Once the world's most notorious thief, Damien Black retired at his peak rather than risk taking a wrong step that could cost him his freedom ... or his life. Now a seductive proposition is tempting him again -- a multi-million-dollar heist that would be smooth as black silk ... if it wasn't for Angel Lafonte. The new director at an Atlanta museum, Angel is smart, sophisticated, and a stunning ebony beauty, exciting the daring thief even more than the possibility of a big-money payday. But when the heat reaches sizzling, Damien's going to have to choose between a life of larceny and the passionate lady he's suddenly growing to love. But dangerous men in the shadows aren't about to let their star player abandon the game ...

If You Dare

Chapter One

United States
One year later ...

All heads turned toward the sleek silver profile of a shiny new Lamborghini Murciélagoas it whipped up to the valet of Lafonte'srestaurant.

A couple of teenage boys pushed each otherout of the way in their desire to be the one topark the car.

When the driver's door slid upward, a sixfoot-four African-American gentleman dressedin black, casual Armani emerged.

"Yo, man. You can get Janet Jackson with thatcar. For real!" The young boy with the nameTodd engraved on a bronze name tag rushedover to him.

The man gently lowered the rim of his darkOakley shades so his onyx gaze locked on thegushing teenager, and a small smile curled atthe side of his mouth. "Be careful with mylady," he said, and then tossed him the keys.

"You can count on me," Todd reassured him.

Turning, the gentleman slid his hands intothe pockets of his linen suit and enteredthrough the restaurant's glass doors.

He immediately liked the low lighting andintimate ambience of the place. He caught adozen covetous gazes from women linked onthe arms of impeccably dressed men.

The hostess, a petite ebony beauty, greetedhim with a magnanimous smile. "Good evening,thank you for choosing to dine with us atLafonte's. Do you have a reservation?"

"I'm afraid I don't. I'm here to see Sean Lafonte.He's expecting me."

Still smiling, she reached for the phone on thepodium. "May I have your name?"

"Black. Damien Black."

Seconds later, Sean Lafonte straightened histall frame, showcasing a Valentino white suit ashe gestured for his visitor to enter. "DamienBlack, it's good to see you again."

"How long has it been -- five, six years?"

"Something like that." Damien walked to thedesk and accepted the extended hand being offered."You still look good."

"Such a smooth liar." Sean patted the small bulge of his belly. "Now you, on the other hand,look as though you were born in a gym."

"You know me. I've always believed in takingcare of the mind, body, and spirit."

"Spirit?" Sean laughed and gestured towardthe vacant chair across from his desk. "You'rean interesting bag of contradictions, my friend.You're the only spiritual thief I know."

Damien curved the corners of his lips, notquite smiling.

"Now, now. I was just teasing you. What's alittle humor between friends?"

"Is that what we are -- friends?" Damien askedwith perhaps more sarcasm than he intended.

Sean's false cheerfulness died with his smile."Perhaps I overstated myself. Associates,then -- does that work for you?"

Damien's smile warmed. "At least it resemblesthe truth." Heglanced at his surroundings. "I seethe restaurant business is doingwell for you."

"People have to eat."

"True. How many locations now?"

Sean eased back into his chair. "If all goeswell, the third Lafonte's will be opening out inAlpharetta."

"I take it this job will be financing therestaurant?"

"Not entirely, but something like that. Areyou up for it?"

"Depends on how much we're talkingabout."

"Two fifty."

"Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars?What's this -- minimum wage or something?"

Sean laughed and grew serious. "Five hundred."

Damien stood. "It was nice seeing you again.Call me when you want to talk business." Heturned and headed toward the door, but didn'tget far.

"Wait," Sean said.

Damien faced him again, with his browsarched high over his eyes.

"Throw out a figure."

"I deal in percentages. Fifty-fifty."

Sean shot from his chair. "What? That's outrageous."

"I did a little research, and I know how muchthe Degas collection will go for on the blackmarket. It's a fair deal."

Damien watched Sean's expression harden.Sean could easily tell him to go to hell, but bothknew Damien was the best man for the job.

"I'll have to run some numbers." Sean easedback into his chair. "How can I reach youagain?"

"Don't worry." Damien winked and turnedback toward the door. "I'll be in touch."

If You Dare. Copyright © by Adrianne Byrd. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.

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Excerpted from If You Dare by Adrianne Byrd
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