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“So, what was it you wanted to meet about? I thought we'd discussed everything about my plan for Marquis at the club the other night and then all the fine details over email. That's what you requested.”
Decker tilts his head, his hand rubbing over the stubble on his jaw as he studies me. “Are you always 'on'?” he asks curiously, catching me off guard.
“What do you mean?”
Decker leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. “You've just arrived and you're already all business. Why can't we just relax and chat? Get to know each other a little better?”
After meeting with Barrett earlier today, I know that we're no closer to finding out about Aiden's case than we were before. Harry wouldn't tell Barrett anything and even the threat of pulling Aiden out ourselves didn't get the man to waver. Apparently the man clammed up as soon as he realized we were involved. This has left us with a bit of a predicament, but since the stakes are so high, especially with Decker involved, the decision was made to forge ahead and deal with any complications as and when they happen.
“The most important thing,” Barrett said, “is that you're safe, your cover is safe, and you get close and stay close to Decker.”
I take a deep breath, allowing my shoulders to relax, trying to channel a more casual demeanor. “You're right,” I say, smiling at him. “I'm sorry. It's just been a busy day. You know how it is.”
He chuckles, the sound deep and warm. “I do. Running a business can be exhausting. That’s why you’ve got to make sure you have fun while doing it.” He winks as he leans back in his seat. “That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I have a proposition for you.”
“Oh?” I raise an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious.
“I'll preface this by saying that you're very tenacious when you want something, and that hasn't gone unnoticed. I know you wanted to focus on the club and raising its profile to the stratosphere, but I think there's something even better in your future.”
“Really?” I say, resting my forearms on the table. I don't miss the way Decker's eyes dart down to my now very-much-on-display assets. Use whatever you’ve got to get what you need…
“It's more of a sideways move. I'd rather have you as a manager, an elite-level concierge whose sole focus is on the VIPs and influential clients—of both the club and my other… interests. I think you're just the right person to help me.” His eyes never leave mine as he speaks.
“You think so?” I ask. My heart is pounding. This is exactly what we want, an invite into Decker’s inner circle. It would be the biggest development in the case so far—and it seems to be happening ahead of schedule too. It’s not an opportunity I’m about to let pass me by.
“Of course, Quinn. You're smart, driven, and not afraid to take risks. Behind that stunningly beautiful exterior that has every red-blooded male in this place hard, I can tell you're willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Am I right?”
I feel a shiver run down my spine at his words, and I know that his assessment of not only 'Quinn' but the real me as well, is bang on the money. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Decker doesn’t know it yet but bringing him and whoever else is behind his criminal network down is my top priority.
“You are,” I say slowly but surely.
Decker leans back in his chair with a pleased smile. “Good. Knew I had a good feeling about you.” The intense look he sends me does not match the surety of his words, but I don’t falter under his gaze. I’ve come too far to fall down on the job now.
He goes on to outline his plan for me, detailing how I'll be working closely with him to facilitate VIP visits, including private meetings and events at Marquis. It will all fall inside a brand new exorbitantly overpaid membership scheme which will be by invite only. My job would be to make sure the VIP visits are seamless and easy, and that any whim is catered for. “Whatever the request, whatever it takes.”
I'm far too invested to be able to school my reactions completely, so I decide to go for scandalized and intrigued to play it off. “Should I be worried about the type of requests?” I ask.
Decker's grin turns devilish as his eyes alight with heat and amusement all at once. “Come on now, Quinn. Don't play the innocent card. That dress, those juicy red lips of yours promising a world of pleasure, and everything you've done to get my attention so far, all of it tells me you're far from a good little girl. In fact—” he says, stretching out his leg under the table and slowly running his expensive black loafers up and down my bare calf. “I bet you're the very definition of queen on the streets, freak in the sheets.”
I feel disgusting and dirty, but I have to maintain my cover which means I have to play along. I'm the best chance the task force has of getting inside Decker's inner circle to bring him down and keep him down.
“This doesn’t sound very professional now, Decker,” I say, a sly grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. “We agreed that this was purely business.”
“You agreed, I never did. But I hear you, Quinn.” He tips his glass my way before lifting it for a drink. “For now, anyway.” His gaze is full of mischief and mirth. “But let's not kid ourselves. I know what kind of woman you are, and I know what kind of woman I need.”
“For the job.”
He chuckles. “Yes, for the job. The question is, can you handle whatever’s thrown at you—the good, the bad… the scandalous?”
I nod slowly and try to keep my composure. “Yes.”
Decker’s slow, predatory grin makes my skin crawl. “Good,” he says as the waiter arrives with our meal. “Let's enjoy the rest of our date and we can talk business when you come to the club with me Saturday night.”
I quirk a brow. “This wasn't a date, Decker.”
“Tomahto. Tomayto.”
“And I'm not anybody's arm candy. I thought I'd made myself clear on that. This is business. Strictly business. Now and in the future. Especially at the club.”
