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From now on, we’re in this together.
Rushing through to the rear, my heart races in sync with the pounding beats emanating from the club's PA system. The air is thick with the scent of vanilla and spilled drinks. Inside the illicit areas, girls slip past, some wearing masks, others not. Most wearing little more than their coy smiles.
My body quivers, my longing for him intensifying. I crave his strength, his confidence. The way his arms around me can have me believing this will turn out okay. I blink. Then blink again.
My desperate yearning has made him materialize right in front of me.
Although Chase has his back turned, it’s unmistakably him. Energy surges through my muscles. Joy sings through my veins. I take a relieved, excited step.
And stop.
I’m not supposed to be here. Chase will be furious.
Without thinking, I slip behind one of the free-standing screens scattered around the lounging area, fake potted plants framing it. They’re strategically placed so clients can sample the wares. Right now, they hide me while I try to calm my heart rate. I need to get myself under control so I can explain all of this.
“Ah, Mr. Chase,” Madame purrs, her tone laced with apology. “I'm afraid the girl you seek hasn't graced our establishment in some time, especially after that incident a few days ago.”
I bite my lip. Chase suspected I’d come here. He must’ve felt so betrayed.
“No need to worry. I'm sure she's fine,” he says curtly. “I’m after a friend of hers.”
Stunned, I peek around the screen. Chase is holding up a small white square to the Madame. It’s too small to be a letter or a warrant, maybe a photograph? Confusion grips me. Chase isn’t here for me.
He’s not even worried.
Madame inclines her head. "She’s a regular,” she concedes. “But I haven't seen her recently.”
“I don’t have time for your games, woman,” Chase snarls dangerously.
Madam sighs. “You know I can’t say more.” She leans forward, exposing more of her wrinkled cleavage. “Besides, you have your exclusive arrangement. Don't forget you paid for that privilege.”
He did. Money that belongs to Wild Heart. My hand presses to my chest. Money he should never have spent on me…
"That arrangement served its purpose," Chase snaps. "I’m interested in this new girl. I can provide a generous advance if you cooperate."
Chase retrieves his wallet and places a stack of bills on the desk, sliding it toward Madame. She wastes no time counting the money, glancing at him suspiciously. My hand is now over my mouth, trying to contain the devastation crawling up my throat.
Chase isn’t looking for me.
He’s looking for someone new.
Madame, now gleeful, tucks the wad of bills down her top. “She’s upstairs,” she says, her voice so low I can barely hear it. “Holly booked a room and has been waiting for a while.”
I rear back. Holly?
That’s who he’s seeing?
Chase walks away and ascends a set of stairs I’ve never been up. My heart is pounding so hard it hurts. I slip out from behind the screen, barely feeling my feet as I follow at a distance. The moment he reaches the top I follow. Silent. Trying to tell myself I’m wrong.
I stop when I see Chase is outside the first door on the landing. Stepping down a stair, I stay where I am. He could see me if he turned around, but a part of me doesn’t care.
A part of me wants him to turn around, see me, and then rush to tell me this isn’t what it looks.
But he doesn’t. Chase raps on the door then yanks his cell out of his jacket pocket. He glances at it and his shoulders drop an inch.
"She saw the message." His breath whooshes out. "Thank goodness she's safe."
It’s exactly what I needed to hear. He’s worried about me. There’s a logical explanation.
