When I take a closer look at the pills, I realize the two men aren’t counting any old drug, but eclipse.
I glance up at their faces, recognizing one of them instantly—Theo Wilson, Felix’s closest friend, the guy who got Felix into dealing eclipse back in school. I avoided him at the engagement party because I’ve never liked Theo. Hated him, even. But I can play nice. I’m starting fresh with Felix and won’t let anything ruin our life together.
“Theo, hi.”
He glances up from the eclipse, seeing my smile. Theo has a buzz cut instead of the dark mess of hair I remember. His fashion was always ripped jeans and hoodies, but now he fits right into this place, his appearance sharp and clean-cut. Countless tattoos peek out from his suit.
“Well, if it isn’t the lady of the house.” Theo looks me up and down and smirks, though there’s nothing threatening in the gesture. He stands from the table to join me. “Thank god you’re back in the picture. Blackwood can be so painful at times when he’s moping around over you. Though I expect the moping won’t completely stop until—” He cuts himself off with a laugh. “I’ll see you around, Harper.”
Theo’s approval of me is a shock. I’ve always assumed my dislike toward him was mutual. I should leave him be, but I’m curious over whatever statement he was about to make.
“You expect the moping won’t stop until…” I prompt before Theo returns to his table.
“I shouldn’t have said anything. Tyler is a sensitive topic around here.”
Right. Tyler.
Guilt settles in my chest for choosing Felix even though I know I’ve made the right choice. Tyler told me not to look back. To not keep hoping for the three of us. Being with Felix is the only way forward, I only hope?—
No. I correct my line of thinking.
No hope.
No Tyler.
I force myself to stop thinking about him.
“Boss.” A younger man steps close to Theo, lowering his voice, though I still hear. “Anderson can’t pay you for the eclipse deal last week.”
“Give Anderson a friendly visit tonight. Tell him…” Theo thinks for a moment, then his lips curl upward. “We understand his financial crisis and like to be accommodating to our customers’ needs. We can waive the fee. Then remind him of our policy: if he can’t pay, he can’t breathe.”
My eyes flash wide. I don’t know why I’m surprised at the threat. Theo is a drug dealer. Of course he wouldn’t take kindly to people screwing over his business. But seeing it firsthand is an adjustment. Is Felix this cutthroat?
“You and Felix are still in business together, selling eclipse?” I ask when Theo and I are alone in conversation again. “Do you own this speakeasy with him too?”
“The answer to both of your questions isno. Felix stepped away from eclipse a few years ago. I have my own organization of men who deal exclusively at The Scarlet Mirage. Felix runs this place by himself but I…” Theo’s smirk returns while choosing his words. “Ifixall of Felix’s problems.”
I lick my lips, nervous. “What kind of problems are we talking about?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Say… if someone threatens the secrecy of this place, I need to find inventive ways to keep that person quiet. Or if a man is stalking the lady Felix loves, and that said man has given her a black eye, I pay him a friendly visit.”
A shiver rushes down my spine, but I’m not entirelysure it’s from fear. I’m growing hot and my tummy flutters. I don’t know what this reaction is.
“Felix ordered you to kill that man?” I whisper.
Theo answers me with a lazy laugh. “Now you’re putting words into my mouth. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Harper.”
I’m left staring at Theo in shock as he returns to his table, confused by these feelings in me. I should be disgusted and scared over everything he alluded to. Instead, I’m… flattered and…enamoured.
Felix has been keeping track of me when I thought I was the furthest thing from his mind. Not only that, he had a man killed for attacking me. I want to know what else Felix has done. I’m desperate to learn everything new about him.
Jesus. I am fucked up. I don’t care. Nothing will scare me away from Felix. I need to see him right now.
Glancing around, I spot the doorman waiting patiently for me, out of earshot from my conversation with Theo. “Shall we continue to Mr. Blackwood?” he asks.
“Yes, thank you.”
He escorts me through the rest of the staff quarters. It’s not long before I hear Felix from behind a door.
