Franklin Duffries.
Powerful. Influential. And a family man.
My God. My thoughts drifted to my father, wondering if they’d remained friends. And if they had, would that mean… That my father was involved with the men of the Privileged?
No. There wasn’t a chance. He loved my mother dearly. My thoughts continued to drift, thinking about the difficulties my parents had gone through during the first two years I’d been in college.
As they all shook hands, I held my breath, uncertain what was happening. But at least I had a name and a face to one man.
And a determination to bring him down.
In those few seconds, I couldn’t stand what was happening, the memories of trusting him. A young girl who’d been infatuated with a monster. Lightheaded, I gripped Kendrick’s arm, touching the collar at the same time. The picture might be worthless, but I would continue doing my part.
Suddenly, I could feel Kendrick’s concerned eyes on me, although the closeness of his body was oppressive.
With Franklin’s gaze knowing, he dared me to say a single word or expose him in any way, shifting his attention to Kendrick when I remained quiet. When he held out his hand, Kendrick seemed surprised, accepting the gesture with a short laugh.
Was the bastard doing nothing more than playing a dangerous game?
“I think Hunter will make an excellent addition to our family. Welcome. I’m certain you’ll find your membership beneficial to every aspect of your company.” Lucifer’s reactions were unreadable, but there was a strange look in his eyes as he watched every detail of both Catcher’s and Kendrick’s reactions.
“How so?” Kendrick asked.
Lucifer glanced toward the others and at least two of them nodded. “We help each other, Hunter. While I didn’t mention this and I do apologize, our selection method includes determining how and if your business can provide us with any opportunities as a whole.”
While I was listening intently, I could still feel Franklin’s eyes crawling all over me.
“How so?” Kendrick repeated.
The group shared another look, the oldest of the men taking the lead. “Security both with the employees who keep us safe and with various internet needs. Real estate. Building. Communications. Shipping conglomerates. For example. We move our main facilities at least once every six months for security purposes, of course. That requires a knowledgeable base of employees to help make the shift in location seamless. Our members require certain standards and a break in providing for their needs and wants isn’t acceptable.”
Kendrick nodded, lifting his glass. “In other words. You believe I can provide a perfect location for a future playground.”
Lucifer grinned. “Exactly. We plan at least a year in advance, everything in order. It’s not something we will spring on you, but as part of your membership, you are required to provide us with either your expertise or something more substantial. Do you have a problem with that?”
“Not at all. As long as I’m provided with advance notice. I do have clients who also plan in advance.”
“Yes, of course. Let’s drink to our new member and a long friendship. Plus, a check for three million dollars. Our entrance fee.”
They laughed and my skin continued to crawl, a wash of heat running through every muscle and tendon. This was my chance to try to discover at least one additional identity. I could do this. I would do this. I took a step closer to Lucifer. Then another. As calculated as possible, I lost my balance, pitching myself forward.
I accomplished two objectives before falling on my ass. I knocked off two glasses, one belonging to Lucifer and one to another club member. And my fingers raked across Lucifer’s mask, knocking it down to his neck.
As soon as I fell, he crouched down while I rolled over. Touching my collar.
Gotcha, freak.
“Jesus,” Franklin hissed in the background.
“Allow me,” Kendrick grumbled, bending down and forcing Lucifer to step away. “My clumsy little slave. Did you hurt yourself?”
“Uh… No. No, sir.” My acting skills were becoming much better, only the fear in my voice wasn’t a product of my dramatic reaction, but one of true terror. The danger was crushing down on me, the anger and anxiety of never seeing Briana again.
In a move I prayed no one noticed, I shifted my gaze to my hand, giving him a slight imploring look. Kendrick realized what I was doing right away, cupping my hand. In a clean handoff, he took the piece of broken glass, slipping it into his pocket. There was no way of knowing if there was a fingerprint, but it was worth a try.
As well as any humiliation or punishment Kendrick would be required to provide.
Kendrick helped me to my feet, cupping my face with his fingers digging into my skin. “Don’t embarrass me again or I’ll punish you right here. Do you understand me?” The mask was unable to hide his obvious look of concern. Tonight needed to go according to plans. I had a terrible feeling we were working on borrowed time.
