Page 138 of Silver Elite

The bar doesn’t erupt in whispers. The chatter doesn’t die. But I don’t miss the way heads turn as Cross walks by them. In his navy-blue uniform, the four silver stars that flaunt how much power he holds, he makes for an intimidating figure.

That, and he’s so devastatingly handsome that men and women alike have no choice but to stare.

His stride exudes confidence, every movement purposeful, as he makes his way to a table in the corner of the room. It’s already occupied by two men, but that’s no hindrance. At Cross’s approach, their conversation falters, drinks paused halfway to lips. Then they set their glasses down and clear out so he can take their place.

My heart skips a beat as I watch him sit in one of the vacated chairs. He looks good. Edible.

“Excuse me,” Shenise says before turning on her heel.

The moment she’s out of earshot, I spin to face the bartender—Pasha. I fumble with the strap of my bag.

“What is this?” I hiss. “Some sort of trap?”

Her brow furrows. “What?”

I don a panicked tone. “Why is a Command captain in here? Did you call to report me because I asked—”

“Relax, darling,” she interrupts, letting out a laugh. “You think he’s here for you? Well, damn. You really are naïve.”

I allow a mixture of relief and confusion to show on my face. “Why is he here then?”

“We serve a variety of customers, some of whom, as you can see, hold high positions in society. In fact, we’ve got a very loyal customer base within the Command. They’re not here to cause trouble. They’re here to unwind like everyone else.” She shrugs. “He comes in every few weeks to blow off steam.”

My jaw falls open. “He’s a customer?”

“Indeed.”

My gaze drifts toward the staircase that leads to the second floor. “But you…”

“Run a respectable lodging for travelers to Sanctum Point,” she finishes primly. “Offering clean, comfortable accommodations.”

I purse my lips in humor. “All right.”

Across the room, Shenise is talking to Cross. He laughs at something she says. She reaches down to touch his shoulder, then leaves him to his own devices, hips swaying as she returns to the bar.

Pasha gives her a faint smile, nodding at me. “She thought you called the Command on her.”

“Oh, sweetheart. You’re not worth their attention. Or mine,” Shenise adds pointedly. “Unless you’ve decided to tell me who referred you to us.”

My dossier included an entire page about the source of my referral. I could have led with that information, but I thought I had a better shot of appearing trustworthy to Shenise if I showed some hesitation about snitching on my “friend.”

“Do you promise they won’t get in trouble?” I let my anxiety show.

“Of course.” She’s probably lying, but like Pasha said, my alter ego is a teeny bit naïve.

I lower my voice. “Her name is Olive. She worked here last year before she was reassigned and had to leave the Point. We worked together in G, and when she found out I was being transferred, she told me I should look you up.” I lick my dry lips. “I’m sorry. Maybe it was a mistake.”

“How is she doing?” Shenise surprises me by asking.

With a tentative smile, I say, “She’s good. She’s pregnant now.”

This role is growing on me. I’m starting to feel like I’m actually Gilly, whose friend Olive from G is pregnant with her partner Jessa’s baby.

Pasha leaves to deliver Cross’s drink. The pure stuff, of course. Only the best for Captain Redden. She lingers at his table to chat, but I pretend not to notice.

“I’m really sorry for just showing up,” I tell Shenise. “I guess I overstepped. But I’m all alone here. My Lux account is close to empty, and this new assignment they gave me pays next to nothing.” Bitterness ripples through my voice. “If I’m supposed to build any sort of life in this city, I need credits. I need allies.”

“That’s an interesting word to use.”

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