I can't hide in the bathroom forever. Gradually, I open the heavy wooden door, glancing out, relieved that Anton isn't standing guard. Not that I thought he would. He's probably busy with Mikhail and the ladies who accompanied him.
I glance at Madisyn in the lounge, her back to me, and I sneak past, heading toward the private VIP rooms.
"What are you doing?" Anton's voice reverberates in my ear as he stands behind me. He's taller than I am, and while I've always recognized a height difference, he towers above me, making me feel small.
I spin around to face him. "A client wanted to use the VIP room," I say with a cheeky grin. "I'm meeting him in there."
Anton's eyes tighten. "I thought you were going to help me with the special guests for the evening?"
"As soon as I'm done in the VIP room," I say, hoping I can snag one of the men and convince him to pay for the ultimate experience.
I haven't had the opportunity to use the VIP room, only the booths, which offer even less privacy, although there are cameras everywhere. Privacy is a façade in this place. I wouldn't be surprised if the FBI hacked all the surveillance cameras and watched my every move. Although I'm sure it's for my protection.
Are there cameras in the basement of the club? I haven't been able to sneak downstairs. The key Anton gave me for his office doesn't work on any other doors. I've tried. What's down there?
Anton forces a smile. He's not pleased, but I can't tell if it's because I'm not following his orders or because I'll be entertaining in the VIP room, and while sex can't happen, it's not unheard of for many other things to occur.
I've heard the girls chat in the dressing room. They were swapping stories and experiences, both good and bad, with the male guests. Most girls hate it when it's a couple opting for a room together because, often, the girlfriends tend to get jealous.
Is that what will happen tonight with Mikhail and Madisyn at the club? If Madisyn gets jealous, maybe she'll leave, and I'll be able to work back on the floor where I'm supposed to entertain guests and dance on the platform.
Anton's eyes crinkle, and there's no anger behind the smile. It's genuine. "I won't lie and say that I'm not disappointed. I want you to meet my friends."
"I will," I say, forcing a smile and squeezing his bicep. "When I'm done with the client, I'll find you guys in the lounge."
Anton glances around, satisfied that we're alone in the darkened hallway. He steals a kiss. It's long, hot, and passionate. "Stay out of trouble," he warns.
He has no idea the danger I've thrown myself into and how terrified I am that he will find out the truth. If I can stay away from Madisyn, everything will be fine.
He stalks down the hallway toward the lounge, and I breathe a sigh of relief, sneaking back toward the VIP rooms. I can't just wander in without a client, and the longer I hang out alone, security will grow suspicious and could report to Anton or Nikita that I'm not doing my job.
Fending sick would have been easier. Safer.
But I've never played it safe.
One of the men I've danced for before, a regular, catches sight of me. He's never been shy. He knows what he wants and isn't afraid to ask for it, but usually, he invites any other girl into VIP. I'm sure he prefers the girls he knows, or maybe they just have better moves since they've been dancing a lot longer than I have.
I head toward him to suggest we have a little fun in the VIP room when another gentleman stalks up to me. I swallow nervously as I stare at the older gentleman and offer my most seductive smile.
Supervisory Special Agent Barrett Kingston, my boss at the bureau. He's the one leading the task force. He led Madisyn undercover and assigned her to Mikhail. While Special Agent James Lexington has been my handler, he reports everything to Agent Barrett.
I told James never to return to the club and he heeded my advice. But I didn't expect to run into Barrett.
"How much for a dance?" he asks, pinning me with his stare. The breath is sucked right out of my lungs.
"The VIP Suite is open," I say, needing to save myself from Madisyn and Anton.
His gaze tightens, and he knows me well enough to see that I'm stressed and trying not to show it to him. "Lead the way," he says.
I don't want to dance for him. Everything I do while undercover will be scrutinized. Not that it wasn't already, but I feel his eyes on me and my career circling the drain.