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Hooded figures emerged from hidden doors in the octagonal room and lined the perimeter between the eight giant pillars, one at each corner. They surrounded the guests. Nash watched, not liking anything about this. Haisley’s cold hands clung to him as she fidgeted nervously at his side.

“What’s going on?” she whispered.

“Not sure. Since no one is misbehaving yet, I’m guessing the festivities aren’t officially underway.”

“This seems…choreographed, like the start of some ritual.”

“That’s my read.”

A waiter balancing a tray of heavy goblets approached. He handed them each one filled with red wine. Nash swirled his in its cup, clandestinely sniffing at the vino. He didn’t smell anything unusual…but he didn’t trust Gray and his minions one bit.

Cautiously, he guided Haisley through the crowd, searching for a vantage point that would let them observe the party without drawing attention. But she was a magnet for male eyes, and every predatory stare that drifted her way set his teeth on edge. He yanked her nearer, snarling at anyone who dared to come too close.

When a masked man in a burgundy cape grabbed her arm, Nash’s control snapped. With a furious snarl, he shoved the interloper, using his superior height to intimidate. “Touch what’s mine again, and you’ll lose that hand.”

“Come on, man,” he slurred. “Sharing is caring.”

“Too bad I don’t give a shit about you. She’smybreeder.”

Before the stranger could reply, Mr. Gray materialized at Nash’s side. “Mr. King, I’m glad you and your lovely prize have joined us.”

“I didn’t think I had much choice.”

Gray answered with a tight smile. “Come now… We’re here to facilitate your pleasure. So is she.” He turned to Haisley with a pointed stare. “Drink your wine, my dear.”

“I’ll tell my breeder what and when to drink,” Nash growled. “She doesn’t take orders from you.”

“I insist. It won’t hurt her. Look, everyone is drinking our special reserve. It’s a little concoction meant to enhance your experience this evening.”

A glance around the room told Nash that people were, in fact, gulping down the wine like drunken sailors. “We’re enjoying our evening just fine without it.”

Gray cocked his head. “Mr. King, I’m at a loss to understand your distrust. How has anyone here at the Velvet Cove wronged you? Is your breeder not everything you were promised—beautiful? Fiery? And all yours?”

Nash acknowledged Gray’s sick logic. The man had given him everything he’d paid for. If he wasn’t investigating this fucking hellhole, if he really had been a buyer of flesh, he’d be thrilled as hell with his acquisition.

“I’m simply a cautious man.”

“Of course. But our business thrives on its reputation. We deliver the best products and provide the best service, period. We would never presume to damage your investment.” He turned back to Haisley. “Drink up.”

“I prefer her sober.”

“You won’t once you understand. Believe me, this recipe will enhance your evening beyond your wildest dreams.”

He opened his mouth to tell Gray to back the fuck off. But Haisley drained her glass obediently, then cast her eyes down.

“Excellent.” Gray’s smile widened with terrible glee. “You can thank me later, Mr. King.”

Once the prick walked away, Nash turned to Haisley, who sent him a pointed stare. “He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Since they aren’t poisoning people, I drank it. We have to blend in.”

As much as he hated it, she was right. “We have no idea what was in that wine.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

Nash pretended to spill the contents of his cup, then abandoned the goblet on another passing waiter’s tray before he grabbed her hand. Together, they circled the room until they found an alcove partially hidden by a pillar and gauzy curtains. He pulled her against his chest and buried his face in her neck. “Watch who comes through the main entrance and mingles in that area. I’ll keep watch on the other half of the room.”

She managed a bob of her head as she dragged her fingertips across his shoulders. To others, they probably looked engrossed in one another, but her taut posture told him just how alert she was.

Nearby, Nash caught sight of Kane, sporting a sleek new pair of glasses, lounging against the next pillar over. He gave his fellow operative a subtle nod, and Kane strolled toward them.