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“You know that embezzlement case I’m working on?”

I nod, vaguely remembering him telling me about it a while back.

“We’re close to figuring out who’s behind it. And right now, unfortunately, your…friend, Dayton, may be involved.”

“Dayton? But why? He’s doing well with his company. He doesn’t need money.”

“We don’t have all the answers yet, but he’ll be at the event tonight. Some of my folks will chat with him to see what he knows. If he comesand talks to you, can you keep your conversation to a minimum? And don’t go anywhere with him…at least until I clear him?”

What?“But Ethan, it’sDayton, the captain of the football team. The guy who stuck around and befriended me after I woke up. Are you sure?”

A muscle tics in his jaw. “I need you to trust me on this. Maybe I’m paranoid. But I need you to stay safe…I don’t know what I’d do if you got hurt again. Can you do this…for me? Once I sort this out, I’ll let you know. Please.”

Unease swirls inside me as I look into his eyes. I think about Dayton kissing my hand on the cruise and how he wanted more. Maybe it won’t hurt to stay away, just to set boundaries.

“Fine. But you need to tell me when you find out if he’s part of this.”

He nods, his frame relaxing. “Will do. And one more thing, just for my peace of mind, will you share your location with me on your phone? I’m probably paranoid, but I need to know you’re safe.”

A weight settles on my chest as I take him in—the muscle ticcing on his forehead, the urgency in his voice. I have a feeling he’s not telling me the full extent of everything.

I take out my phone and hand it to him. “Sure. But you better share your location with me too. Quid pro quo.”

Ethan smirks and taps a few buttons before handing my phone back. “I have no secrets from you. Stalk me, track me.” He leans in and whispers in my ear, “It turns me on.”

My core pulses and I give him a gentle shove. “Ethan!”

Chuckling, he holds my hand and leads me toward the elevator. “Ready for a night of debauchery, my little hummingbird?”

“Ready for anything with you.”

Chapter 51

My mouth drops openas I gape at my surroundings. Deep reds, golds, and blacks, ambient and neon lighting—Trésor is the epitome of luxury, sensuality, and futuristic sophistication.

At the heart of the club is a large center stage, flanked by smaller floating stages, where girls in glittery burlesque wear are dancing to sultry music. This place is classy—somewhere I can imagine hors d’oeuvres and champagne being served instead of dollar bills stuffed into thongs.

Instead of traditional seating, there are two levels of circular pods surrounding the room. Each pod is private yet features glass walls that can turn opaque at a press of a button. I imagine they’ll come in handy for private lap dances and other activities.

“Nova, are you okay by yourself right here for a few minutes? I need to talk to Trey over at the bar.” Ethan motions to the coworker I met when he was coaching me on financial ratios in his office.

“Sure. I see my friends. Do your thing.”

“I’ll be back before the show starts.” He scrapes his finger on my nose, and my heart flutters. Giving me a wink, Ethan saunters off.

I head toward Grace and Taylor, who are next to the refreshments table.

“Camille! You’re working today?” Grace squeals and darts toward a stunning blond in a black-sequined leotard.

“Oui. Can’t pass up on opening night. The tips will flow.”

The girls giggle as I gape at them and Taylor saunters up to me.

“Grace did a stint here a few years ago.”

“What? Grace was a stripper?” My eyes bug out.

“The term is exotic dancer. And it’s complicated. She didn’t completely strip or do lap dances. She was more of a burlesque dancer.”