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Her dark hair spills loose tonight, and the sleek black catsuit she’s wearing seems poured onto her body. As she lifts her own cocktail glass to her lips, her eyes are on mine.

I clear my throat. “It was very kind of you to invite me.”

Alessa’s smile deepens, slow and sinful. “I’m quite particular about who I allow into my inner circle. But I have a feeling we’ll get along famously.”

Her eyes trace my figure in blatant appraisal. It takes all my training not to fidget or flush under her scrutiny. I remind myself I chose this dress for its allure. I asked Hays and the stylist to advise me how to catch Alessa’s eye, to stir her interest. I have no right to balk now just because her gaze threatens to kindle an answering heat low in my belly.

I lean in closer than strictly proper. “I’m quite sure you and I will find plenty of common ground.”

Her eyes gleam at my breathy tone before she releases a low laugh. “There, now. We’re practically best friends. Come on, let me give you the tour.”

She tucks my hand into the crook of her elbow and begins steering me through the Ruby Realm. I cling to the point of connection between us, simultaneously thrilled and unnerved by her nearness.

Focus, I remind myself.Take in the details. This is what you’re here for.

I listen as Alessa points out the lounge, the restaurant, a co-working space, even a library. But my eyes rove constantly, probing shadowy corners, studying the patrons laughing around tables.

No obvious criminal activity.

We pass through a beaded curtain into a more intimate space. Low lighting sets an atmosphere of sensuality emphasized by the sunken conversation pits ringed with pillows. In some, women recline together sipping cocktails. Others host groups engaged in hushed conversations. A few pits hold only couples, leaning into each other’s space.

My steps slow as we approach an alcove nearly enveloped in shadow. I make out a familiar profile—the elegant swoop of a famous actress’s nose, her silver hair unpinned and spilling over bare shoulders as she pulls a statuesque brunette closer—half her age, or maybe a third. Their mouths meet in a messy clash that leaves no illusions as to their relationship.

I startle as Alessa’s lips brush my ear. “They’re very much in love,” she tells me. Her fingers graze my lower back. “I think it’s very sweet.”

I suppress a shiver as I turn into her space. This close up, I can count each of her long lashes, make out the darker ring of green around her irises.

I let my own lashes sweep down demurely even as I lean nearer. “Very sweet. And I can see you have quite an array of facilities here. Is there more to see?”

“Oh, Natalie.” Alessa trails one nail down the bare skin of my arm. “The night’s only just begun.”

My breath shallows, but I keep my tone light. “Well then, why don’t you show me more?”

With a throaty laugh, Alessa tucks my hand back through her arm and guides me deeper inside, her perfume winding through my senses until I’m drunk on her nearness. I cling to my purpose here, reciting my mission statement like a prayer.

Get close. Gain her trust. Uncover her secrets.

I can do this. I can steel myself andlether pull me further into her web.

Because that’s what she’s doing.

“Now,” she says, taking my hand and leading me toward the nightclub area, “let’s see if you can handle the excitement on the dance floor.”

As we enter the pulsating heart of the Ruby’s nightclub, the energy is electric. Vibrant lights streak across the ceiling, music pulsates through the room, the beat sinking into my bones and compelling my body to move with the rhythm. The crowded dance floor is alive with bodies swaying and hips grinding, each couple—or throuple—lost in their own world of hedonistic pleasure.

“Isn’t it spectacular?” Alessa shouts over the music. She leads me to a place where we can look over the dance floor and then moves closer to me, our bodies almost touching as we sway together to the beat.

“Absolutely!” I yell back, trying to appear unfazed by the sudden intimacy.

I look around, wondering if the casino or backrooms might be accessible from here. Then all at once I hear Alessa’s smoky voice right in my ear. “Come on, Natalie. Let’s dance.”

I find myself being led onto the crowded dance floor. The vibrant lights create a kaleidoscope of colors, casting flickering patterns across the gyrating bodies of the dancers. I can feel the bass reverberating through the soles of my feet as we slip into the throng of people moving to the beat.

Alessa takes my hand and twirls me around, grinning like a woman who knows she owns the room. I can’t help but smile back, momentarily forgetting my true purpose here. As we continue to dance, she moves closer, her body pressed against mine in an intimate display.

As we move together, her thigh sliding back and forth between mine, I survey the room over her shoulder, searching for any hint of illegal activity or suspicious behavior. The clientele of The Ruby Realm is undoubtedly sophisticated and influential, but I have yet to see anything that would indicate involvement in criminal activities, not even a little casual drug use.

Nada.