Page 51 of Fatal Attraction

It had to be.

I hadn’t formally met Carter, and I sure as fuck wasn’t stupid enough to approach him at the funeral, so I’d chosen to leave after the service ended to prevent drawing unwanted attention. It was still a risk but with my mask on, covering the upper half of my face, it was unlikely he’d recognize me. Hopefully, my membership would be enough to get me inside the building unscathed.

When the line cleared and it was my turn, I schooled my features and leveled my breathing as I reached inside my wallet and flashed my membership card.

“Sorry, but I need to see your ID too,” he said gently.

Shit.

“It’s just a precaution,” he explained. “There’s been some underage kids trying to sneak their way in recently.”

Carter handed back my membership card and then took my ID, studying my birthday.

Thankfully, I was able to steady my breathing and get my anger fully under control by the time he handed my shit back and said, “You’re clear. And by the way, man, I’m really digging your mask. Forgive me for asking, but is that real gold?”

“If it was, I wouldn’t be wearing it here.”

Carter laughed at that, his head tipping to the side in a nod. “Fair enough. Enjoy your evening.”

I offered Carter the fakest smile I could muster, thanking him as he opened the door for me. The idiot seriously had no fucking clue who he just let slip past his fingertips.

“Excuse me,” Felix McMann called out just as my right hand wrapped around the handle to enter the lounge. I turned my head, and he stepped through the door behind the front desk, blinking wide-eyed at me. “Holy shit… Percious, is that you?”

I sighed, forcing another smile on my face. “Hey, Felix. It’s been a while.”

He advanced around the desk and threw his arms around me, holding on tight. “How’s Peter doing?”

“He’s good,” I said when we parted. “Busy as always, but he’s doing good.”

“I’m glad to hear it. So, what brings you here tonight? I didn’t think you were coming back since you started seeing… Shit, what was her name again?”

I threw my hand up, avoiding the question entirely. “That’s over and done with. She was too clingy and unbearably controlling. All that matters is that I’m single again and ready to mingle, so here I am.” I leaned in closer and nudged my head toward the front door, at Carter. “What’s with the security? Did something happen?”

Felix sighed. “Shit has been a fucking nightmare here lately. An underage girl snuck in and was horribly attacked in the bathroom. Then it wasmaybe a week after that, some guy spiked another woman and her old man’s drink and then assaulted her in their home.”

A faux gasp escaped my lips. Placing a hand to my chest, I said, “You’re shitting me.”

“I wish I wasn’t,” he replied with a frown. “The police have been in and out of here for days now trying to find the guy.”

“Do they have any leads?” I asked curiously.

“I wish, but no. But the good news is that there’s a small group of Undercovers here tonight scoping out the place. If the bastard decides to strike again, we’ll find him.”

My blood boiled at the news.

So, I was right. This was, indeed, a trap.

“This is the busiest it’s been in weeks,” he carried on. “And oh, if you’re planning on going inside the Red Room, you’ll have to purchase a ticket.”

“A ticket?” I questioned, my brows furrowing through my mask. “Why?”

“It’s been reserved for the evening. But as a favor for me and to help boost sales, the hosts have agreed to let other members watch if they purchase a ticket. We’ve already sold the required amount for the evening but if you’re interested, it’ll cost you ten dollars. They should be starting soon if they haven’t already.”

It was extremely difficult not to grind my teeth because I knew exactly who the hosts were.

Fuck it.

I grabbed my wallet and pulled out two five-dollar bills. Felix beamed at me as he took the currency from my hands and then rounded the desk, ripping off a red ticket.

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