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)
We reach the end of the hallway, and Adele stops in front of a door. “This is your room for the night,” she says, opening it to reveal a cozy, dimly lit space with plush seating and a small bar. “Just remember, you’re in control. If you ever feel uncomfortable, just signal, and we’ll get you out of there.”
I take a deep breath and step inside, feeling the weight of the night ahead settling on my shoulders. I’m doing this for Nate, for our future. But a part of me can’t deny the thrill of knowing Father Carmichael is watching over me, even from a distance.
Chapter 13
Benedict
My eyes are glued to the screen, my breath catching as Eva steps into the Delgado room. I’ve been watching these meetings for weeks, feeling like an outsider trying to decipher an ancient language. They speak in a mix of jargon and coded phrases that I can't make heads or tails of. It’s like I need a decoder pen to unravel their cryptic dialogue.
Eva walks in, her presence instantly commanding attention. She’s breathtaking, and I’m not the only one taking notice of the way she looks tonight. Her simple black dress clings to her curves, accentuating her figure in a way that’s both subtle and seductive. Her wig is perfectly in place, and her heavy smokey eyes paired with fire-engine red lipstick make her look like a noir film star.
As she steps further into the room, all the heads of the men present turn to her, their eyes lingering a bit too long for my liking. I feel a sharp spike of jealousy, an unexpected and unwelcome surge of possessiveness. I remind myself that I’m here to protect her, to guide her through this perilous task. But it’s hard to suppress the emotions bubbling up inside me.
I watch intently as she begins her role, moving gracefully between the men, taking drink orders, and making small talk. Her demeanor is poised, and she exudes a confidence that belies the nerves I know she must be feeling. She’s doing remarkably well, and I can’t help but feel a swell of pride mixed with my growing concern.
Eva’s presence in the room seems to have a disarming effect on the men. They’re more relaxed, their conversations flowing more freely. I strain to pick up any clues, any piece of information that might make sense of the Delgado’s secretive operations.
One of the men, a tall, broad-shouldered figure with a dark beard, engages her in conversation. His eyes are locked onto hers, and he leans in closer than necessary. I clench my jaw, feeling an irrational surge of protectiveness. Eva handles it with grace, her laughter light and genuine, diffusing any potential tension.
As the night progresses, I keep my focus sharp, analyzing every interaction, every word. Eva’s ability to navigate this treacherous social landscape is impressive. She’s earning their trust, just as we hoped. But with that trust comes increased scrutiny, and I can’t afford to let my guard down.
The camera’s angle shifts, and I catch a glimpse of Eva’s face as she discreetly taps the top of her head with two fingers, two times. My heart skips a beat. I wait for the third tap.
I see the bearded man’s hand resting on her lower back, his touch lingering longer than it should. My protective instincts flare. I have to remind myself to stay calm, to wait for a clearer signal before intervening. I can’t blow her cover unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Eva steps back slightly, creating a bit more space between her and the man, and shakes her head. Is she signaling to me that she’s okay?
She flashes a reassuring smile in his direction, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. I’m ready to spring into action if needed, my attention laser-focused on her every move.
Adele steps into the room, and my pulse slows slightly.
Minutes tick by, feeling like hours, and the bearded man finally steps away, his attention diverted by Adele. Eva subtly relaxes, resuming her task of taking drink orders. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
This is just the beginning. The night is far from over, and the dangers are ever-present. As much as I hate the idea of her being in that room, I know she’s our best chance at uncovering the truth. I just hope I can keep her safe in the process.
My phone rings in my pocket, jolting me out of my intense focus on the screen. I answer it quickly, keeping my voice low. “Vin,” I say into the phone, trying to conceal the tension in my voice.
“How’re things going at the club?” Vin’s voice crackles through the line, and I can sense the urgency in his tone.
I can’t tell him I’ve enlisted the help of a Greedy Girl. He’d probably have my badge for it. So instead, I keep it vague. “Fine. The Delgados are meeting tonight.” I glance back at the screen, studying the man with the beard from before who was talking to Eva. “Who’s the new guy with them? Tall, bearded? I’ve never seen him before.”