He gestures toward the tablets on the table. “The list of questions.”
I laugh softly, removing my jacket and folding it neatly. “It’s so much more than that. Have you two ever heard of Untamed?”
Aaron's eyes widen from behind his mask. “Not possible.”
They have no idea what is truly possible or the dark secrets that unfold behind these hotel doors. Tonight, they’ll discover the truth.
“Can you cut the crap and just be straight with us?”
I step forward. “So impatient.”
“If you want me to sit down for a drink, then I need to know what I’m getting myself into.”
Dominik is a good friend, that’s obvious. But I have no intention of destroying him or Aaron. And if Aaron and I are going to be working together for the foreseeable future, then I need to get dirt on everyone he knows, on top of ensuring his loyalty. He needs something on me as well, in order to feel secure in this partnership.
I plan on giving him that tonight, in whatever form will satisfy him.
Gripping Dom’s shoulder, I look into his dual-colored eyes, hidden behind his black mask. “We’re going to go have a few drinks, help you loosen up a little and see what we can get up to. Maybe something, maybe nothing. But we need to trust one another, and since that’s a fragile thing in our line of work,” I say, glancing at Aaron, “it has to be earned right off the bat.”
“And how exactly are you planning on getting that trust?” Dom fires back.
“There is a lot of activity behind these walls. I’m sure we can find some trouble.” I wink at Dom, but he’s still as stiff as a board.
“What type of trouble? You still haven’t given me a straight answer.”
I grunt. “I’m going to need a drink if you’re going to continue to drill me.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen until he gets what he wants,” Aaron says.
Dominik is not getting what he wants tonight because what he wants isn’t here. But it doesn’t mean he can’t loosen up a little and enjoy himself.
“This is ridiculous. The man talks in code. We came here to check the place out and for you to finalize whatever business venture you’ve gotten yourself into with this guy, who you seem to know nothing about.”
“Dominik.”
“He’s playing games, Aaron. I’m not fucking interested.”
My smile widens. “Actually, last I heard you enjoy the types of games that are played here. Mind you, it likely won’t be as fun as that one time in Boston, but I can guarantee you’ll have a good time. If you allow yourself to,” I whisper the last part, winking at Dom as I squeeze his shoulders tightly.
Couldn’t help yourself, could you?
Nah… this is much more fun. Watching Dom realize he’s not in control and that he underestimated me is almost enough to make me hard. Thankfully, this mask hides my stupid grin because this kind of mind game is absolutely exhilarating.
The thrill of flipping the switch is what I live for. Most people think twice about crossing me after that, and those who don’t typically don’t live to tell the tale. I don’t like loose ends or problematic people who refuse to learn their lesson; it’s better to clean up your mess before it piles up.
I wait for a witty comeback, but Dom remains silent. With a shrug, I walk over to the side door, swinging it open to reveal a dimly lit hallway leading to the elevator doors at the end.
“After you,” I say, falling in behind them as we head toward the upstairs bar.
Let the fun begin.
CHAPTER 6
AARON
Iresist the urge to swig back my whisky, keeping my movements measured. Alcohol helps steady my mind, though I won’t let Tristan think I’m uneasy. Do I feel slightly out of place, knowing he navigates Untamed with ease while I’m still piecing together its secrets? Sure. But I can handle it.
This place has always intrigued me, sealed from outsiders or normies, as I like to call them. I became even more curious each time my investigations hit a wall.
