Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Chapter 5
Evangelina
I honestly can’t believe I let Greer talk me into working at Club Greed, but as I get ready for my first night, nerves race through me. I can do this for Nate. I have to.
Devereaux was true to his word about keeping my identity hidden, and as Adele, the assistant manager, introduces me to a few of the girls, I breathe in a sense of relief. I’ve worn a short black bob wig and applied my makeup heavily.
I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. My natural hair, normally a soft baby-blonde, is completely hidden beneath the sleek, jet-black wig that frames my face in a chic, edgy style. My eyes, usually understated with minimal makeup, are now accentuated with dramatic smoky eyeshadow, bold eyeliner, and thick, voluminous lashes. The transformation is completed with deep red lipstick that makes my lips look fuller and more alluring.
My outfit is just as daring. I’ve squeezed into a form-fitting black dress that clings to my curves, ending just above the knee. The neckline plunges more than I’m used to, revealing a hint of cleavage, and the back is almost completely open, adding an extra touch of sensuality. Black stiletto heels add height, making my legs look longer and leaner. I’ve accessorized with a few pieces of statement jewelry—a pair of glittering chandelier earrings and a chunky bracelet that catches the light every time I move.
As I follow Adele through the club, I notice the opulent décor. The main floor is dimly lit, with plush velvet couches and low tables scattered throughout, creating intimate seating areas. The walls are lined with rich, dark fabrics that add to the sultry ambiance. Soft, pulsating music fills the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and occasional bursts of laughter.
The girls I meet are friendly and welcoming, each one more glamorous than the next. Their outfits range from elegant cocktail dresses to more revealing lingerie, but all are impeccably styled and confident in their roles. Adele points out different areas of the club—the bar, the VIP lounge, the dance floor—and gives me a brief rundown of my duties for the night.
As the time to start my shift approaches, my nerves return, but I remind myself why I’m doing this. Taking a deep breath, I adjust my wig one last time and step out onto the floor, ready to embrace this new, daring persona.
I can do this.
Confidence bursts through me as I follow another server around tonight. She teaches me how to work the computer, showing me the intricate details of the ordering system and the club's unique procedures.
“Oh my God, Benedict is coming in tonight,” Flower says excitedly. She’s one of the more experienced servers, with bright blue hair and an infectious energy. “Lina, you’re going to lose your shit when you see him.”
I have everyone calling me Lina as my new name. I think it fits. “Who is he?” I ask, curious but still focused on the tasks at hand. Before Flower can even respond, the atmosphere in the club changes dramatically.
All eyes gravitate toward the front door, and I’m stunned by who I see. Father Carmichael?
“What is he doing here?” I whisper more to myself than anyone else, my mind racing.
The priest, dressed in casual yet sophisticated attire, walks in with an air of confidence. His presence is commanding, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. His usual calm demeanor is replaced with a relaxed, almost enigmatic aura, and it’s disconcerting to see him in such a different environment.
Flower, noticing my reaction, leans in. “You know him?” she asks, her eyes wide with curiosity.
I nod slowly. “He’s the priest at the church I’ve been attending. This is the last place I’d expect to see him.”
She chuckles. “Well, it’s Club Greed. You never know who you’ll run into here.”
As I try to process the sight of Father Carmichael in this setting, the club’s vibrant energy continues to swirl around me. The dim lighting casts a seductive glow over everything, and the deep bass of the music thrums in my chest. The air is thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and colognes, adding to the intoxicating atmosphere.
He stalks toward us, and thankfully there’s no recognition on his part. Phew. I was so afraid he’d recognize me that I almost forgot to breathe.
He breezes past us, heading for the grand marble staircase near the edge of the club. With swift movements, he makes his way upstairs and out of eyesight.
Wow.
I continue working, settling into a steady rhythm as the night progresses, but my mind still races on what Father Carmichael is doing here.
How often does he come here?
“What’s upstairs?” I ask Flower.
She smiles, brushing her blue hair off her shoulder. “Offices, and a few VIP rooms.”
“Do you know what Father, I mean, Benedict does up there?”