Page 9 of The Sniper (Club Southside #9)
CHAPTER NINE
REYNA
T he mansion buzzed with muted conversation and an air of dark opulence that sent a shiver down Reyna’s spine. The auction was a theater of shadows, cloaked in expensive suits, glittering gowns, and the kind of excess that masked the rot beneath. Reyna adjusted her posture, forcing herself to move with grace rather than stealth. Her role tonight wasn’t just important—it was life or death.
“Relax,” Daniels murmured near her ear as his hand came to rest at the small of her back. “You’re doing fine.”
Reyna swallowed back the sharp retort bubbling on her tongue. She was here to play the part of a submissive, and snapping at her supposed Dom would raise all kinds of alarms. Instead, she tilted her head just slightly, her voice dropping to a low murmur. “Don’t tell me to relax. You’re not the one trying to walk in these heels. Why do you bastards like to see us wear these things?”
“Makes it harder for you to get away,” he quipped, making her grin.
Daniels’ lips twitched, but he said nothing more, simply guiding her further into the crowd. His control of the situation was unnervingly absolute, as if this world belonged to him and he had every right to be at the center of it. His tailored suit clung to his frame, exuding authority while the dark intensity in his eyes dared anyone to challenge him.
Reyna, on the other hand, felt like a glass figurine in a room full of jackhammers. Her dress, chosen for its strategic balance of allure and practicality, hugged her figure with precision, leaving her arms bare but hiding the slim dagger strapped to her thigh. The collar around her neck—a thin strip of braided black leather adorned with a sterling silver pendant and fastened with a silver clasp—felt heavier than it should. She touched it briefly, a nervous habit she cursed herself for as soon as her fingers brushed against it.
“Stop fidgeting,” Daniels said under his breath, his tone carrying the same quiet dominance she’d come to expect from him. “If you keep touching it, you’ll draw attention.”
“I don’t like it,” Reyna whispered back, her eyes scanning the room as they moved. “Feels like a noose.”
Daniels leaned down slightly, his breath grazing her ear as he replied. “It’s not a noose, and you’re not trapped. You’re in control, Reyna. Don’t forget that.”
His words shouldn’t have soothed her, but they did. She hated how easily he could calm her with just a few sentences, how his presence was both infuriating and reassuring. She wanted to push him away and lean into him at the same time.
They reached the edge of the grand hall, where a smaller, more intimate lounge area was cordoned off with velvet ropes. Several groups of guests mingled here, their conversations low but animated. It was clear this was where the real players gathered, the ones with power, secrets, dangerous intentions, and lots of money. Daniels tightened his hand on her back, nudging her forward just slightly.
“Remember the role,” he murmured. “You’re mine tonight.”
Reyna shot him a sideways glance, but her lips curled into a subtle, teasing smile. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
Daniels didn’t respond, though the slight quirk of his eyebrow spoke volumes. They approached a cluster of three men standing near the bar, their postures radiating authority. One of them turned as they drew near—a tall man in his fifties with silver-streaked hair and a perfectly tailored suit. His gaze swept over Reyna briefly before settling on Daniels.
“New faces,” the man said smoothly, his voice as polished as his appearance. “You don’t see that often here.”
Daniels extended his hand, his grip firm as he shook the man’s. “Thomas Black,” he said, using the alias they’d agreed on. “And this is my submissive, Elle.”
The man’s eyes flicked to Reyna again, lingering just long enough to make her skin prickle. “Elle,” he repeated, his tone dripping with false warmth. “A pleasure.”
Reyna dipped her head in what she hoped was the perfect blend of deference and aloofness. “The pleasure is mine,” she said softly, keeping her voice steady.
The man’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m Conrad Hale. Welcome to the auction. I hope you find it... illuminating.”
Daniels nodded, his expression unreadable. “We’re looking forward to it. Though I admit, I’m surprised by how... exclusive the guest list is.”
Hale chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Exclusivity is what keeps this event secure. Only those with the right connections are allowed through those doors. Connections—and discretion.”
“Of course,” Daniels said smoothly. “Discretion is paramount in matters like these.”
Hale’s gaze lingered on them both for a moment longer before he inclined his head. “Enjoy the evening. If you need assistance with anything special, don’t hesitate to ask.”
As Hale turned to rejoin his companions, Reyna murmured softly. “He’s hiding something,” her voice barely audible.
“They’re all hiding something,” Daniels replied, his hand brushing against hers briefly before moving to guide her toward another group. “That’s why we’re here.”
The evening stretched on, each interaction a carefully choreographed dance of veiled questions and cryptic answers. Reyna played her part with practiced ease, offering just enough submissive charm to keep the predators in the room at bay without drawing undue attention. Daniels, for his part, was unflinchingly in character, his commanding presence a shield that kept her safe even as they waded deeper into the murky waters of the auction.
It wasn't until they reached a quiet alcove that Reyna spotted the man who could alter the course of the night. He was tall, with dark, piercing eyes and an air of casual menace that made Reyna’s pulse quicken. He didn’t introduce himself, nor did Daniels offer any pleasantries. Instead, the man simply gestured for them to follow him into the shadows.
“I hear you’re new,” the man said, his voice low and rough, like gravel underfoot. His eyes flicked to Reyna, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “And that you’re very curious.”
Daniels stepped slightly in front of Reyna, his body a subtle but clear barrier. “Curiosity is natural in places like this.”
The man’s gaze didn’t waver. “Curiosity can also be dangerous. People who ask too many questions tend to disappear.”
Reyna stiffened, but Daniels remained calm, his voice even. “We’re not asking questions. We’re observing. There’s a difference.”
The man tilted his head, studying them both. “Careful, Black. Not everyone here is as understanding as I am. You wouldn’t want to end up on the wrong side of the leash.”
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving them alone in the dimly lit alcove. Reyna released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her mind racing.
“That was a warning,” she said quietly.
Daniels nodded, his jaw tight. “And a challenge. Whoever he is, he knows more than he’s letting on.”
Reyna touched the collar around her neck, the leather cool against her fingertips. “What now?”
Daniels’ hand brushed her lower back, his touch firm. “Now we keep going. And we stay sharp. This isn’t over.”
As they stepped back into the main hall, the hum of conversation and the glint of crystal chandeliers seemed sharper, more dangerous. The auction was a web of secrets, and they were walking straight into the center of it.
Reyna glanced at Daniels, her pulse steadying as she drew strength from his presence. Whatever lay ahead, there was comfort in knowing Daniels had her back. For now, that would have to be enough.
The velvet-draped auction room was humming with conversation and the clinking of champagne flutes, every corner cloaked in opulence and shadows. Reyna lingered by the far wall, her fingers brushing the edge of a table adorned with an extravagant floral centerpiece. The scent of lilies was overwhelming, but not enough to mask the bitterness clawing at her chest.
Across the room, Daniels stood by the bar, a glass of scotch in one hand, his body angled toward a woman who seemed all too happy to bask in his undivided attention. She was stunning, of course—tall, with dark hair cascading over one bare shoulder and a dress that clung to her curves like it had been painted on. Reyna couldn’t hear their conversation, but the woman’s laughter cut through the room like shards of glass. It was light, flirtatious, the kind of sound designed to make a man lean in closer. And Daniels was leaning.
Reyna’s jaw tightened. She knew it was part of the plan—charm the suspects, gather information, get closer to uncovering the truth. Daniels was playing a role, nothing more. But knowing didn’t stop the sting that crawled under her skin, making her feel small and ridiculous.
“Elle,” a voice drawled beside her, pulling her attention away from the bar. Conrad Hale had appeared at her side, his dark eyes gleaming with something she didn’t like. “You look distracted. Not bored, I hope?”
She forced a polite smile, dipping her chin. “Not at all, Mr. Hale. This event is fascinating.”
“Fascinating is one way to describe it.” He studied her with a predator’s intensity, his gaze lingering on the collar around her neck. “You’re new to these circles, aren’t you?”
Reyna tilted her head, letting the light catch her earrings as she feigned a coy smile. “My Dom thought it was time I expanded my horizons.”
Hale chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Well, I must say, he has excellent taste.”
Her stomach turned at the implied compliment, but she kept her expression neutral. “Thank you. He’s very thorough in his choices.”
Hale’s eyes flicked back to Daniels, who was now laughing at something the brunette said, his hand resting lightly on the back of her chair. “Thorough, indeed,” Hale murmured. “Though I’d imagine it must be difficult, sharing his attention with others.”
Reyna froze for half a second, the barb landing exactly where it was intended. She recovered quickly, offering a soft laugh. “Jealousy is such a waste of energy, don’t you think?”
Hale smirked. “Perhaps. But in my experience, it’s often unavoidable. Especially when the stakes are high.”
Reyna’s smile didn’t waver, but inside, she was seething. “Excuse me,” she said, dipping her head slightly as she stepped away from him. Her steps were quick and purposeful, her path leading her directly toward Daniels and the woman still draped in his orbit.
As she approached, she caught the tail end of their conversation. The woman was leaning forward slightly, her hand brushing Daniels’ arm as she said something in a low, conspiratorial tone. Daniels nodded, his expression serious, but there was a flicker of charm in his posture that made Reyna’s chest tighten.
“Thomas,” Reyna said softly, her voice cutting through the space between them. She placed her hand lightly on his arm, her fingers brushing the fabric of his suit. “Forgive me for interrupting, but I believe Mr. Hale is looking for you.”
Daniels turned to her, his dark eyes flicking to hers with an intensity that made her pulse race. For a moment, she thought she saw something unreadable pass through his gaze—surprise, maybe. Or annoyance. But it was gone as quickly as it came.
“Of course,” he said smoothly, his voice steady. He turned back to the woman, offering her a small nod. “Thank you for your insight. It’s been a pleasure.”
The woman smiled, her eyes briefly narrowing as they flicked to Reyna. “The pleasure’s been mine. Do take care.”
Reyna forced herself to hold her ground, her hand slipping into Daniels’ arm as he guided her away from the bar and toward the nearest exit. The moment they were out of earshot, she pulled her arm free, spinning to face him.
“What the hell was that?” she demanded, her voice low but sharp.
Daniels’ expression was unreadable, his dark eyes scanning hers with that maddening calm he always carried. “It’s called gathering information, Reyna. Or would you rather I go in guns blazing?”
She bristled, crossing her arms over her chest. “There’s gathering information, and then there’s practically seducing someone.”
He stepped closer, his voice dropping as he leaned in. “That’s what it takes to get people to talk in places like this. It’s not personal.”
“It looked personal,” she shot back, her voice trembling with something she didn’t want to name.
Daniels’s hand brushed through his hair as he looked away for a moment. When he turned back, his gaze was hard, unyielding. “You don’t get to be jealous. Especially, not here and not now. You’ve made it abundantly clear on more than one occasion that you have no interest in exclusivity or wearing anyone’s collar.”
It felt as though he had knocked the air out of her lungs, and for a moment, she couldn’t find the words. The anger that had been bubbling beneath her skin was suddenly replaced by something else—hurt, vulnerability, the cracks she tried so hard to keep hidden.
“I’m not jealous,” she said, though the words felt hollow. “I’m just tired of you acting like I don’t know what I’m doing.”
His gaze softened, but only slightly. “This isn’t about you not knowing what you’re doing. It’s about staying alive long enough to figure this out. You think I enjoy this? Playing nice with people who would stab us in the back the moment it suited them? You think I liked Hale cuddling up to you? I wanted to rip his throat out.”
Reyna opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat as he stepped even closer, his presence enveloping her. His hand brushed against her jaw, tilting her face up so her eyes met his.
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” he said, his voice low and firm. “But you have to trust me.”
The air between them crackled, the gravity of his words pulling her in despite herself. She hated how easily he could dismantle her defenses, how one look from him could make her feel seen in a way that both terrified and exhilarated her.
“I do trust you,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just...”
Whatever she was going to say was cut off as his lips crashed against hers, his hand sliding to the back of her neck as he pulled her closer. The kiss was fierce, demanding, a clash of everything they’d been holding back. This was the first time he’d ever kissed her—oh, he’d asked, and she’d always refused. Kissing felt too intimate. But this time he didn’t ask, and Reyna’s hands gripped his lapels, her body pressing into his as her heart hammered in her chest.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing hard, their foreheads resting together as they tried to steady themselves.
“We can’t keep doing this,” she murmured, though there was no conviction in her voice.
Daniels’ lips curved into a faint smile, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “Probably not. But right now, it’s the only thing keeping me sane.”
She wanted to argue, to tell him this was dangerous and reckless, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, she leaned into him, letting herself have this moment, just this once.
“We need to go,” she said finally, her voice steadier now. “Before we draw too much attention. I hate leaving and letting the auction proceed.”
“We’re not set up to stop them this time. We’ve got the intel we came for and we need to get out of here.”
Daniels nodded, his hand slipping from her neck but not before his fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary. Together, they made their way out of the auction, the night air cool against her flushed skin.
As they reached the car, Reyna pulled out her phone, glancing at the screen. “The lead from earlier,” she said, her voice grim. “It’s pointing us to someone connected to the Obsidian Cartel.”
His stomach tightened. “And let me guess—they’re not the kind of people who like visitors.”
Her eyes swept over them. “No, they’re not. We almost lost Hope and Seth to them. We need to be ready for whatever comes next.”
Daniels nodded, his jaw set as they climbed into the car. Reyna didn’t know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain—she wasn’t backing down.