Page 64 of Seducer

“Do you have something up your sleeve?” Tina asked.

“What? No. Why would you say that?”

“Because I know that look. It’s the look that says you’re planning on doing something devious.”

“Not me. I can’t afford to do anything stupid. I have far too many bills.”

“Don’t we all.”

The ‘what if’ in my mind continued. I knew what I was thinking was crazy, so insane that I could be the one locked behind jail bars, but at the rate I was going, even with the extra money from the club, I’d never get ahead. Even if Kyle graduated from college, I had a bad feeling he’d use my apartment as his camping ground until he did find a job.

And the boy could eat.

Sighing, we were interrupted by a girl coming in. Tina gave me a hard look as a warning. Kinky stuff. The thought was far too enticing. What little I’d heard had been right.

I trailed behind her into the corridor.

“Do you think you can take a few hours away from your brother tomorrow night?”

“I doubt Kyle wants to talk to me at this point. I kind of blew up. I’m certain he’ll hang out with his buddies for a couple days. Why?”

“Good for you. That kid needs a little scared straight.”

I threw her a look.

“Sorry, not sorry. He does. Anyway. How about a little fun for a change?”

“Meaning?” She loved going to clubs. The last thing I wanted to do in the world was go to a club on my nights off.

“There’s an awesome new club opening in town, the warehouse district. The buzz is that it’s going to be incredible.”

“You want to go to a dance club?”

“Well, I heard their opening night is all about dressing up. What fun. According to my cousin, who managed to snag a job there, it’s my invitation only and the guest list is to die for. She might be able to get us an invitation. We could be dancing the night away with sexy actors or musicians.”

“You’re dreaming.”

“Not according to Misty.”

Dressing up? The club sounded like everything I was used to, but I had to admit, I hadn’t been on the other side just enjoying myself for years. “Maybe. Why costumes?”

“You’re the one interested in learning Dark Nights. I think the game’s popularity has caused an explosion of clubs just like this one. Think about it, for what you’re contemplating and don’t tell me you aren’t. It’s something entirely different. Why not go? See how it feels wearing a mask.”

“A club,” I repeated, laughing as I did. Maybe it was time to confess I worked another job.

“Oh, why not? I think it could be fun. We’ll have a girls’ night out and tease hot guys.”

I rolled my eyes for a second time as we neared our desks. “Fine. I’ll consider it, but I’m not making any promises.”

I moved ahead of her as we headed into the huge open space.

And I ran smack into a hard body.

“Fuck. I’m sorry.” I immediately bit my lower lip from using a cuss word. Whoever I’d run into gripped both my arms to keep me from falling.

“Whoa, there. Are you okay?” His deep voice sent a shower of shivers straight to my core. It was one I recognized immediately.

When I lifted my head, I was certain I was going to be fired. The insanely gorgeous man wearing a suit that cost more than Kyle’s yearly tuition was Zach Blackwell. I inhaled deeply on impact, expecting the aftershave from the couple of nights before would be the same. I was wrong. What he was wearing had more of a sandalwood and citrus vibe. That meant I had another masked creature stalking me.

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