Page 7

Elizabeth

New Year’s Eve

After the attack on the club a week ago, I have learned that even though I’m nervous the Alliance will be back, the club doesn’t waste time on being anxious. They have things they need to get done. The toy drive still needs to be completed, whether the Alliance is going to remain an issue or not. Sin isn’t going to let those assholes stop the kids from getting the gifts they need.

I actually found it admirable that Sin put club business aside for the sake of the kids—and they all got their gifts this morning. It was amazing to watch. Sin also said that no matter what shit was headed their way, the club girls had gone to a hell of a lot of trouble planning tonight’s New Year’s Eve party, so the Alliance can be dealt with in the new year, which is technically only a few hours away at this point. But tonight, the club wants to party and bring in the new year in style—the theme, Chrome and Midnight.

As I stand in the middle of my bedroom, I let out a long breath. Spinning, I glance at the photograph of my family on my dresser. My mother, father, my brother, Marcus, and me before everything changed. Before I left to go to Columbia University to study journalism and left Marcus here to fall in with the wrong crowd.

Sadness washes over me that I abandoned him, even though I knew he was struggling.

I left to follow my dream, and he died because of it.

Now I’m involved with the very club that took his life, and I can’t find anything or any reason to help me prove it was them. It’s so frustrating, especially when I went into this full of enthusiasm to bring Defiance and Sin down, but now, after being with these people and learning about them—after getting close to them, to Sin—it feels like maybe I have the wrong side of it.

Maybe.

I don’t know.

All I know is I need to dig deeper.

I am missing something.

And this thing with Sin, whatever it is, is clouding my judgment. So perhaps I need to get him out of my system so I can get on with my job.

Exhaling, I walk over to the photograph and run my finger across the image of my brother. “I will find out what happened to you, Marcus. I swear.”

Nervous tension rolls through my stomach as I step back from my dresser and run my hands over the frills of my long black dress. The silver sequins in the fabric give it that shimmer for the chrome feel of the evening. My almost see-through black lace bodice is tight against my torso as delicate black lace straps fall along my biceps. The silver sequins glistening along the lace make the entire dress feel like a stary night. As I stare at myself in the floor-length mirror, I even think I look beautiful, and I lean over to reach for my chrome half-mask. The split in my dress parts, showing my leg almost all the way to my panties, and I can’t help but smirk, knowing I chose this dress specifically for Sin.

Shaking my head with a smirk, I take my mask, a simple filigree pattern with diamantés. It covers one eye, then stretches over the top of my other. A kind of half-eye mask, if you will. My version of I’m only showing the club half of who I truly am—only they don’t know that.

Taking a bobby pin, I fasten one side of my mask to my hair to keep it in place, then repeat the process with the other side. Once my mask is firmly attached, I take one last look at myself and smile. “Here we go, Elizabeth. Time to bring in the New Year with a bang!”

Reaching for my trusty bag that has my recorder and notepad located inside, I take off to my car to head for the clubhouse. I have a feeling that tonight, with the liquor flowing and everyone in a good mood, I can truly start to press for more information. I just have to remember not to push too hard. Otherwise, they might figure out what I am really up to—and that won’t be good for anyone.

Making my way to the car, I hop in, my dress taking up more room than I had anticipated. It’s hard to drive when there’s material clogging up the entire front seat and half the view of the windshield.

With my anxiety high, I pull out of my driveway, turning on Marcus’ playlist as I drive. A slow frown crosses my face as “Smoke and Mirrors” by Imagine Dragons plays through my car speakers. A song that Marcus used to have on repeat for hours. My eyes glisten instantly, the memories of him flooding in, but I quickly blink the tears back. I do not need them ruining my makeup for tonight’s party.

The lyrics in the song talk about a sense of feeling small in the grand scope of existence while searching for your purpose. Hoping for a sign or something to pull you out of your struggles and that you have been pursuing goals that may not align with your true self, whether your dreams and achievements are real or just a fragile illusion that could crumble at any moment. The song is deep, and, at the time, when Marcus was listening to it over and over again, it used to annoy me.

But now, I see it was a cry for help.

A cry I ignored.

Sniffing back, I put his song on repeat, getting my mind focused on the task at hand tonight. Even though my time at the club has been enlightening, and Sin has somehow gotten under my skin, I know I have a job to do, and Marcus’ death needs to be uncovered.

Pulling into the clubhouse gates, I take a deep breath, letting the song come to an end, and then I finally turn off my car. The thumping bass from rock music already blasting inside has a small smile pulling at the corner of my lips. “Of course, they’re already partying,” I murmur to myself before opening my car door and sliding out, ready to get this plan underway.

As I turn to face the clubhouse doors, I jerk back in shock when I spot Sin standing in the doorway, his broad arms crossed over his chest, his usual attire of worn jeans and a tank top gone and replaced with black slacks and a black button-down shirt. His leather cut is still on, of course, and on his face, a half-style mask. I didn’t realize we’d be matching—the only difference is my mask is dainty and elegant, and his is solid black, covering his eye and nose, with chrome studs and chains accenting it. I had no idea a mask could be so dangerous and sexy at the same time.

My breath catches in my chest as I stare at him. This beast of a man whose eyes are wandering up and down me in a way that he’s not hiding at all. “Well, well, wildcat… didn’t know you had it in you to swap leather and fire for silk and shine. Gotta say, though, I always knew you were trouble. I just didn’t know you’d be walking in here tonight causing this kind of trouble. I’m gonna have to fight my damn brothers to keep them off you the second you walk in there. You’re gonna tear this club apart, woman,” he teases, stepping off from the doorway and walking toward me, a giant smirk on his face.

Letting out a small laugh, I meet him across the parking lot, my eyes finding him, my stomach defying me as those damn butterflies flutter at hearing him talk so damn smoothly to me. “Oh, you think I look nice? In this old thing?” I question as his hand comes out, gripping my waist and pulling me to him.

I gasp at the forceful nature of the move. My body pressed flush to his as his gorgeous multicolored eyes stare deep into me like he’s lost in the depths of my soul. My stomach falls straight through the floor, and my entire body begins to tremble with the way he is making me feel with one simple look.

“You don’t look nice, Elizabeth,” he states matter-of-factly, his voice low and rough, cutting through the night like a blade. Furrowing my brows, I open my mouth to argue, but his other hand slides up, gently cupping the side of my face that’s maskless, his thumb brushing my cheek in a way that steals the air from my lungs. His eyes burn into mine, unwavering and unrelenting.

“You look like every sinful thing a man like me should stay away from… but I won’t. You’re dangerous, wildcat. And tonight? You’re mine to deal with. No one else gets a say.”

My heart slams against my ribcage as he leans in, his lips ghosting over my ear, his voice dropping to a possessive growl. “So yeah, you’re gonna turn every damn head in there, but the only one you’re looking back at… is me. Do you understand?”

My knees tremble at the tone of his voice, not because I’m scared but because I am absolute putty in his hands.

I’m in trouble.

So much fucking trouble.

His lips slide from my ear around in front of my face, barely grazing mine. The threat of a kiss is imminent. My breathing is rushed and hard, my fingers clenching onto his cut’s leather as I bite down on my bottom lip. “I need the words, Elizabeth. Do you understand?” he repeats, his lips gently grazing mine, giving me just a small taste.

Leaning forward, I need more, but he pulls back, smirking, his thumb darting out and wiping along my bottom lip. “So greedy, wildcat. You can have everything and anything you want… I just need to hear you say it.”

Breathing harshly out my nose, I know I am losing sight of the bigger picture. But at this moment, here, in Sin’s arms, my head is clouded with him surrounding me like this. But I can’t help thinking of the past two weeks when we’ve been so hot and cold since he left me wanting on the back of his bike and then froze me out. “The desert,” I whisper, my breathing rapid while his lips continue to linger near mine.

His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat, clearly understanding what I’m asking. “Here’s the deal, Elizabeth. You tell me you understand your focus is solely on me tonight, and I swear I’ll finish what I started in the desert.” A mischievous grin crosses his face.

My breathing hitches, my clit instantly tingling at the thought.

I should not agree to this.

It’s breaking so many rules—but all I want right now is Sin.

“I understand,” I whisper, and without a second’s hesitation, he slams his lips to mine. Our tongues dance in rhythm, my fingers sliding up into his hair while I hold him to me as close as I can possibly get him. His calloused fingers slide under my dress, hoisting my leg up around his waist, the split in my fabric making it easier for my leg to wrap around him as we both moan into each other’s mouths in the middle of the club parking lot.

The kiss deepens, my heart rate making my head feel light, the throb between my thighs growing more and more insatiable as Sin’s hands wander all over my body.

At this rate, we’re not even going to make it inside for the party—

“Ahem…” a voice from behind Sin startles us, which causes us to pull apart. Ghost regretfully stares at us with a shocked expression crossing his features while he carries a security tablet in his hands. “Sorry to interrupt, Pres, but I just thought you’d like to know Jonas is about to enter the parking lot with Millie. I thought you’d like to greet him, preferably unattached to someone else’s lips.”

Dropping my leg from around his waist, I take an extra step back from Sin, trying my hardest to keep a smile from crossing my face as Sin subtly rearranges his clearly visible erection in his black slacks. “Thanks, Ghost. Appreciate the heads-up.”

Ghost side-eyes me, and for the first time, I see a look of skepticism from him before he turns and heads back inside the clubhouse. That simple look, not a word spoken, sends a shiver down my spine. Sin lets out a chuckle, completely oblivious to the exchange between his tech guru and me, while he steps back over to me and reaches out for my hand, taking it in his. “You ready to get this party started, wildcat?”

Faking a smile, I nod. “Can’t wait,” I reply, though my insides shake at the thought that maybe Ghost is starting to put the pieces of my puzzle together.

I need to ensure I keep my head in the game tonight.

I need to find out as much information on the club as I can.

I need to figure out what they’re into.

And I absolutely have to get something on them, or my superiors are not going to be happy with me.

“Then let’s get you inside. We have a long night ahead of us, and I want to make sure you have a damn good time,” Sin states, pulling me along with him.

Letting out a laugh as he drags me toward the clubhouse, my heeled feet can barely keep up as we enter. My eyes widen as I take in all the decorations. The girls have really gone all out, and this place looks amazing.

Everyone turns to greet me as Sin leads me over to the bar, tapping the wood gently. “Ro, can you grab my girl a drink, please?”

I snap my head to him, raising my brow. “Your girl?’ I ask with a laugh.

He rolls his eyes. “It’s an expression, don’t get ahead of yourself, wildcat.”

Smirking, I nod. “Uh-huh,” I reply as Ro winks at me, sliding a glass across the bar.

“Don’t dig yourself a hole you can’t crawl out of there, Pres,” Ro states.

Sin snorts out a laugh, spinning on his heels as Millie and, who I can only assume is Jonas McClane, walk in together through the front entrance.

Sin gives them a curt wave. “And on that note, I have to go be a hospitable host.” His eyes meet mine again. “Stay where I can see you.”

Huffing, I frown. “You’re so bossy. Anyone ever tell you tha—”

His lips crash into mine, instantly silencing me, and my legs weaken in an instant. It’s lucky I am sitting. A small whimper escapes me as he pulls back slowly, his eyes glaring into me with a fierce intent.

“I’ll stay where I can see you.”

He chuckles, standing taller, and lightly pats my lower back at the top of my ass. “Good girl.”

My clit instantly tingles before he spins on his heels and takes off to greet McClane. I let out a long, exaggerated breath as I slump my elbows onto the clubhouse bar, knowing I am completely and utterly screwed.

Ro giggles beside me, capturing my attention. I slowly turn to look at her, and she simply grins, motioning to zip her mouth shut.

Sin’s presence is like gravity.

Even when I can’t see him, I feel him.

This magnetic pull makes my skin prickle and my nerves fray.

It’s unsettling yet intoxicating.

I remind myself why I’m here. I need answers, evidence—the truth about Marcus.

But how can I focus on uncovering secrets when Sin’s eyes trace my every move, making me feel more exposed than this dress ever could?

Turning back to Ro, I smile up at her. “Thanks, Ro, but if I don’t get up and keep moving, I think I might go stir-crazy.”

Ro chuckles in understanding. “Well, Lizzy, the party is just starting, you get out there and have a damn good time.”

Dipping my head before I slip through the crowd, I weave between the laughter, the music, and the clinking of glasses. The club is alive tonight, bursting with reckless energy. The girls are dressed to kill, the guys throwing back drinks like the world isn’t about to crash down around them when they find out why I’m really here—who my brother is and that I’m trying to avenge his death.

A death they clearly had a part to play.

Sin joked about me tearing this club apart—I fear that will be the end result when the truth comes out.

And right now, the thought of that is tearing me apart inside too.