Page 58 of Power of Shadow

Soon I’ll have to talk to him and dash his hopes once and for all.

With the Jackal, it’s a different story.

Like my gift to him a few days ago when I danced for him; I wanted to provoke him, tease him, see his reaction.

I was bored to death when the idea popped into my head. But I had to send him a message. I was one step ahead of him. I already knew who he was.

Getting into his club wasn’t difficult, but getting on his stage was. It cost me some serious money and a few favors. But it was worth it. His expression was worth it.

Though separated by both space and the infuriating tinted glass wall, I was acutely aware of his scrutinizing eyes on me.

When he came down to me, I was completely lost in the dance. His gaze was on me the whole time. And it turned me on even more.

A magnetic force drew us to each other. My thoughts about him became more intrusive. He even appeared in my dreams. It smacked of obsession.

I shake my head, forcing him out of my mind.

“I have to go. Alex has something for me.”

“Alex? Did he finally melt that icy heart of yours a little?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. There’s nothing between us.”

“Of course not, but that’s not because he doesn’t want there to be,” she points out, amused.

I roll my eyes, grab my sweatshirt and leave the room.

Is it the right place? The address is indeed correct.

Most of the buildings in the area are made of brick. Peeling facades, graffiti, and trash lying around are common sights here.

The neighborhood is definitely not conducive to evening walks, even though I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.

A few people scurry down the dark street, but most are hiding in their homes. Before I get out of the car, I put a mask on my face. My instinct tells me that this is the right thing to do.

Walking along the brick wall, I find the entrance to the building. It smells like something has died and been covered in a decade of dust. The stench of mold is awful. I wrinkle my nose in disgust.

According to the instructions, I’m to walk down the hallway to the end, where behind the door opposite there should be stairs leading to a basement protected by a code. I’ve seen nothing more ridiculous in my life than a panel for unlocking the basement with a code; nothing could be more out of place. In such a dingy and disgusting place, a shiny silver panel.

I make a mental note to call Alex and tell him what I think about it.

A moment later, I descend the stairs, which are barely lit by sidelights. Moisture is everywhere, and the stench is even more intense. Somewhere in the distance, someone is moaning quietly.

I pull a knife from my belt

The moaning sounds get louder as I stand at the foot of the stairs. Heading in their direction, I follow them like a thread to a ball of yarn.

The basement is more like a dungeon. Goosebumps appear on my skin.

My steps are uncertain, and when a rat crosses my path, I actually jump slightly. I hate these disgusting creatures.

After a dozen steps, the corridor splits, but on the right there's a half-open door with warm light coming from behind it. Quiet moans are coming from there too. Male moans.

I sneak up to the doorway.

There’s absolutely nothing in the small room except for a chair in the middle and a man sitting on it.

His hands are tied behind his back, legs bound. His mouth is taped shut with black tape.