll just hand them over to you.

That’s exactly what he’ll do! Once I’ve got him hooked, he’ll give them to me all on his own. Sin’s lips curled into a wicked smile. "But