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“Seduce the princess, usurp her birthright, and catch a killer. What could possibly go wrong?” Alfred pinched the bridge of his nose. “I liked you better when you were teaching high school. Life was simpler.”
“I liked me better too.” I released a loud breath.
CHAPTER12
It's Hunting Season
Donata
Last night, after our recon mission officially failed, I went home and did some digging on Luca’s mystery club. After hours of Googling symbols and the one address I had, my results came back with nothing of significance.
The brownstone in Chelsea was owned by an LLC. The name of the company didn’t produce any results, which wasn’t surprising. A lot of families put their second and third homes in LLCs to protect them from personal liability so usually the names were made up. My research went in circles for a few hours until I decided that the only way to really find out what Luca was up to was to show up at the club.
I had spent my entire Saturday morning visiting paper shops to see if they had the type of cardstock I was looking for. Eventually, I got lucky and found a place owned by an older lady who was super nice to me and even printed the business cards I needed with a copy of the logo from the picture I took.
To be sure, I had her print fifty copies. I took one for tonight and left the rest on Enzo’s dresser. He was going to be so mad at me. I glanced up at the empty street and pulled my coat tighter around me when a gust of wind picked up a few dead leaves off the sidewalk and threw them in my face. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, while I mustered the courage to text Enzo.
Me: don’t me mad
Me: I left you a black business card. I’m already here. Join me. Please
Enzo: Jesus fuck. Please tell me you didn’t go to that place alone.
Me: I didn’t go to that place alone.
Me: just come over. I’ll see you inside.
I stuffed my phone in my pocket and headed toward the stoop. Enzo had said the door was unlocked last night, so I tried jiggling the knob. When it didn’t budge, I rapped on the door. My heart jumped into my throat when a big bouncer stepped out to greet me.
“Can I help you, Miss?” His gaze swept up and down my body, even though I was wearing a big coat.
“I’m here to see Mr. Gallo.” I hadn’t planned on saying that. The nerves got the best of me and the words slipped out. Maybe deep down, I wanted Luca to be here with me. “Has he arrived yet?”
“Welcome, Miss…” He ignored my question.
“Esther.” I beamed at him.
“Ms. Esther. This way.” He let the door fall open.
Though I didn’t get very far. Beyond the door, a thick velvet curtain hung from the ceiling. To the right, there was a barstool and a podium. The bouncer sat and put out his hand.
“What?”
“I need to stamp your wrist.”
“Oh yeah, sure.” I gave him my right arm.
“The other one.” He smiled.
I swallowed and switched out my arms. The ink felt hot on my skin. When he released me, I wasn’t surprised to see the gold logo imprinted on the inside of my wrist.
“It’ll wear off. Enjoy your night, Ms. Esther. I’ll take your coat.” He pulled back the curtain.
“Thanks.” I shrugged out of the faux-fur coat and let him take it.
He hadn’t even bothered to pretend he wasn’t ogling my chest. Earlier tonight, I had only been thinking of Luca and decided to dress in a tight corset dress that made my boobs look huge. The bouncer seemed to agree with me. The dress was hot and left little to the imagination.
The way he looked at me though, made me feel cheap and exposed. I should’ve waited for Enzo. But knowing him, I knew he’d drag his feet and then try to talk me out of coming here. I’d been afraid there would be a line to get in and I wouldn’t be allowed entrance.
