Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
She snorts softly, settling her head against my shoulder. “We came here looking for Morris, and we end up weaving through a swinger’s meet-and-greet. Talk about a curveball.”
I tighten my hold on her, the press of her body offering a strange sense of comfort. “At least we found people who know him,” I say, striving to stay optimistic. “If we play our cards right, they might introduce us in the future.”
She nods, the strain in her voice obvious. “Yeah. We just have to keep up the act.”
I brush a strand of hair off her cheek, trying not to think too hard about the fact that my feelings for her have blurred far beyond any act. “We’ve got this,” I murmur, voice gentle. “We’ll see what else we can learn. Then we’ll get out of here.”
Her lips curve in a weary smile. “Right. Together.”
For a moment, I forget about the mission, about Morris, about the entire reason we’re here. All I can think about is how her body molds against mine, how her breath feathers against my jaw. But the mission’s always in the back of my mind, reminding me we have bigger goals than just enjoying each other’s closeness. Still, I can’t deny the fierce surge of protectiveness that wells up, urging me to shield her from this world of secrets and seduction.
“Come on,” I say finally, pressing a soft kiss to her temple for show—and maybe for real. “Let’s mingle a bit more, see if anyone else has scraps of information. If we’re lucky, Vera and Trey might introduce us to someone else in Morris’s circle before the night’s over.”
She nods, shifting off my lap with graceful ease. Her dress skims her thighs as she stands, and for a split second, my gaze lingers on that exposed skin, warmth flaring in my chest. Then I push aside the distraction and rise beside her. I extend my hand, and she takes it without hesitation, her touch sending a faint jolt through my system.
As we step back into the main room, the low lights glint off the polished floor. The soft strains of music continue, punctuated by hushed laughter and the occasional murmur of conversations I can’t quite catch. In the distance, I see Trey and Vera dancing close, their bodies swaying in unison. They glance our way, exchanging a knowing smile that suggests they’ll be watching to see if we fit in.
My grip tightens on Isabel’s hand. We may be a million miles out of our comfort zone, but we’re not giving up. If there’s even a sliver of a chance that these connections lead to Morris Rolfe, we’ll take it. Because come what may, I’m not letting her face this alone. And I’m not walking away from this mission until we have the answers we came for.
Chapter 18
Isabel
I take a steadying breath, glancing around the private section of Club Greed like I’m checking for exits—or maybe just a hint of sanity. The dim glow of pink-and-gold lighting bathes the couples dancing nearby, creating a sultry, dreamlike atmosphere. My pulse still thrums from sitting in Lincoln’s lap, the memory of his hand on my thigh sending a ripple of desire through me. But we haven’t found much about Morris Rolfe, and a sliver of frustration eats at me.
Get it together, Isabel, I scold myself silently, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear. You can do this. You’ve come this far, pretending to be a woman who’s comfortable in a world of high-end secrets and steamy encounters. What’s a little more flirting? One step at a time.
Next to me, Lincoln’s phone vibrates. He pulls it out, glancing at the screen. “It’s Dean,” he murmurs, worry flickering in his dark eyes.
I stiffen at the mention of my brother. If he knew what we were doing, he’d blow a fuse. But Lincoln’s already stepping away toward a quieter corner, pressing the phone to his ear. He shoots me a quick, apologetic look that says he’ll be right back. I manage a tight nod, watching as he disappears into the shadowy alcove.
Great. Now I’m alone in the middle of a private swingers’ party. My heart starts pounding again, the beat matching the slow, sensual music echoing through the room. I force myself to relax my posture, adopt that poised confidence I’ve been practicing. After all, I’m supposed to be Mrs. Zane, a woman completely at ease in these surroundings.
Trey and Vera reappear from behind a group of dancers. They look every bit as polished and enticing as before—Trey in his crisp suit, Vera in her shimmery gold gown. Their eyes light up when they spot me, and they approach with easy smiles.
“Hey there,” Vera purrs, gliding closer. “Your husband get a phone call?”
I force a casual grin, ignoring the twist of anxiety in my stomach. “Yeah, just some work stuff. He won’t be long.”