I don’t even think—I bolt down the stairs, and just before the last step, I hear loud thuds.
Something fell.
I jump the last step, panicked, only to meet Malec standing calmly over four bodies, as if this is just another Tuesday.
I feel dizzy. If not for the adrenaline running through my body, I think I might’ve vomited all over the floor.
“You said you wouldn’t kill them!” I should’ve whispered, but we’re already four bodies past that point.
He shrugs. “I never said that.”
My nostrils flare—
“But I didn’t kill them either. They’re unconscious. Which means you need to move fast,” he adds before I can explode.
I force myself to look. One of them—the bar guard I now recognize—is still breathing.
Again—Thank you, God.or Malec. But also—how the hell did he take all of them down at once?
Maybe my father wasn’t wrong to be afraid of them.
“This door,” I say, stepping toward the one behind him. I skip over a body, but accidentally step on a hand.
“That’s gonna leave a worse mark than what I did,” Malec taunts, and I can hear him holding his laugh.
I shake my head and file that for another day, opening the corridor that leads to the dressing rooms.
“Close the door behind you, just in case,” I say.
Now he actually snorts. “You think a closed door will hide four unconscious bodies?”
“Get. In.” I grit through a tight smile.
“I still think you’re the worst spy I’ve ever met—but let’s do this, 007.” He walks past me into the hallway. His grin makes me regret bringing him here.
But at least we’re in.
I catch up fast and spot the door labeledTatiana.
“You stand here,” I tell him, pointing to a spot on the floor. “Cross your arms and act like a bodyguard. If anyone asks, you’re escorting Tatiana to the VIP.”
He frowns, but I wave him into place and open the door.
Shit.
“Tatiana, what are you doing here?”
She turns, eyes wide, then narrowing just as fast beneath a purple wig.
“What am I doing here? Where thefuckhave you been?” she spits, heels clicking toward me.
“Shh! Please,” I wave my hands. “Please, Tatiana. Let me explain.”
She stops. “You’ve got thirty seconds.”
I take a breath.
How the hell do I explain this? She wasn’t even supposed to be here tonight, I planned on taking her place.
