Page 65 of The Devil's Deceit

“Told you it’d be fine,” Juliet whispers in my ear as we pile into the cars.

We end up at Noir, which, Vicky tells me, is a chain of nightclubs owned by the De Vils. One more business to add to their empire. It’s hard to wrap my head around the extent to which this family’s tentacles spread.

We’re ushered through the club like royalty to a roped off area. Seconds later, champagne and nibbles arrive even though I didn’t see anyone order them.

After we down a glass of champagne, the five of us pile onto the dance floor. I catch sight of the bodyguards lining the perimeter, their gazes scanning the crowds for signs of trouble. It’s the weirdest sensation, like being watched but not really.

I don’t see him at first—I feel him.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and a chill skates over my skin.

I slowly pan the club.

My heart stops dead, and the entire room spins. A blastfrom my past is looking right at me, his expression twisted as though he’s trying to figure out whether it is me or not.

I drag my gaze away and shift my body, gripping Juliet by the arm. “Ladies toilets, now.”

She frowns but follows me without question, as does Marshall, my shadow for the evening. Surely he can’t track me right into the toilets.

He doesn’t, stationing himself outside the door instead. I drag Juliet inside. It’s packed with women reapplying makeup and fluffing up their hair. I march to the far end, where it’s a little less crowded.

“What’s going on?”

“I just saw Professor Hanley.”

“Who?”

“Hanley. My music teacher at university. He looked right at me, Juliet. He knows it’s me. Oh, God, what am I going to do? What if he comes over and says something that blows my cover?”

“Are you sure?’

“Yes, I’m sure. I was his star pupil, always staying behind to practice. I have to get out of here, but what will I say to Vicky and the others?”

“Calm down. You don’t know for sure that he saw you.”

“He lookedright at me.”

“That still doesn’t mean he knows it’s you. Was he pervy? Maybe he fancies you.”

“He wasn’t pervy. He was a nice guy who took an interest in me because I didn’t make his ears bleed like the rest of the class.”

“Okay, keep your knickers on. Here’s what we do. We’re going back out there, and you’re going to carry on as if everything is normal. If he approaches you, I’ll run interference.”

I lick my lips and swallow. I’m so thirsty. It’s either the alcohol or the panic attack I just had.

“Okay.” I follow her outside, side-eying the bar on my way back to the dance floor.

He’s still there, but he’s got his back to me, deep in conversation with another guy I don’t recognize.

I nudge Juliet. “Dark blue trousers and a pale blue shirt.”

She glances over and nods. “Got him.”

Vicky flashes me a worried look as I approach, and I give her a reassuring smile. “Sorry, had to dash. I’ve always had a weak bladder.”

She laughs, buying my lies, and pulls me back into the circle. Somehow I end up facing the bar again. My stomach drops as my eyes meet his once more. He pushes off the bar and starts to walk in my direction.

Shit.