Page 47 of Cat and Mouse

"Blake Enterprises," I say, using the cover the captain gave me. It's a shell corporation, something they cooked up for cases like this. As far as anyone in this room is concerned, I'm just another rich girl trying to schmooze with the elite.

Marco's eyes narrow slightly, like he's trying to place the name. But then he shrugs, his smile returning. "Interesting. Well, I'd be happy to introduce you around. Maybe give you a few pointers on how things work around here."

His hand brushes against mine again, lingering this time. I swallow the bile rising in my throat. I have to play along.

"That sounds... helpful," I say, forcing another smile.

He leans in even closer, his breath hot against my ear. "You're too good for this place. Maybe after the gala, we can get to know each other better. Somewhere more private."

Jesus.

I laugh, trying to keep it light, but inside, I'm screaming. "We'll see, Marco. We'll see."

He grins, clearly pleased with himself, and steps away to take a call. I take the opportunity to slip away, heading toward the back of the room where the real players are gathered. Marco might be sleazy, but he's small-time compared to the men who run this city.

I pass a group of men standing near the entrance to a private room, their voices low but intense. They're the ones I need to listen to.

I glance around, making sure no one's watching, and slip into the shadows, adjusting the wire under my dress. The captain's listening. He'll know if something goes wrong. But right now, it's just me, surrounded by monsters.

And the worst part? Leo's voice is still in my head.

But it's too late for that. Way too late.

I'm walking around the gala, pretending like I belong here when I see him. At first, I think I'm losing it. It can't be Leo, not here. But there's something about the way he's moving, the back of his head, the broadness of his shoulders. It makes my stomach twist, and suddenly, I find myself trailing after him, slipping through the crowd like a shadow.

I don't even realize I've started following him until I round the corner, my heels clicking quietly on the marble floor. I'm keeping my distance, but then, bam—I'm yanked back. Hard.

"What the fuck?" I spin around, and the words barely escape my lips before the scent hits me, that familiar, intoxicating scent.

Leo.

"Shh," he hisses, eyes blazing with that dangerous intensity. He looks furious, jaw clenched so tight I'm surprised he hasn't cracked his teeth.

In my ear, the captain's voice buzzes through the wire. "Elizabeth? You okay?"

Shit.

I cover quickly. "Yeah, I just... bumped into a waiter. I'm fine."

"Be careful. Call out if you need help."

"Got it." My voice is steady, but inside, I'm screaming. Leo's grip on me is like a vice, and before I can blink, he's dragging me away, his hand practically cutting off circulation in my arm.

He pulls me into a room, slamming the door shut behind us. I look around, taking in the luxurious surroundings. The room is decorated in deep reds and golds, like some kind of VIP lounge—plush velvet couches, a chandelier hanging above us, and a large mahogany table that looks expensive as hell. There's a bar in the corner, and the lighting is dim, casting shadows across the room.

Leo finally lets go, and I whirl on him. "What the fuck, Leonardo?"

He doesn't answer right away. Instead, he pulls something out of his pocket, fiddling with it before turning back to me.

"I jammed the signal. They can't hear you now."

"Bastard," I spit, crossing my arms. Of course he did.

He's on me in a second, his hand wrapping around my throat—not tight but enough to make my breath catch. His eyes narrow, burning into mine.

"Do you have a fucking death wish? Didn't I tell you to stay the hell away?"

I meet his gaze, defiant. "I'm not here for you."

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