“Well, your information is wrong.”
My pulse spiked, and I spun around, pulling my cellphone out of my jacket to text Joel.
We don’t have two more weeks. I need to roll it out to my brothers next week at the latest.
I saw Joel texting back.
I’ll see what I can do.
I shook my head and sent another text.
Not good enough.
Chapter Eleven
Avery
I’d decided to use the matches I had in my purse on the flyer. It was still hard to believe what I saw on the piece of paper. It made staying in the apartment even worse. Trusting Lieutenant Davis was out the window, but I still had to follow through on everything she directed.
Night after night, I scribbled names on a piece of paper and slapped it on the table as instructed, but I didn’t feel any closer to her agenda than I did to Ellis’. After one of his men handed me the flyer, that was the last I’d heard from him.
I let out a groan and glared at the hidden camera. Jenn from Meta had texted me several times since I started working at the corporate offices, and I’d done a terrible job at getting back with her.
I’d received another text from Jenn this afternoon as Greta was showing me how to create itineraries for the Volkov brothers, each catering to their specific likes and dislikes, and I was busy taking notes about hotels, car rentals, airlines, and seat preferences. The task felt endless and I’d forgotten to respond until now.
A shiver ran up my spine as I shifted my gaze away from the hidden camera. I had to get out of this place for the night. At my real apartment, I loved getting to stay in for the evening and enjoying a good movie or book, but here, I wanted out.
Jenn had been bugging me for days to go out with her, and tonight seemed like the perfect night. I glanced down at her latest text and laughed.
I’ve always wondered what goes on at headquarters. You’ve been working too hard. Let me buy you a congratulatory drink tonight and you can fill me in on what it’s like to work with the Volkov men every day.
A spike of excitement ran through me and I finally texted back.
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I’ve been walking around in a dazed bubble, but I definitely need to relieve a bit of stress tonight.
Hopefully, I hadn’t waited too long to respond to her. It was only a little past eight, and most places didn’t even begin to pick up until well after eleven, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t found other plans. I walked over to my closet and pulled out a black dress I’d worn in Idaho to the Potato Drop years ago, but it was the closest thing I had to club attire.
I shrugged off my blouse and slid the dress over my head. Even if Jenn was busy, I needed to leave this apartment building one way or another. I shoved down my slacks and kicked them into the corner as my phone dinged.
Yay! I was beginning to think you’d dropped off this side of the city. I’m at Priva. Do you know it?
I had never been to Priva, but I’d read all about the nightclub in the Volkov files. It was a frequent hangout, especially for Devin. I pushed down an unfortunate amount of eagerness at the last thought and quickly responded that I’d meet her there. I didn’t hear Devin mention that he was going out tonight. Not that I’d ever heard him talk about what he did at night, but if he did happen to be there tonight, it just might get me closer.
A nervous excitement rattled around my belly at the thought of getting closer to him, but I refused to dwell on what particular reason thrilled me the most.
Against my better judgment, I tapped a ride app on my phone and ordered car service. As a cop, I’d seen far too many problems from services like these, but I was here to play a part and pulling up to Priva in a cab just didn’t seem right. I saw the estimate for pick-up time and hurried to the bathroom to put a little eyeliner on and touch up my mascara. I swept my hair into a twist and pinned it before taking off to catch my ride.
Just as I stepped outside, a shiny black Ford Fusion pulled up to the sidewalk. Even though I didn’t agree with the safety of these services, it was hard to beat the convenience of it all. I climbed in and the driver greeted me, confirming the destination based on what I’d already entered. Thankfully, he wasn’t particularly chatty on the short ride over to Priva, but as we got closer to the club, I started doubting my decision to meet Jenn.
I glanced out the window and saw the line snaking outside the building and cringed. I hadn’t even thought about whether I’d be able to get inside. I held in a groan and quickly texted Jenn my near-panic reaction of not getting inside. She sent an emoji and a promise to meet me at the door in two minutes. As I climbed out of the car, I wasn’t sure that was all it would take to get inside.
My pulse quickened as I walked to the entrance and ignored the glares from those still waiting. I finally took a breath when I saw Jenn speaking with the bouncer, who was no doubt her friend. He let me right in to Jenn’s open arms, and the blaring music kept me there just so I could hear her.
“I’ve missed you,” she nearly squealed, hugging me tightly. “It’s not the same at Meta with you not darting over to the bar every other second.”
I laughed and she let go. “I did hang out there a lot.”
“That’s because you’re smart,” she nearly yelled.
“Follow me. I’ve got a great table.” Jenn winked and slipped her hand into mine, nearly pulling me into the crowded club. This place wasn’t like most of the places I’d been called to when working for the force.
Every detail in this place had been carefully thought out and flawlessly executed. Gold sconces and chandeliers spilled a light glow over the tables and dance floor. Ice sculptures stood behind the long marble bar, and the men and women walking all around looked like they were all represented by the most elite talent agencies in the city.
I noticed a second level with velvet ropes marking it off for VIPs. Several tables upstairs had already been filled, but I didn’t recognize anyone from Wolf Industries and my heart fell.
“It’s so amazing to see you,” Jenn said, scooting into the booth and pulling me with her. There were two other women at the table whom I didn’t recognize, but they were deep in conversation so I didn’t feel I had to introduce myself.
“Thank you for keeping in touch. I’m sorry I didn’t get back sooner. It’s been a lot taking in everything over there,” I said. “I don’t want to blow it.”
Jenn nodded and took a sip of her drink. “What do you want? My treat tonight.”
“You don’t have to do that.” I glanced over toward the bar.
“I insist. This is something to celebrate.” She winked. “It’s not every day one of us gets behind that bulletproof glass.”
My gaze flashed to hers. One of us? As in wait staff, or. . .?
“Well, I never imagined I’d be working as a server one day and a receptionist the next.”
She eyed me carefully. “Not exactly what I was referring to.”
I swallowed my nervousness down. I’d been told no one else was able to get on at Meta, but it wouldn’t be the first lie. I thought back to what I saw on the flyer, and a shiver ran through me at just how orchestrated my life was becoming.
“Not exactly sure what you’re talking about, but I’d love a dirty martini,” I told her. “Want me to come with you?”
“Nah.” She looked at the other two women. “Get to know Jackie and Ashley while I’m gone.”
At their mention, their gazes turned to me as I climbed back out of the booth for Jenn.
“Nice to meet you, Avery. I’m Jackie.” The dark-haired one looked over my shoulder before bringing her gaze back to me. “You look startled.”
“Did you think you were the only one?” The blonde one asked. “I’m Ashley, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you both, but I’m really not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.” Ashley giggled and took another sip of her drink. “They’re counting on you, and if you don’t get the job do
ne, one of us will.”
I drew in a deep breath as my head began to pound. I had no idea who these women were. Did they work for the department? The Feds? Or was it a test from the Volkovs?
“I think you must have me confused with someone else.”
Ashley shrugged and turned her attention to Jackie as Jenn came back with a drink for both of us.
“Did you three get to know one another?” Jenn asked, sliding into the booth.
“She’s in denial, but other than that, yeah.” Jackie smiled, and I turned my attention back to Jenn.
“This is delicious and definitely what I needed after spending so much time at the office.” The salty, cold vodka trickled down my throat.
This had been a mistake.
“How has it been working with the beautiful Wolf brothers?”
“Wolf brothers?” I arched a brow.
“Yeah, Volkov brothers? Wolf brothers? It’s Russian for Wolf. That’s why they’re known as the Wolf Brothers or the Wolf Mafia on the street.”
I shook my head. “I don’t know anything about that.”
Jenn rolled her eyes. “You’re good.”
“Not really. Just confused.” I glanced toward the dance floor and noticed several women grinding against men they’d just met. “To answer your question, working for the brothers has been great. They’re nice, respectful, and—”
“Easy on the eyes.” Jenn laughed, and I thought back to what she told me about dating Jax.
“That’s a given, don’t you think?” I laughed, relieved that the conversation was starting to steer away from the other.
“There are a lot of people who want the Volkovs.” Jenn took a deep breath. “The trick is knowing who you can trust and who you can’t.” She traded looks with Ashley. “Getting involved with any of them turns your life into one big puzzle, and if you don’t guess right, what you stand to lose is your life.”
“I understand that they’re powerful men.” I wasn’t about to blow my cover no matter what Jenn wanted to divulge. “Any person in a position of power has to deal with people wanting them for unscrupulous reasons. That’s how life works.”
Jenn bit into her lower lip and shook her head.
“This is the only time you’ll ever hear anything from me, but I like you, Lara Avery.” The music almost drowned out her voice, but I heard those words ring like they were being blared from the DJ booth.
Lara Avery.
I kept my eyes on my martini. To her, I’d only been known as Avery Hill, and it suddenly felt like every emotion known to man was sucking the life out of me.
“You can’t trust anyone,” she continued. “And if you believe you can, get out now.”
I slowly lifted my gaze to hers.
“Devin’s here tonight. He’s upstairs.” She took another sip of her drink. “Not everyone is who you think they are. The world isn’t made up of black and white, right or wrong. Most of the world operates somewhere in the middle, not because they are bad people, but because they want to survive.”
“Life isn’t about bending the rules to survive.” I drew a slow breath.
“The man who murdered your father did so to survive. No other reason.”
My body stiffened, and I watched her carefully as she glanced to the second floor.
“How do you know anything about my father?” I asked slowly.
“Doesn’t matter.”
“But it does.” I stared at her hard.
“Listen, you can’t afford to get stuck thinking like that. Not everything in life is as it seems. You need to start figuring out how to navigate the murky waters a little better. If I can figure all of this out, imagine how easy it is for others. Just be careful out there. That’s all I’m saying.”
I felt sick, confused, and completely exposed for all the wrong reasons. I didn’t know who these people were. Beyond working with Jenn at Meta for a few weeks, I didn’t know anything about her, yet it felt like she knew everything about me. I wanted to go back home, but not where I was staying now. My real home, but I knew that wasn’t possible. I signed up for this, and no matter where it led, I had to follow it through.
“Wow. They never get old to look at.” She slid the drink stirrer through her lips and smiled.
I followed her gaze to the VIP section upstairs, and my heart fluttered as my eyes moved behind the banister.
A hidden door in the wall was wide open and Devin slowly walked out from wherever he’d been. His fingers worked to fasten the buttons on his suit, and I hated myself for wanting to be there with him.
I watched a woman scurry up to him in her bedazzled cocktail dress and platinum blonde hair. I wanted to force my eyes away, but I couldn’t. Instead, I took a few sips of my martini.
Devin stood to talk to the woman, and my chest tightened as she ran her long finger along his jaw and whispered in his ear. He shook his head and her expression fell before she walked away. I brought my gaze back to Jenn’s.
“I wish I could say it has been an enlightening evening, but—”
“You don’t have to say a word.” She shook her head. “Be safe, Avery.”
And just like that, it felt like our entire conversation had been nothing more than a figment of my imagination.
I stood and felt a little light-headed from the martini.
Or maybe it was seeing Devin.
I let out a deep breath and started toward the staircase that was roped off. I glanced behind me and saw that Jenn had already turned her attention back to her friends. With each step closer to the velvet rope, I felt more alone and unsure of what I was doing or for whom. When I got the flyer from Ellis, I hadn’t received any other instructions. I couldn’t trust Davis.
But tonight, I didn’t care. From all parties involved, it had been clear what was expected of me. I had one job to do—get close to Devin—and tonight, I fully intended to do so.
“Avery?” Devin’s voice snapped me out of my fog.
My eyes flashed to his and every cell in my body responded to him.
He was standing on the stairs, looking down at me, gauging my reaction.
The music was pounding all around me, and I felt like I didn’t belong here.
No. I knew I didn’t belong here.
“Avery, are you okay?” he asked softly.
“Yeah. Totally fine. Just looking for the restroom,” I lied, forcing a smile.
“Are you here by yourself?” His gaze burned a connection between us and it was like nothing else mattered.
“No. I’m here with Jenn from Meta.” I pointed behind me, still holding his gaze. I noticed it was glassier than I’d seen before. I wondered how much he’d had to drink.
Jenn must have waved because he lifted his hand and nodded as he unclasped the velvet rope.
“What are you doing?” I asked as he walked down a few steps before securing the rope again.
“I’m going to ask the most beautiful woman in the club to dance with me.”
I stood frozen as he bent next to me and whispered, “If she’ll change her mind and maybe give me a shot.”
I trembled as his breath kissed my bare neck. He straightened his body and flashed a mischievous grin. A hint of cologne lingered in the air where he’d leaned over me, and I fought the urge to take a deep breath and inhale all of him.
“Your decision-making skills probably aren’t at their finest,” I told him.
His brow arched. “What makes you say that?”
“I think you’ve been indulging a bit, and I wouldn’t want you to regret your decision next week.”
“I don’t live life based on regret, Avery.” He took a step forward and I pivoted away, my back pressing against the wall. “I know what I want.” His eyes fastened on mine, and my body trembled with desire.
My throat tightened as I thought about his words. Even with all of my training, nothing had prepared me for this. The need running through me was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I was staring at a man who was used to ge
tting everything he wanted without consequences, and I would be the one who’d hand over the hardest penalty of them all.
“What is it you want?” I nearly whispered, but he caught every word even though a new song hit the air.
“You.” His eyes became hooded and he took another step forward. “I want you, and I can tell you want me.”
My gaze didn’t waver as his eyes ran along my body. I felt him taking every curve of my body in before he closed the gap with only a few inches between us.
“But it’s wrong on so many levels.” My lips were so dry, I slid my tongue along my bottom lip, trying to dampen it. His gaze immediately fell to my mouth.
“Wanting to kiss every single inch of your body isn’t wrong.” His eyes flicked to mine as he framed my body against the wall with his arms. I could feel the sexual tension rolling between us, making it nearly impossible to concentrate, but I couldn’t make it this easy.
“Is that how you operate?” I asked breathlessly. His lips hovered so closely to mine that I was certain I could taste the sweetness in the air. “Act now and ask forgiveness later?”
“I’ve never asked to be forgiven.” His blue eyes locked on mine, and my entire body warmed with desire.
“What makes you think I want anything from you?” I asked as he ran his thumb along my jaw.
“You sound a little frosty, but you’re smiling.”
I couldn’t help but giggle, and I was shocked I was even capable, but there was something about this man that drew it out of me, which worried me.
His eyes fell to the floor, and he ran his hand along his jaw before bringing his eyes back to mine.
“I don’t think either of us is ready for the consequences of this,” I said softly, but his hand ran along my side, dismissing my words as he brought his mouth to mine and my reality melted away into one of sex, wealth, and danger.
Devin’s hard body pressed into me as his kisses deepened, and my lips parted, tasting the sweetness. I snuck my hands under his suit jacket, feeling the hardness of his chest just beneath his shirt.
Devin: A Romantic Suspense (V Mafia Series Book 2) Page 10