I drag a hand down my face. Nightclubs aren’t ideal, especially not somewhere unfamiliar.
Me: Name of the club?
Lily: Empire. It’s just across the road.
My knuckles crack as I get to work, pulling contacts, blueprints, and clearance. I manage to secure a private booth, but I don’t relax until everything is locked down.
Me: Getting details now. Shouldn’t be any issues, baby.
Lily: I won’t be there long. I’ve got someone I want to get home to tonight.
The wordhomehits me square in the chest.
I’ve never been anyone’s home. Never let myself be.
But Lily… she carved her name into my heart long before she even knew I existed.
Me: You really are a good girl for me, aren’t you?
I glance up just as Marco returns and sits across from her. She smiles politely, and my jaw tightens. She sets her phone face down and launches into conversation, hands animated, eyes bright.
She captivates him. She absolutely intoxicates me.
My phone vibrates. My contact here, Sam, has sent everything. Clearance confirmed. I exhale, just slightly.
Me: Everything’s arranged. You don’t leave my sight. Deal?
She excuses herself, checking her phone.
Lily: Deal. I’ll make it up to you.
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. Lily never has to earn permission. I want her to want me because she can’t help it.
By the time they finish their painfully drawn-out meal, I stand as Marco pays. I drop a hundred euros on the table and cross the room.
Marco looks me over and swallows whatever comment he was about to make.
“Will your bodyguard be escorting you to Empire?” he asks.
Lily smiles sweetly, though I catch the flicker of annoyance in her eyes. “He goes wherever I am.”
Marco nods. “You know Monaco is the safest city in Europe?”
I grunt. “Is it? Or is it just the best at covering its crimes?”
He swallows. “You’re Russian?”
“Yes,” I reply flatly.
I don’t miss the flicker of fear in his eyes.
“If you’re an acquaintance of Lily,” I tell Marco evenly, “my services extend to you.”
I’m aware of how intimidating I am. Most of the time, it works in my favor.
“Do you want to lead the way?” Lily asks.
Marco nods and steps ahead. Lily stays beside me.
