Valenshek Legacy

Every four years, the criminal underworld engages in a game. The Game. The challenges range from the impossible to the deadly to the truly insane. Things that only a crazy person would tackle. I've won the game five times. This time will be no different. I'm at the top of my field now, the best of the world's thieves. There's nothing I can't steal, and this time, the game is all about theft, subterfuge, and sleight of hand. Starting with a legendary painting of poppy flowers. It's a painting that disappeared into the black-market decades ago, but I know where to find it. The only person standing in my way is her. Nothing will stop me winning the game, not even the sultry, quick-witted brunette who lures me into her painting studio with the most irresistible bait. I have no option to fail at The Game. It's my legacy. The Valenshek Legacy.

Dreams. Goals. Plans. You envision a dream, set a goal, and formulate a plan. I had diligently pursued all of these steps. I was on my way to obtaining my degree, engaging with breathtaking works of art, and unexpectedly falling into bed with my professor. Yeah, that last bit wasn't part of the grand scheme, but even I had to admit that it wasn't an unwelcome deviation. Ironically, despite my meticulous planning, attention to detail, and even despite my own deceptions, I ended up being the one deceived. Being manipulated and used. He didn't desire me for who I was; he merely coveted my connections. He yearned for me because of my access to his prized painting. And when he absconded into the night with the piece he'd been willing to betray me for, he shattered my heart. Except, he got caught, and in doing so he inadvertently revealed my biggest secret. My forgery.

It's always been about the chase. The prize. The puzzle. The Game. I became the best of the best, Hermes, because no one could catch me. No one could touch me. No one had. Until her. She's everything I never knew I wanted. She is my life. It's been one bad call after another in this Game. It's cost the woman I love more than I ever wanted her to have to pay. I would give it all up for her, but the Game must be played. I started this game for my grandfather. I fought to win to claim the Valenshek Legacy. Win, lose, or draw, I'm not leaving this town without Tristian Ives.