Already fuzzy from the drink, I call on Self-Awareness class, speaking in a stream of consciousness. “You need to know I’m fiercely loyal. I’ll stand up for—defend—do anything—for my friends. Friends, to me, are the most important thing in the world.”

He takes a sip of his drink. “Loyalty. I like that about you.”

“Another thing you like about me.” I tilt my face up to his. “Wow. This truth serum works fast. Or maybe you’re a lightweight.” I grin.

“I’m not allowed to lie.” He laughs before turning serious. “And I like lots of things about you.”

He surveys my face, and my heart skips a beat.

“Do you miss your family?” he asks.

“Not really.” I shake my head, highly aware of his bicep beneath my fingers, trying to keep from curling against his chest. “I could never live up to their expectations, so I mostly kept to myself. I’m used to being alone. And life is probably less stressful for them without me…”

“I bet they miss you. You know, the whole not-knowing-what-you-have-until-it’s-gone type of thing.” He searches my eyes. “I know my life was way more boring before you showed up.”

My stomach flips. Needing space before I do what my instincts are telling me to do and rise on my tiptoes and kiss him, I untangle my arm and wander into the foyer. “What’s up there?” I ask, pointing upstairs.

“Bedrooms. My parents’ offices. We should stay down here.”

I down my drink and bite my lower lip. “That’s no fun.” Giggling, I run up the stairs.

He chases after me, reaching out to stop me, but it’s too late. I burst into the first room I see. It’s an office cluttered with more stuff. The walls are lined with framed articles.

BRITAIN’S BANKS BAMBOOZLED: DARING DUO ESCAPES WITH MILLIONS

PARIS ON ALERT: BEWARE OF THE PROWLING PAIR—NO SAFE IS SAFE

LOCK UP YOUR DIAMONDS: THIS HEROINE’S GOT HUSTLE

“So much for ‘if you know it, it’s enough,’” I say, scanning the articles, amazed by how many there are.

“It’s human nature to want people to know,” he says from behind me, his breath warm on my ear. “Being humble is great, but I think it’s okay to sometimes be proud.”

“I agree.” I can’t stop reading. “They’re fabulous.” I exhale. Intoxicated by their exciting escapades, I feel my heart pumping in anticipation, wishing I could live out some of these heists myself. “You’re so lucky. This is probably what your life is destined to be like. Traveling around the world, attending fabulous parties, stealing the truth…”

“It’s what your life will be like, too.” Taking me by the shoulders, he turns me to face him.

“Do you think so?” I ask, lifting my face to his.

“If you want it.”