Page 53 of Red Fury

Maybe this whole thing was a blessing in disguise. We were starting to get a little too cozy.

Shadow

The elevator doors slide open, and I step into the hallway leading to my hotel room. I’m irritated. I should be full and satisfied…possibly even halfway to a food-induced coma. I’m not. The salmon the waiter brought to my table earlier was delicious, but I couldn’t even get through half of it. I decided to go downstairs instead of ruminating over what happened earlier, and it turns out that it was a mistake.

Perhaps that bubble bath Harrison suggested earlier will turn this shitshow of a day around.

I’m fishing my keycard out of my purse as I turn the corner leading to my room when I am nearly bowled over by someone rushing down the hallway.

“Whoa!” a familiar voice says, steadying me with firm hands. “Sorry about that. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

It’s Thompson, one of the security team members, dressed to impress.

“No harm done,” I say, taking a step back and giving him an appreciative once-over. “Wow, Thompson. You look really smart. Hot date?”

He grins, smoothing a hand over his styled hair. “Something like that. Actually, I’m on my way to Black Blood.” He looks at me with a grin on his face and says it like I should know exactly what that means.

“Black Blood?” I raise my eyebrows. “I’ve never heard of it.” I frown.

“You know, the club that opened about a year ago here in Chicago?” When I shake my head, his eyes widen with surprise. “Seriously? It’s only the most exclusive nightclub in the city. Maybe in the whole Midwest. It’s owned by one of the richest men in the country.”

“Sounds fancy,” I say, genuinely curious now. “Where is it located?”

“Gold Coast area, near the lake.” He checks his watch and grimaces. “I’m actually running late. Going with Webb and the new guy, Marsh.”

My heart stutters at the mention of Fury’s cover name, but I keep my expression neutral.

“Business meeting?” I ask.

Thompson’s grin turns wicked. “Business and pleasure. We’ve got some meeting with the club’s owner, but afterwards…”He chuckles, shaking his head. “Marsh and I are looking to get lucky tonight. If rumors are to be believed, there are some real honeys who frequent Black Blood.” He bobs his brows. “I mean, we’re both single.” He chuckles.

My dragon snarls inside me, and jealousy floods through me so fast and fierce it takes my breath away. The image of Fury with some random woman, his hands on her body…

I hate the idea.

But that’s my crazy dragon talking. I’m ignoring her flat, so I shove the emotion aside. I don’t care what Fury does with his dick. I don’t care if he fucks half of Chicago tonight. We’re done working together. He made that crystal clear when he accused me of lying and withholding information.

“Sounds like quite the night,” I manage to say, proud that my voice sounds steady.

“It should be. I’ve been dying to get into Black Blood since it opened.” Thompson looks down the hallway. “I almost forgot my wallet like an idiot. I’m on my way to fetch it now.”

“Thompson,” I start, trying to sound nonchalant, “this business meeting you mentioned—”

His expression immediately shifts, becoming guarded. “Sorry, Claire. Can’t really discuss the details. You know how it is.”

Of course he can’t.

“Right, no problem. Just curious.” I smile.

“I really need to run,” he says, already jogging down the hallway. “Webb and Marsh are waiting for me downstairs, and Webb hates being kept waiting. Have a good evening!”

“You, too,” I call after him, watching as he disappears around the corner.

I stand there for a moment, my mind racing. A business meeting at an exclusive club owned by one of the richest men in the country. Whatever this is, it’s not a coincidence. This hasto be connected to whatever happened during their mysterious outing this afternoon.

And I’m completely out of the loop.

I swipe my keycard a little too forcefully and storm into my hotel room, tossing my purse onto the bed. The space feels too small suddenly.