Page 11 of Dark Embers

Sabrina’s final routine comes to an end. The crowd goes wild. This show is what makes this fucking hotel popular enough to be competition to my cousin’s Diamond Hotel and Casino. Anestablishment, like the Ember Club, that I’m now responsible for on top of my other holdings and interests.

“Can I get another bottle, or anythingelse—sir?” A young scantily dressed red-head with legs that go on forever and a tight torso asks with a husky purr, her eyes suggesting the double meaning of her offer.

A smile lifts the corner of my mouth. “Maybe later.” I peel some bills from my wallet and shove them in her bra making sure I accidentally brush her already pebbled nipple.

I’m rewarded with a sucked in breath. “I’m here until two.” She turns and sashays off, giving me a full view of her perfect ass in the showgirl thong.

It seems the holier than thou Heather Gold, the owner of this place, who swore she’d never stoop to vulgar tricks to keep her customers has stooped after all and I’m not complaining about her servers' new uniforms. I might just come back here later after all.

Sighing I turn and head for the backstage dressing rooms to pay Sabrina Craft a visit. But just as I reach the hallway behind the stage, I catch a glimpse of her rushing toward the back door. Her blonde ponytail whips behind her as she bolts—coat half-buttoned over her glittering outfit. Purse clutched in her hand like her life depends on it and she looks like she’s just seen a ghost.

What the fuck? I’m about to call out to her but something stops me and I step into the shadow of the corridor watching as Sabrina disappears into the alley.

I pull out my phone and call Syd. “Yeah?” She answers in her clipped British accent.

“Follow Sabrina and let me know where she’s going,” I command.

“Already on it,” Syd tells me. “It looks like she’s spooked about something.”

“Stay on her.” I hang up and turn to leave, part of me hoping that Sabrina is headed home so I’ll have to pay her a house call after all and my blood starts to burn as that dark desire for her slices through me once again.

CHAPTER 6

Sabrina

Present Day

I’m so fucking tired I could cry.

Elena was restless last night—again. Probably the teething, or the full moon, or just the fact that babies are tiny little demons in disguise who wait until you desperately need sleep before wailing like banshees for twelve straight hours.

Whatever the reason, I’m running on fumes, clutching onto consciousness with nothing but sheer will and cheap mascara.All I want is a hot shower, a long-ass nap, and to sleep through until noon. Maybe longer. God bless Carla. Never in my life did I think I’d be this grateful for my mother.

The dressing room mirror is harsh, unforgiving. The fluorescent lights catch every crease, every smudge, every line of exhaustion. I yank off one false eyelash, then the other, groaning as I rub at my eyes and start wiping off the layers of glitter and stage makeup. My face feels raw and tight, like even my skin is over it tonight.

Then my phone rings and it’s on the other dresser near the door. Groaning I pull my aching body from the stool and walk over to it freezing when I see it’s an out of state unknown number.

My pulse skips. A weird, sinking sensation settles low in my belly.

I stare at the screen like it might answer for me.

Another second. Then two.

Screw it.I don’t usually answer unknown calls but for some reason I feel almost compelled to answer this one.

I swipe to answer.

“Hello?”

“Sabrina!”

My knees nearly buckle.

“T—” I choke on the name, cutting it off before it escapes. “Where are you?”

“I can’t talk for long.” Her voice is rushed, breathless, frantic. “I’m okay. But I won’t be for long if you don’t get Momto call off that fucking PI. He’s not who you think he is. He’s working for some very bad people.”

“What?” My throat tightens. “What are you talking about? I— I had a feeling, but—”

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