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With Jensen flanking close behind, Rivas guides us directly toward Cruz’s booth. Jensen maintains a subtle proximity, his presence unmistakably protective yet unobtrusive.

Cruz notices immediately, curiosity arching one dark brow. “Carlos. Wasn’t expecting you tonight.”

Rivas clears his throat, voice shaking only slightly. “This is Samantha,” he says, indicating to me with a nod. “She’s the buyer I mentioned earlier. She’s serious, Cruz. Thought you should meet.”

Cruz dismisses Rivas with a lazy wave. Carlos disappears, leaving me alone beneath Cruz’s piercing gaze. He pats the seat beside him, a faint smirk pulling at his lips. “Sit. Let’s talk.”

I slide into the booth across from him with practiced grace, meeting his gaze calmly, my pulse accelerating. He eyes me skeptically, guarded beneath his charm.

“So, Samantha,” he drawls smoothly. “Carlos tells me you’re looking to buy. Why should I trust you?”

“Because I have money,” I reply bluntly, leaning closer so my words pierce through the music. “Lots of it. My suppliers can’t keep pace. Yours can. Your reputation is the only guarantee I need.”

Cruz stiffens slightly, suspicion clouding his features. “Are you a cop?” he demands, eyes searching mine for cracks. “Entrapment isn’t my kink.”

I laugh humorlessly, arching one brow mockingly. “If I were a cop, would I come to your club dressed like every bad decision you’ve ever dreamed of making? Cops have rules. I don’t. But hey, if you want me in cuffs, that’s another conversation entirely.”

He pauses, clearly wavering. Jensen shifts subtly closer. Cruz notices immediately, eyes narrowing slightly before finally nodding.

“Words are cheap. Show me you’re worth my time. Three days from now, noon—the club’s closed. Come alone, and we’ll talk business properly.”

I smile slowly, satisfaction spreading like heat through my chest. “Three days. Noon. I’ll be here.”

He leans forward slightly, voice edged with threat beneath velvet charm. “Don’t be late.”

I rise smoothly from the booth, locking eyes one final moment. “Wouldn’t dream of disappointing you.”

As I turn to leave, Jensen falls into step with me silently. The exit beckons, but a rough hand suddenly seizes my hip, yanking me roughly backward against a hard chest. Hot breath, thick with entitlement, washes over my ear.

“I thought it was you. You slipped away from me last night without your number,” he murmurs smugly, fingers digging possessively into my hip. “Not that I mind the chase, but damn, I’d really like to fuck you again.”

Disgust boils hotly inside me, recognizing him instantly as the creep who’d touched Hydessa. It’s not that he had sex with her, it’s that he is a selfish pig who didn’t even make sure my sister came. With vicious swiftness, I whirl around, one hand gripping his neck tightly, the other seizing his cock through his pants, nails pressing in mercilessly.

“You just made a grave mistake,” I hiss sharply, voice venomous. “That wasn’t me you screwed—it was my sister. And she found you lacking, so walk away before I do permanent damage.”

His eyes widen in pain and shock, humiliation darkening his expression, but before he retaliates, Jensen smoothly twists his arm behind his back with brutal precision.

“You heard the lady,” Matteo growls coldly as he steps back up to us. “Walk away.”

Cursing bitterly, the man storms away, swallowed by the crowd. Jensen’s eyes briefly flicker toward mine, silent reassurance passing between us.

“I’m fine,” I assure quietly, heart pounding with adrenaline.

Outside, we slide into Eli’s waiting car, victory burning fiercely beneath my skin.. I lean back, satisfaction settling in my chest for what I know is going to be an extended drive to make sure we didn’t pick up a tail.

Game fucking on.

Eli eases us away from the pulsing neon chaos of the Silver Orchid, guiding the car onto quieter streets draped in shadows. The lingering thrill of confronting Cruz still simmers beneath my skin, mixing with the residual irritation of dealing with the asshole who dared put his hands on me.

Jensen shifts forward slightly, curiosity etched clearly in his voice. "How’d things shake out with Cruz in there?"

I exhale sharply, leaning my head back against the cool leather seat. "Better than expected. Cruz bought our cover, thanks to Rivas. He wants another meet—three days from now, noon, when the club’s closed."

Matteo’s brows draw together subtly, concern flickering in his dark gaze. "He'll probably insist you come alone."

A quiet scoff escapes me as I meet Matteo’s cautious stare. "Oh, he insisted. But I don't give a damn what he thinks. I'm not walking into that meeting without at least one of you watching my back. I'm a woman—going in alone screams vulnerability. I’m not handing Cruz that kind of advantage."

Eli glances back through the rearview mirror, his teasing smirk already in place. "Seanna, you might be a woman, but you could still kick his ass."