CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

TWENTY-FIVE 

The deep bass of music pulsed through the air, reaching us even as we parked across the street from the club. I turned to Reid, giving him a skeptical look.

“Here? May I ask why?”

“Two words,” he said, stepping out of the car and flexing his injured arm, counting off on his fingers. “Information. Fun.” 

I hesitated before getting out, my discomfort growing. I had never been to a club before—let alone with someone I was struggling to trust.

“You know, when you said, ‘I know somewhere we can go’—especially in that tone—a club wasn't exactly on my list of guesses.”

“It ain't that bad. You'll see.”

I followed him across the road toward the club. A massive neon sign glowed from the rooftop, reading Lustra Lounge in elegant, golden letters. My brows shot up as I took in the upscale exterior.

“Hold up, I thought you had to be invited to get into boujee clubs like these,” I said, stopping in my tracks.

Reid smirked. “You forget who you're walking with. I can bring whoever I want here—I’m daddy's only heir.” His voice dripped with distaste, like he hated having to invoke Klaus's name. For a second, I almost wanted to tell him he was adopted.

I clamped my mouth shut, deciding to observe instead. Unlike other clubs I had seen in movies or drive throughs, there was no line outside—no eager partygoers waiting their turn. The parking lot was eerily empty of people, save for a single bouncer standing by the entrance. Only the deep, pulsing music and numbers of classy cars parked, gave proof that a party was in full swing.

As we approached, Reid subtly angled his arm, and I instinctively took it. He didn't need to say a word. The bouncer simply stepped outside, letting us through without question.

The instant we stepped in, I froze.

The place was packed. And not just with any crowd. I recognized half the faces in the room—celebrities, socialites, high-powered executives. Some were already high on alcohol and drugs, others mesmerized by the strippers performing in the grand, elevated stage in the center of the room. And worst of all? Some people didn't even bother pretending to care about discretion—they were actually doing it right there, in full view of everyone.

My hand flew up to cover my eyes.

Reid burst into laughter. “Eugene, what the hell are you doing?”

“I don't know, watching just seems… wrong.”

“Then ignore it. Haven't you ever been to a club before?”

“No.”

Silence. Then his voice came again, softer this time. “Shit. I should have asked first before bringing you here. I'm sorry, okay? But if you want information, this is the best place to find it. High-end celebrities, rich businessmen, even gang lords—they're all here. It's like an information goldmine.”

I shifted uncomfortably. “I get that, but.. isn't there a way to get the information while I wait in the car or something?”

“And miss the fun? Come on, just don't think too much about it. Ignore the whores and focus on having a good time.” He reached up, lowering my hand gently. “Look, I know this isn't your scene, so instead of going back to the car, why don't we head over there?” He gestured toward the bar.

I shook my head. “I don't like this, Reid. I mean, look at me—I don't even fit in.”

“Hey,” he lifted my chin gently, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You don't have to look like you belong. Just act like it. Confidence—that's all there is.”

“Reid, I don't know—”

“I do.” His eyes held steady conviction. “Trust me, you'll blend in better than you think. Yeah, you're not wearing something slutty—thank God for that—but your aura gives off boss-lady vibes. All that sass you throw at me? Project it now. Play the role of a rich businesswoman, unwinding after a long day at work—maybe even in search of a hot, steamy one-night stand.”

I gaped at him. “I can't—”

“Yes, you can. Observe and blend in. I'll lead.” He winked, stepping forward. “Meet me at the bar.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but he had already disappeared into the crowd. The bar was all the way on the other side of the room, meaning I had to walk through this mess of bodies too.

Taking a deep breath, I reached up and loosened my ponytail, letting my hair cascade around me. Running a hand through it as seductively as I could manage, I forced a confident smile and strutted into the crowd.

Almost there. Almost there. I repeated the words in my head like a mantra when I spotted Reid leaning against the bar, watching me with amusement. I made a face at him, and he chuckled softly.

Just as I successfully weaved through the crowd and was nearly at the bar, Reid smirked and raised two fingers to the side of his head in a salute. My steps faltered. I tilted my head slightly, silently begging him not to do what I knew he was about to—but he ignored me.

He mouthed, ‘I'll be back. Have fun.’ And then he was gone, swallowed by the sea of people, leaving me alone.

I collapsed onto the barstool, exhaling sharply. Only a handful of people were at the bar, most with company. Good. I had no interest in conversation. My gaze locked onto Reid's disappearing figure, my mind running through a list of ways to kill him when I heard a strong, resonant voice.

“Hi, beautiful.”

I closed my eyes for a beat, inhaling silently before turning to face the source. A man dressed in a neatly tailored suit with his sleeves rolled up, stood behind me. His blazer was nowhere in sight.

“Hi,” I muttered, pressing my lips into a tight line.

He slid into the empty barstool next to me. “Mind some company?”

I hesitated. “I guess… not.”

He smiled, flashing a perfect set of white teeth. Something about him sent a tingle through my body in all the right places. He was attractive, sure, but the way he carried himself—polished, powerful—made it clear he wasn't just some random club-goer. He was someone of high-status, even if not famous. And I didn't trust men like him.

“You don't seem to be the kind to frequent places like this.” He studied me. “If I may ask, are you here with someone?”

“Would that be a problem?” My tone was sharper than I intended.

“No at all. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't wasting my time on someone else's property.” He gestured for the bartender with a flick of his fingers.

I scoffed. “Oh, so you're one of them. News flash—just because a woman is with someone doesn't mean she's his property.” 

He laughed. “No need to get all defensive. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant… I'm the possessive type. When I value something, or someone, I consider them mine. Not in a material sense, but in responsibility. If you matter to me, you become my priority, hence, my property.”

That explanation made more sense, but I still wasn't interested in pushing the conversation further. “Right.”

“I see you haven't ordered anything. What would you like to drink?”

That was my cue to leave. Hell would freeze over before I accepted a drink from a stranger in a place like this. Reid could find his damn information himself. I was done.

I pushed off the bar, drumming my fingers lightly against the counter. “I appreciate the offer, but I don't usually come to a place like this, just like you said earlier. I was invited, but I think I've overstayed my welcome.”

“Ah, what a shame.” He stood up, unfazed. “I would've loved to get to know you better, but I understand.” He turned to the waiting bartender. “Whiskey. Neat.” Then back at me. “Maybe next time.”

“Sure,” I said flatly, already turning away.

His fingers brushed against my arm, making me pause.

“Hey. I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name.” He adjusted the collar of his shirt, his other hand slipping into his pocket. “Adam. Adam Nicholas.” He extended a hand.

I stared at it, debating whether to ignore him or walk away. But after a beat, I took it, shaking it once without a word.

“You don't seem like much of a talker.” He chuckled, then glanced around. “Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?”

I half-nodded, half-shrugged, unsure what he meant. The temperature felt normal to me.

“Well, I won't keep you. I can tell I'm irritating you already.” He smirked. “I guess I'll be seeing you around. As for your name… I suppose you owe me that next time.”

“I guess,” I murmured, forcing a tight smile.

He returned it, loosening a button on his shirt as the bartender slid his drink toward him. The golden emblem on the necklace around his neck caught the light, and just before he turned away, I caught a glimpse of the bird etched into the ring hanging from it.

I went rigid. My eyes flicked to the entrance, then back to the bar.

Information. That was why we came here. Leaving without it might be a mistake.

Before I could second-guess myself, I turned back to him, reclaiming my seat on the barstool.

“On second thought,” I said, leaning on the counter, my fingers trailing along its smooth surface. “Sharing a drink or two doesn't sound so bad.”

He settled back into his seat. “I'm glad you reconsidered. Another glass.” He gestured to the bartender.

I extended a hand, tilting my head slightly, letting a slow, knowing smile creep onto my lips.

 “Jane Green,” I said smoothly.