“Rich, this is River Thompson—” he begins, slumping into the vacant spot beside his friend as he rests comfortably on the velvet couch.
“I know who he is.” Richard’s leveled tone and scowl tell me he’s still bitter about not getting the job. “So,youwant in?”
Unsure of what he’s referring to, I’m sensing something more nefarious.
“Before I agree to anything, I’ll require specifics,” I say confidently, pretending to have some knowledge of what I’ve walked into.
Richard glances at Andrew. “I haven’t filled him in yet, but he’s solid. Don’t worry,” Andrew reassures him, evidence of him falling for the mask of my everyday facade.
If they only knew who I turn into behind the black sheet of night, they wouldn’t be so eager to bring me into the fold.
As much as Andrew seems to blindly trust me, it appears Richard doesn’t feel the same when he shoots me a distrusting stare as he leans in toward me. A powerful scent of cherry cigars overpowers the musty cigarette smoke that’s filled my senses since I arrived at the club.
“What can I get for you, sexy?” A cocktail server suddenly appears by my side before he can say anything.
“Whiskey neat,” I tell her.
Andrew and Richard exchange another quick glance before they both refocus their attention on me.
“We have a little arrangement,” Richard begins.
“I’m intrigued.” I match his posture on bent knees. Anxious energy pulses through my veins, causing an itch to settle below my skin as I grow eager to find out more of what they’re referring to. My back flexes when I sense someone behind me.
“River Thompson. Glad to finally meet the local billionaire tech mogul.” My name rolls off the person’s tongue with confidence like they know me and I don’t like it.
“Hello.” I turn my body fully to greet the familiar man, then extend my arm for a firm shake.
Duncan gives my hand a quick tug then sits down on the sofa, followed by Nolen.
“Done getting your cock sucked?” I quip.
Duncan plucks a cherry from the bowl on the cocktail table and pops it into his mouth. With a broad smile, he turns to face me. “Play your cards right, tech geek, and you could, too.”
“I don’t need your dirty whores,” I reply. I wouldn’t let a woman like that anywhere near me. Who knows what else her lips have touched?
“You haven’t faced enough temptation,” Duncan shoots back, too sure of himself.
A drink is placed in front of me. I wipe the rim of the glass with a napkin before bringing it to my lips. I discreetly swish the warm liquid in my mouth and discreetly spit it back into the cup. I never consume alcohol when on the job. A stable mind is the best weapon.
Rich turns to Nolen. “Pretty soon, he’s going to have all the pussy he wants.”
All four men have surrounded the small table in this germ-filled club. I hope we can soon get down to why this evening has turned from me tracking down Andrew to now involving a group of random guys who all have a secret they are bursting at the seams to share. If I won’t get in a good kill tonight, then this better be worth my while.
“So, what’s this little arrangement you’re talking about?” I press, getting back to business.
I’m met with silence.
Andrew bends forward, his eyes flicking around the now-empty VIP lounge. “Has a woman ever turned you down? One youhadto have?”
No.“Sure, who hasn’t?”
Andrew licks his lower lip, and a heinous expression sweeps his face. “Well, what if they couldn’t sayno?”
The tips of my ears burn at the thought of what he’s implying, but I keep my expression neutral. “What do you mean?”
Rich rests his back against the couch with one arm lying across the cushion behind him. With arrogant confidence, he explains. “Women don’t want ordinary guys anymore. They want rich bastards”—he sips his cocktail—“like you.”
“Go on.” I swallow hard, letting him continue.
