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The cacophony of the city fades away as I step through the entrance of the Ruby Realm. Soft jazz floats through the dimly-lit foyer, and I smile my hello at Liana, who admits me at once to the lounge. In there, I look over the patrons lounging in leather booths or congregating at the sleek black bar, but I don’t see Alessa.
It really is something, the Ruby. I feel at ease immediately, like I really belong here—when I definitely don’t.
For the past two days, I’ve been huddled in the sterile FBI briefing room, poring over blueprints of this very club, trying to find a place where an illegal casino might be hidden. The blueprints didn’t even include the safe room that Alessa’s keeping Sienna in, so at least I didn’t have to worry about that.
Sam Wright barely said a word of greeting to me, though he certainly seemed to have gone over my report, questioning exactly what I talked about with Alessa in her townhouse, again and again, until even Bell told him to move on.
I spot an empty table along the back wall of the restaurant and make my way over. The maître d’ rushes to pull out my chair and provides a leather-bound menu. If I’m going to maintain my cover here, I need to blend in, which means dining alone.
I’ve just decided on the seared scallops when a shift in the energy of the room draws my eyes upwards. Conversations quiet to a hush as all heads turn towards the entrance, where Alessa de Luca stands in a shimmering, creamy white gown that clings to every curve. Her raven hair cascades over her shoulders, lips painted crimson. Moving with the confidence of a queen holding court, she seems to revel in the attention, yet her focus stays trained on me.
My pulse quickens as she strides over, hips swaying, never breaking eye contact. She slides into the chair opposite me, full lips curling into a knowing smile.
“What’s a beauty like you doing dining alone?” she asks, propping her chin on her hand.
I mirror her pose, leaning forward. “I could ask you the same question.”
Her grin widens at my retort. She tilts her head, black waves falling to partially obscure one feline eye. “I thought I might have scared you off.”
I swallow. “No. No, definitely not.”
“Then perhaps I can tempt you to join me somewhere more…private?”
I arch an eyebrow. “More private?”
She traces one manicured nail along the tablecloth between us. “Let’s just say I’d like a chance to initiate you into more of the Ruby’s secrets, since your orientation was so rudely interrupted.”
“Mm. We never did get around to that tour,” I agree. The memories of exactly what we did instead rise up, threatening to overwhelm me with desire again. “But I don’t want to monopolize your time tonight,” I add quickly.
“Oh, darling. I fully intend to monopolizeyours.” Alessa’s smile holds a tantalizing promise, an invitation into her clandestine world.
I didn’t breathe a word of our intimacies to the team.
I should have.
I should haveimmediatelyreported it as an issue.
It’s expressly forbidden for undercover operatives to form a sexual relationship with a target, unless a life is in danger. And I don’t think I could convincingly argue that my life was in danger.
My heart, maybe…
“Natalie?” Alessa says, tilting her head to one side.
God, I’ve just been sitting here staring, when this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for: a look at the more exclusive areas of the Ruby.
But there’s something else playing on my mind as well. I look around, make sure we’re not in danger of being overheard. “The—the young woman,” I say softly. “Is she—”
“Yes.” She says it just as softly. “The package was mailed off this very day, in fact, and all is well. Arrived with no problems at all.”
I let out an exhalation that’s half relief and half joy. “I’m so glad.”
She gives a nod. “Me, too. But we shouldn’t talk out here in the open.” She rises, beckoning me to follow her back to the lounge area, then down a dim hallway lined with elegant mahogany doors.
“We have private rooms for our most exclusive clientele,” Alessa explains as we walk. “They provide privacy for sensitive meetings.” She pauses outside a door labeledScarletin gilded script. “Or whatever activities the members wish to pursue.”
The innuendo brings heat to my cheeks even as curiosity blooms. What secrets and assignations have these rooms witnessed?
Alessa unlocks the room, allowing me to step inside first. The glow of candlelight illuminates a lavish lounge area, where a table has been set with an array of delectable foods and gleaming crystal glasses filled with wine the color of garnets.
