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Heat creeps up my neck at the innuendo in her words. “Speaking of, there was actually something I wanted to discuss with you.”
She cocks her head, looking amused. “I’m listening.”
It’s now or never. I take a deep breath. “I’d love the chance to visit the Ruby Realm sometime. I’ve heard such fascinating things about it.”
Something shifts in her expression, though the smile remains fixed on her lips. Her eyes turn assessing. “Is that so? And who exactly has been talking about the Ruby?”
Shit. Is it supposed to be, like, a Fight Club thing? First rule, don’t talk about the Ruby? I scramble to come up with a reasonable story. “Oh you know…word gets around,” I hedge awkwardly. “People love to gossip about places they haven’t been themselves. And…Alicia might have mentioned something.”
She continues watching me steadily and I resist the urge to squirm under her penetrating gaze.
After a long moment she speaks. “The Ruby Realm is extremely exclusive, Natalie. I don’t just let anyone through the doors.” She toys idly with the stem of her wine glass. “And more importantly, I like to ensure aspecifickind of clientele.”
What does that mean? My mind is racing to supply an endless number of possibilities. “I seem to have blundered a little. Please, forget I mentioned it.”
She taps one long manicured nail against her wineglass, clearly still considering. I try not to fidget as the silence stretches between us.
Finally, she smiles. “Not at all, Natalie. I’m pleased to hear that the Ruby’s reputation is so enticing. But I think I’d have to get to know you a little better before…well.” She gives a little shrug of her shoulders.
I take a too-large sip of wine to disguise my nerves at the promise in her words. This is exactly where Hays coached me to steer the conversation. But now that I’m here, I wish for a way out.
I’ve never been so awkward in an undercover role before. But then, my previous undercovers have all been temporary—a few days at best. Nowhere near this scale.
And certainly not aimed at a woman I was actuallyattractedto.
Our eyes meet and an electric current seems to pass between us. Alessa’s lips part slightly, her tongue darting out to wet them.
I clear my suddenly dry throat. “Can I interest you in some dessert?” I ask a touch too brightly. “The chocolate mousse is divine.”
Something that looks like disappointment flashes across her face, but it’s gone in an instant, replaced by an easy smile. “That sounds lovely.”
“I’ll be right back.”
In the kitchen, I grip the edge of the counter, drawing in a deep breath. Yes, she’s magnetic. Fascinating, even. But I cannot forget why I’m here tonight.
Justice is the goal.
And I can’t forget for a second that every move I make, every word I utter, is being filmed and scrutinized by the team.
I dish up two bowls of the rich chocolate mousse and head back to the dining room.
Alessa accepts her dish with a smile. “This looks decadent. What do you think?” She extends a spoonful toward me.
Before I can react, she slips the spoon between my parted lips. The chocolate melts on my tongue, rich and velvety smooth. Alessa’s eyes don’t leave my face, watching intently for my reaction.
I swallow, heart racing. “It’s…excellent,” I manage.
“Mmm, yes, delicious,” she agrees, slowly removing the spoon from my mouth.
I sit frozen for a long moment, pulse thundering in my ears.
And then I force myself to look away and take a steadying bite of my own mousse. Alessa, when I chance looking back at her, seems more curious than anything else.
We finish our dessert accompanied by harmless small talk about films, music and restaurants, all of which I’ve been coached on earlier. The charged atmosphere seems to dissipate.
Too soon, Alessa is glancing at the delicate watch on her wrist. “I should get going. Early morning tomorrow.”
I walk her to the door, hyper-aware of her proximity and oddly disappointed. I should feel relieved that my cover remains intact.
