Chapter 051: Into the den of the Lion

Ava's POV 

The weight of our plan pulled down on me as I slid into the lovely evening gown. Designed to fit Marconi's unique humanitarian occasion, it was a borrowed facade. The garment gleamed in Eli's apartment's dim light, but it seemed more like a chain binding me to this dangerous work.

"Are you persuaded regarding this??" Eli's voice came out from behind me, mixed with resolve and worry. Looking in the mirror at me, he adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored suit. Though I could see the tension etched in every feature of the man standing there, he seemed almost the guest.

"I'm sure," I said, trying to project confidence I lacked totally. We have gone too far to undo right now.

He nodded and his jaw clenched. "Marconi won't slow down if he suspects anything."

"I know," I said softly. Still, there's an unexpected element. He knows nothing about my arrival.

This qualifies you both as an asset and a target. He came forward, his fingers lightly brushing across mine. You will do as I lead, promise me.

Only if you agree to guard your back, I added, capturing his attention. The power there caused my chest to tighten. We were moving into the future, and the thought of losing him—of losing us—was awful.

His lips slanted slightly in a smile. " Deal."

Each one of us lost in our own ideas on our way to the gala. The city lights flashing past the window, I focused on breathing control. The strategy was essentially simple; in practice, it was somewhat more complex: enter the gala, approach Marconi closely enough to scan his biometric data, then go invisibly. If only that were simple.

Ahead, the house hosting the event loomed, its elegant façade glistening under chandeliers under security officers in tailored uniforms. Every urge in me begged to turn around, but I forced myself out of the car, my hand holding Eli's arm like a lifeline.

As we walked through the door, we were surrounded in a sea of glittering gowns, pristine tuxedos, and purposeful smiles. Eli's palm pressed on mine, a wordless comfort we shared. Deeper among the crowd, I searched the room for Marconi.

Eli murmured, "He's here," with warm breathing right on my ear. "Stay Close."

I nodded as my heart pounded. We moved with studied simplicity, mingling just enough to avoid suspicion but always looking. Every second seemed to linger a lifetime as the weight of the homework sank down upon me.

Then I saw him.

Marconi stood near the middle of the room, a drink in hand and an air of authority that made the people around shrink. Eli and I trembled along my spine as his dark, icy, deliberate gaze fixed onto us. He straightforwardly pointed him out.

"Eli," Marconi replied, a predatory smile spreading over his face. "I barely expected to run upon you here. What a surprise.

Eli matched his smile with his silken voice. You know I find a fantastic party really tempting.

Marconi focused on me and narrowed slightly. And whose exquisite buddy is this?

Eli went on, keeping a kind voice, "This is Ava."She is fresh from the city.

"Ah," Marconi replied, moving toward yet closer. Greetings, Ava. I'm sure you're enjoying yourselves.

Hoping he would not see through it, I tried a smile. "This is rather the incident."

His eyes remained on me for much too long, and I felt exposed like he was stripping every layer to find what I was hiding. Then he returned to Eli disregarding me with a languid sweep of his glance. This was one small favor I clung on trying to relax my tension.

"I hear you've been busy, Eli," Marconi said in a gently lighthearted tone. "Mind you what you have been up to?

"Business as usual," Eli said with great accuracy. You know precisely how it is.

Marconi laughed, a deep, fatal sound. Sure, I do. Still, have you not always been one to keep secrets?

Their clear disagreement let me know we were close to something like a knife. Eli shrug noncommittally, but his eyes never turned from Marconi. One I wanted we would triumph; this was a private conflict of will.

Do you want us to dance? I remarked to Eli, cutting over the conflict. Though one I would have imagined would ignore Marconi's focus, it was a risky move.

Eli looked at me, a spark of knowing between us. quite naturally.

He led me to the dance floor; our movements were graceful even with the weight of what could go wrong. Leaning forward, I kept my voice low as we swayed to the tune. "She possesses information. We have to start swiftly.

Eli murmured, "I'm aware," his hand straying around my waist. "Marconi won't let this fade gently."

I turned to study the area from his shoulder. Security waited and monitored everywhere one turned. I forced myself to breathe, but the walls seemed closing in.

I then happened across an opportunity.

Nearly empty-drink in hand, Marconi was strolling to the bar. If I could approach sufficiently near...

"I have an idea," I said, then withdrew softly. "Keep him interested." I will manage the rest.

Eli opened his eyes in terror. Ava: Not sure. Quite dangerous.

"I can do this," I replied insistingly. "Believe me.

He halted for a heart beat. He nodded then, his jaw tight. Said with caution, "Be careful."

I vanished off the dance floor and walked subtly amid the crowd. My pulse shot and every step brought Marconi closer as I arrived at the bar. Looking up as I came forward, he seemed a little surprised.

Try to smile. "Fancy meeting you here," I said. "Take care of a drink?"

He clearly enjoyed arching his eyebrow. 'Brave, aren't you?

I answered calmly, "I've been called worse." Still, every nerve was tense. Benevolently.

His attention went to me as he gestured to have the bartender pour still another drink. "What brings you to this small conference?"

"Curiosity," I said, turning back to him. And maybe a little neglect as well.

He chuckled, but there was no affection in it. "Dangerous combined."

"I suppose it is," I responded, fingers gliding over the little device buried in my pocket. I had to start going fast.

I moved just at the moment he turned away. My hand went beneath the bar to activate the internal biometric scanner. It was quick, almost invisible, yet my heart pounded as the device discreetly noted the necessary information.

Marconi turned back, his sharp eyes asking if everything was good?

"Perfect," I said, attempting to catch his attention. Just perfect.

I thought for a second he had seen through the show. Still, he nodded and wore a little smile on his lips. "See the celebrations."

My legs shaking, every sensation on full awareness, I turned away. Eli was searching for me while just seated on the edge of the room. He appeared to be relieved as our eyes locked.

"Did you—also?"

Saying, "I got it," I passed him the instrument.

His hands tightened around it while he fixed my eyes. "We are not quite out yet."

I nodded realizing he was right. We still had to make do-able. Still, for the first time in a very long time hope fluttered in my breast. We have just what is needed.

Time is drawing to an end.