Chapter 1

Astrid's POV

The music boomed in the entire room, bringing the entire place alive. The Nexus was alive much more than usual tonight. The neon lights, the laughter, clinking of glass and the stench of smoke in the air combined to create the perfect illusion for safety but we all knew better. The safety here was just an illusion.

I weaved through the crowd while balancing a tray on one hand and offering flirtatious smile to the men I passed. Although I was trying to keep a low profile here, my beauty and service was one thing that couldn't be escaped.

The tight black dress hugged my curves in order to bring out my curves and keep the men's eyes on me in order to serve them well and I didn't mind it at all. This place was a cesspool of shady deals and dangerous people, but it was also my sanctuary.

Some may say it was a strange place to hide considering the dangerous people and all, but for me, it was perfect. No one ever looked twice at the hostess who seemed to be focused on getting her tips to notice anything else.

“Astrid, VIP table next.” My supervisor ordered me through the earbuds in our ears and I hummed before heading towards the VIP tables for the side.

Tonight was a bit different though. I knew everyone who visited the clubs from time to time and those who didn't but one of them stood out today as the air around him did too. The entire atmosphere shifted as people subtly turned their heads and conversations turned into murmurs as he moved through the crowd, looking sleek and dangerous.

Even if I didn't know who he was, I would have recognized the power oozing off him in a scary manner.

Luca Santoro.

The name was whispered in the darkest part of the city, spoken with equal fear and respect. He was the kind of man mothers warn their daughters about, the kind that if you crossed his path, it spelt instant death. And he was here, at Nexus. As someone who knew he wouldn't be here without a reason, I had a very unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Men like Luca never frequent clubs like this unless they are looking for something of high value and I hated the way my curiosity was drawing me in. In anything except ‘that’ my curiosity never leads me somewhere fun.

“VIP table F, Astrid.” My supervisor said again and that was when I noticed he sat at the table. Do I seriously have to be the one to serve a scary looking man like that?

He spotted me even before I could reach the table, his dark eyes locking into mine with precision. Like an hunter locking on its prey. My pulse quickened but I kept my expression neutral, forcing a smile as I approached the table he was seated, flanked by two of his men. They were as imposing as he was and wasn't even trying to soften their menace.

“Good evening.” I said, my voice light and smooth. “Can I get you three anything?”

He didn't answer right away. He just let his gaze travel slowly up and down my body, assessing me like I was some merchandise he was considering buying. I fought the urge to shiver under his gaze, trying to keep my hostess facade.

“What's your name?” He finally asked, his voice low and smooth and I could almost ear it echo.

I hesitated just for a fraction a second, before answering. “Astrid.”

His lips slowly curved up into a dangerous smile that didn't reach his eyes. “Astrid. A pretty name for a pretty face.” He leaned back in his seat, his gaze not leaving mine. “I've heard you're good with computers, Ash Vega.”

My heart skipped a beat but I kept my expression neutral. “I think you've got the wrong person, sir. I'm Astrid and I'm just a hostess here.”

His smile widened but I could feel the lack of warmth in it. It was more of a deadly smile than a soothing one. “You see, I've been looking for someone with a particular set of skills and that led me to Ash Vega. Unfortunately, no one has heard from her over the past year and then my lead pointed me here. To you.”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my smile on. This was bad, very bad. I thought I've been able to keep a low profile all this while but they could still find me if they wanted to? “I think you've been misinformed. I know nothing about computers.”

“Is that so?” He tilted his head, as if considering my words but the glint of the predator in his eyes remained which told me he didn't believe a word I was saying.

If Luca Santoro was looking for me of all people, it meant he knew a lot about me. And for someone who was on top of the food chain as him to come down here looking for me, I knew I couldn't escape whatever it was he came here for but I had to try my luck.

“You're the one I'm looking for and you are going to work for me.” He finally said after leaning forward, his elbow on the table.

“I'm sorry. I'm not interested.” I replied and at that instant, his smile vanished, replaced with a cold determination and I knew deep down that I've done it.

“You don't have a choice, sweetheart.”

“You're mistaken. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other customers to attend to.” I turned to leave, but one of his men stood in my way, his expression blank but threatening. I swallowed hard, looking back at Luca who was watching me with the same gaze.

“I'm not in the habit of repeating myself.” He said softly. “You are coming with me, Ash. One way or another.”

Panic surged through me but I was trying my best to keep calm. “I'm not going anywhere with you.”

He was quiet for a few seconds before letting out a sigh as if disappointed. “I was hoping you'd see reason but I guess I was wrong.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small vial. I've seen the vial quite a few times to not recognise it. “But I guess we'll have to do it the hard way.”

Before I could react, he was on me in a swift second. I took a step back, but it was too late. His hand clamped down on my arm as he pressed the vial against my lips. The liquid was bitter, sliding my throat before I could split it out.

“What did you–” My voice slurred, the room spinning as the liquid started to take effect. I was right, he had drugged me.