Dorran smirks, knowing he’s got me, and damn if I’ll deny it.
There’s a ping of a new message, and a second later, Jayce pulls his phone out. He reads whatever is written in the text, then scowls and looks at Dorran.
“It’s Solo. He says it’s tough to separate Rizwana from the crowd. She’s a social fucking bee, but she’s trying extra hard tonight. You think she sensed something?”
“Perhaps,” Dorran says, then works his jaw. “We need to isolate her in order to finish her, and she’s making it impossible for us to do that. She either knows we’re here, or she’s trying to win the elites over in order to secure a position in next year’s elections. This gala is the perfect opportunity for her to make some fans, after all.”
“Maybe I can help,” I provide, and the four of them look at me.
“I can pull Rizwana out of the ballroom,” I add.
“How?” Jayce asks.
Well, fuck if I know.
“Umm, I’ll find a way,” I tell him. “Just…give me a chance; I’ll come up with something.”
“We don’t have time for trials, Cigs,” Varsha says as she finally gets to her feet. “We have to leave before a former client finds us out and informs the others. Can you imagine the chaos that’ll create?”
“Do you have another idea?” I counter.
“We don’t,” Dorran answers, then gives me a nod. “Do what you gotta do, and when you have her alone, text me the location, and we’ll be there.”
To my surprise, Jayce gives me a nod as well.
My phone buzzes in my clutch. I pull it out and glance at the screen, then look at Dorran after reading the name flashing on it.
“It’s Mave,” I say, before receiving the call. “Hey.”
Booming music hits my ears, followed by Mave’s voice. “Where the hell are you, Nettie?”
“With a couple ofLure’ssponsors,” I lie immediately.
Dorran grins at me, making me roll my eyes.
“What floor are you on?” Mave asks, and I catch a slight slurring in his words, which means he’s had a few drinks for sure. “I’ve been looking for you in the ballroom.”
Fuck.
“I’ll be there soon, okay?” I tell him. “Please don’t stop having fun on my account. I’m fine, Mave.”
“Nettie.” There’s a couple of voices in the background, but I can’t understand what they’re saying. “Nettie, hold on.”
“Yeah, okay.”
Dorran rolls his arm in a “wrap it up” gesture, to which I nod.
“Hey, okay; sorry about that,” Mave says. “You still there, Nettie?”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Uh, yeah, alright. So, where are you? Because I need to come and get you right now.”
“You don’t–”
“Dorran Ledger and his crew are in the building tonight, Cignette,” he says firmly now, like he’s suddenly sober. “I need you close so that I can keep an eye on you.”
My heart thuds in my chest, and I glance at Dorran and the others.
