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My eyes dart to Big John, who nods his approval. I hesitate before sinking into the chair, my body tense as if ready to run at the first sign of danger.

“Please, don’t be nervous. I just want to ask you a few questions,” the president says soothingly.

While he looks intimidating, the man has a strangely soothing presence akin to Big John. I take a deep breath to gather my courage before replying.

“Okay… sure, though I’m not sure I’ll be able to help with… whatever it is you’re looking for.”

“Let me be the judge of that,” he says with a reassuring smile that doesn’t show his teeth. “What’s your name?”

“Lacy,” I reply automatically, using the fake name I give customers.

“Your real name,” he presses, seeing straight through the lie.

“We don’t share our real names with customers. Nothing personal, it’s just a company policy for safety,” I reply firmly.

“I can find it out quite easily, I’m sure…”

I shrug. “Not from me,” I reply, more confidently than I feel.

He smiles at me then, a slow, pleased smile, as if I’ve answered correctly. I can feel his companion’s eyes on me, sizing me up with naked curiosity. I deliberately avoid his stare. Something tells me that if I look into those green pools again, I’ll be lost in their depths.

“That’s fair enough. True names are valuable. We’re part of the Steel Vipers, and we all have nicknames, too. I’m Zeus, and this is Axel,” the president replies.

I nod, risking only the briefest glance at Axel before forcing myself to focus on Zeus. The name suits him, he bears a strong resemblance to the mythical god, minus the tattoos.

“Nice to meet you both.”

“How old are you, Lacy?” Zeus asks me.

“I assume if I tell you that it’s rude to ask a woman her age and refuse to answer, you won’t be best pleased?” I retort, raising my eyebrow.

Axel releases a snort of laughter before resuming his brooding, composed observation.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d share with me. I promise not to tell anyone else,” Zeus replies conspiratorially.

“I’m twenty-five.”

“Where are you from? I can tell from your accent you’re not from around here?” Zeus says.

“Nebraska I moved here when I was twenty-one.”

“Why?” Axel is the one to ask this time, surprising even himself by the looks of it.

I force myself to look at him, burning under his gaze. I decide to be honest. I have nothing to be ashamed of.

“The same reason most people move to LA. I wanted a better life than the one I had. I thought I had a chance to make it here, to be someone. As you can see, it’s going fantastically,” I say sarcastically, gesturing around me.

“You weren’t running from anything?”

“Other than a dull life in the Midwest? No.”

“Do you have family here?” Zeus asks.

I’m grateful to look away from Axel. Looking at him is a bit like staring at the sun too long; you’ll get burned.

“No. I’m an only child, and my parents died when I was young. The only family I have left is my grandfather back home. Sorry, but is there a reason why you’re asking me all these questions?”

“Yes. But we’ll get to that later,” Zeus replies.