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If anything, Decker's smile widens and I know what he sees in me--a challenge he wants to best. One he won't give up on until he succeeds.
“Mmm hmm,” he hums uncommittedly before nodding at the full wine glass and the plate of Beef Wellington with chestnut mushrooms and steamed spinach morsels sitting on the table in front of me. “Eat, Quinn. You don't always have to be 'on' with me. Let that guard of yours down. Even if it’s just long enough for you to have a meal with me. You never know,” he says with a wink. “You might just enjoy it.”
“Or choke on a mushroom and die,” I mutter, earning a surprised laugh from the man himself.
I smile, playing along with this charade. It sounds like this new job opportunity could be our best chance yet. Even if it means working closely with Aiden again. Something I'm locking up in a little box to deal with later… much later. I can’t believe he still gets to me despite everything. It’s like he’s under my skin in a way he’s never ever going to get out.
Getting my head back in the game—and on my dinner companion—I pick up my cutlery and cut into the Beef Wellington delivered to our table. As I take a bite, I can't help but moan in delight at the explosion of flavor in my mouth. Decker chuckles at my reaction, clearly pleased with himself for choosing such an exquisite dish.
“So, tell me, Quinn,” he says, taking a sip of his wine. “What got you into the club scene?”
I take a moment to savor the flavors in my mouth before answering. “I've always been drawn to just the primal energy of the nightlife. The music, the lights, the excitement. It's all so intoxicating. There’s just something about letting go of the day and losing yourself to a different world.”
Decker nods, seeming to understand. “I know exactly what you mean, but that's the whole point, isn't it? Making people want what they can't afford but must have anyway. It's about keeping up with the Joneses. Sex, sin, depravity, losing any and all inhibitions and just living. It's the Las Vegas way.”
“The Marquis way,” I say. “But as for the club scene, I moved to Vegas and needed a job. So, I took whatever I could get.”
“Like every single other person,” he muses after swallowing his mouthful.
I nod. “Pretty much. I started as a bartender at an off-strip dive bar which gave me some experience, then moved on to a seen-better-days three-star resort. From there, I went for every promotion I could—shift supervisor, bar manager, front of house, hotel manager, then events and guest liaison.” This is my cover's back story verbatim. Barrett made me repeat it over and over again until I could say it without missing a beat, something I'm grateful for now.
“Where does the nightclub side of things fit in?”
I bite my lip, not missing the way his gaze drops to my mouth. Decker James is hot, he’s handsome, and he knows it. But since I know—or strong suspect—he’s guilty of numerous horrible acts, the idea of him in any other way but a criminal I’m going to capture has bile rising in my throat.
“I've always been drawn to the energy of nightlife. The music, the lights, the excitement. It's all so intoxicating. More so when there are unlimited budgets and even more hype around a club like yours.”
“What made you want to venture out on your own?”
I shrug and shoot him a smirk. “I don’t do well being told what to do.” That’s not far from the truth at all…
He throws his head back and bursts out laughing before arching a brow my way. “You do know you've already got the job, right? No need to butter me up with what you think I want to hear.”
“It’s the truth. What you see is what you get with me, Decker.”
That earns me a long piercing stare as if he’s looking for any sign of deception. He won’t see anything though, my cover is solid, my skills flawless. Wanting to see this case through and the burning need to look Decker in the eye at the end of this so he knows who brought him down is all the motivation I need.
“Good to know. Just be upfront and honest and you and me, we won't have any problems at all.”
“Sounds good.” I beam across the table at him when I really wish I could stab him with the fork in my hand just to see his façade falter.
“I know what you mean about the thrill of clubs and the nightlife. It's a bit like a drug. One hit and you just want more.”
I nod, taking another bite of the delicious meal in front of me. “Exactly. It's addictive.”
We make small talk throughout the rest of the meal, and I feel Decker's eyes on me the entire time. It's unnerving, but I also know that he’s sharp as a tack and he may say he trusts me, but I know he’ll have me watched closely. There’s always a probationary period when someone new is brought into the inner circle, but as long as I play my part and don’t put a step wrong, I’ll be right where I need to be to get everything I need to get.
As we finish up our meals, Decker leans in close. “You'll come with me on Saturday to the club?” he asks, his voice low and seductive.
My eyes widen before I plaster a slow-growing smile on my face. “Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I’m eager to get started.”
“Not as much as I am. I think you’re going to be a vital part of the operation.” His eyes flash with something unreadable that has me feeling uneasy for the first time tonight. Vital part of what operation?
“Good,” he says, a hint of triumph in his voice. “And believe me, no one will mistake you for arm candy because you’re worth so much more than that. Think of yourself as a partner.”
My brows arch sky high. “Business partner, Decker.”
“That too,” he says with a wink.
