Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 72308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
I felt out of place, fully covered in my black dress.
Bartholomew crossed the room toward an area where men had a corner booth. This must be his crew because the second he approached, a couple men got up so the two of us could sit. His authority was silent—but effective.
We took a seat, and his drink was immediately brought to him. She must have assumed I was having what he was having because I got a glass of amber liquid too.
Did I really need to be here?
Even with his men, Bartholomew had little to say. He responded to most of their greetings with simple nods. Then he lounged back and looked bored as he surveyed the room around him.
I wasn’t sure why he wanted me there. I’d much rather be in bed right now.
“Are you ready?” He seemed to be addressing me even though his gaze was elsewhere.
To leave? “We just got here.”
He turned to look at me then gave a slight nod toward the corner. “I have another assignment for you.”
This underground world was not the same thing as talking to an older lady at the Louvre. These men were the real deal, underground criminals that cops were afraid of. I’d frequented events like this with Grave over the years.
“The man in green. Join their table and eavesdrop on their conversation.”
I gave him the most incredulous look. “I’m a whore, not a spy.”
“A whore is a woman who does whatever her client wants.” He turned to look at me, his eyes dead and lifeless. “So you’re still in the right line of business.”
“I’m not stupid. I know what will happen to me if they figure out what I’m doing.”
“You think I’d let anything happen to you?”
“No offense, but I don’t know you.”
His eyes shifted back and forth between mine. “I swear on my life that I’ll protect you. That’s all you need to know.”
“You should have told me all this up front.”
“Would it have changed anything?” he asked, one eyebrow cocked. “You’re getting paid a fortune to live an exciting and adventurous life. You get to be one of the boys for once instead of lying on your back.”
It was nice that I didn’t have to sleep with Bartholomew if I didn’t want to. It was an option because he was always game for a good time, but it wasn’t an obligation, and that did make him infinitely more attractive. “I want more money.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Call it hazard pay.”
This guy had no expression other than the one he wore. He never smiled. He never frowned. He was just stoic, always. “How much?”
“Double.”
Silence.
I’d probably asked for too much.
He continued to stare. “Deal.”
Easiest raise ever.
“Now, work your magic and find out what I need to know.”
“What are you looking for?”
His eyes shifted to the men across the room. “There’s another dealer in my territory, and I want to know exactly who it is. Based on my intel, a big drop is supposed to happen soon. I suspect this meeting they’re having is to discuss conditions, to ensure I don’t find out about it.”
“Well…don’t they recognize you?”
He gave a slight shake of his head. “I only show my face to those who’ve earned it.”
I studied the guys across the room before I looked at him again.
“I’ll be here the whole time.”
I forced myself to my feet and crossed the room—getting down to business.
By the time we left the club and stepped onto the sidewalk, it was four in the morning.
I was dead tired.
The SUV pulled up and stopped at the curb.
I’d told Bartholomew everything I knew, and he was right. That was exactly what the men were talking about. I’d flirted, acted like I was just there for free drinks, and the guys spilled everything like I wasn’t a threat in the least. Naturally, one of the guys tried to take me home, but I pretended to puke in the bathroom.
We got into the back seat and headed for my apartment.
Bartholomew was wide awake, his straight back against the seat, his fingers rubbing against his bottom lip as he thought to himself. Every time lights flashed by outside the window, the brightness reflected in his espresso eyes.
My eyes kept closing, and I would drift off for a second or two. At some point, I slid down into my seat, leaning against the car door with my face to the glass. I fell asleep and was jerked awake when the SUV came to a stop.
Bartholomew took my hand and guided me to the ground so I wouldn’t slip in my heels.
I blinked a couple times, my front door slowly coming into view. “I’m exhausted…”
Once I had my balance, Bartholomew released me and walked beside me to the front door. He grabbed my clutch then fished inside until he found the keys. As I leaned against the wall and rubbed the corner of my eye, he got the front door unlocked then waited for me to walk inside.