Chapter 28
Varden
Igot to the club well before nine to make sure I had time to scope the place out before Saffi arrived.
Now that I knew her real reason for coming, I had to admit I vacillated between anger and intrigue. She was no wimp, that was for sure. She was going for it. And reaping a few benefits while she was at it.
“G! I’m so glad you could join us tonight,” M said. She was poured into a slinky red number that stood out like a beacon in the sea of mostly black-clothed club-goers.
“M. Stunning as always.” Her nipples strained against the silk of her dress, but strangely, I didn’t feel anything beyond admiration—there was just no attraction.
M hooked her arm in mine like we were best friends, and led me from the crowd to a private corner.
What was she up to?
“G.” She looked very intently into my eyes. After all, it was all she could see of my face.
“I’ve noticed you playing with a new member of ours. B? I asked you about her before.”
“Yes, we have been playing together. But I really don’t know anything about her. If you’re looking for info you’ll have to ask her yourself.”
I was not about to share what I’d learned. No freaking way. And M did not look happy with me.
She continued. “I don’t know about her. Something doesn’t seem right. I may ask her to leave the club.”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “She seems okay to me.”
“I need to find out who she is and what she’s doing here. You won’t help?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t want anyone in my business, so why would I pry into someone else’s?” asked in return.
Frustration crossed her face.
“This is not the same, and you know it. This is about the safety of our club, ensuring its longevity. We all need to be vigilant.”
What a shit show.
How was I going to tell Saffi that M was on to her when I wasn’t supposed to know who the hell she was?
“I’ll see what I can do,” I told her.
She smiled demurely and gushed, “I knew I could count on you. Thank you, G.”
She planted a light kiss on the side of my mask, the closest she’d ever get to my bare face.
* * *
It all made sense, now. Saffi had probably thought she’d been plenty discreet, but really had no idea what the hell she was getting into. Women rarely came to the club alone, and when they did, they didn’t wander around asking questions. The ones who did were asked not to return.
No wonder M’s suspicions were raised.
Then why was M still letting Saffi come around?
Maybe because of me. M knew I’d taken a liking to her.
Things were getting complicated. What would M do if she found out Saffi was not only a reporter, but also doing a story on her beloved club?
With the evening young, I went up to the second floor and found an empty playroom. I locked the door and took a seat, removing my mask. I had to find a way to clue Saffi in. Shit. Things had gone too far. And with the daughter of a business associate, no less.
Initially, going after Hugh’s super hot, off-limits daughter had been a rush. But it wasn’t a game anymore. Not for Saffi, and not for me.
I had to talk to her, tell her what was up. There was just no way around it. Even if it meant revealing my identity.
* * *