Page 4 of Devious Secrets

“Me? I’m no one.” Again, I try to laugh off the danger I’m in. “Just lost is all. If you’ll just point me in the direction to the exit, I’ll be on my way.”

His stoic expression gives me pause. Do I just walk out of here, or should I wait for him to say something?

I decide to start moving toward the door. He doesn’t stop me, so I take it as a good sign, hurrying my steps to the exit.

“Your name,” he orders when I get one step from the door. “You’re wearing one of our uniforms, but there’s no name tag. What’s your name?”

My hand is on the handle. A name tag. Damn. I’ve made a complete mess of this whole thing.

“It doesn’t matter. But thanks for… well, thanks.” I push the wrought iron rolled handle down, expecting the door to open for me. It doesn’t.

“It’s locked,” he says casually from behind me. My heart leaps into a run and I pull again and again, each time pushing the handle down harder and yanking harder.

His sigh could part the sea.

I give up and flip around, pushing my back against the thick wooden door. I’m trapped in this room. In this secret room in the secret part of this secret building with a man who has no reputation for mercy or kindness.

His eyebrows lift. “Your name.”

I swallow hard around the bundle of nerves taking my voice box hostage.

“Megan,” I finally push out.

“Megan what?” he presses.

“Why do you need my full name?” I question, my throat constricting around my words as they work their way out.

His stare makes my skin heat, and it’s getting worse the longer he keeps it on me. I have a sense that he’s not going to explain himself. He’s going to just outwait me.

“Reed. Megan Reed.” No sense in lying at this point. I’m stuck here and I’m sure there’s a whole room in this place dedicated to getting people to spill their secrets.

The Volkov family isn’t exactly in the business of showing mercy to its enemies. He may look all businesslike walking around in that insanely expensive-looking suit and posing for the cameras at influential events, but it’s not a huge secret what the Volkov family really is.

Mafia.

“What are you doing here in my office, Megan Reed?” He flips the lid on the box in his hands. “What would you want with this?”

I really should have had a more thorough plan before I decided to put my life on the line for this little adventure.

“With the box?” Stalling might get me a few more moments, but eventually I have to answer. The truth is out. No way I’m giving him that. Not if I want this little adventure to be a success.

And I want—no, desperately need—this to go my way.

“Yes, Megan Reed. What do you want with this box? Why are you in this office?”

“Like I said, I got lost. I was just looking for another bathroom.” It could happen, I suppose.

It’s plausible.

“You got lost?”

“Yes.” I nod to emphasize my answer. “I was just looking for the women’s room. That’s… that’s all.” I swallow, saying a silent prayer that he’ll believe me.

“The bathroom.” He shakes his head. “You should try telling the truth, Megan Reed. The waitstaff used on the upper floor of the club aren’t allowed past the antechamber. You’re not wearing a name tag or the right uniform that would suggest you’re working on the lower level tonight. And there are at least three restrooms available to staff before entering this part of the building. So, Megan Reed. I’ll give you another shot. Why are you in my office?”

My brain races. I’m never good when put on the spot like this. Even when I had the answer, if a teacher called on me in class, I would freeze. I’m not one for the spotlight.

“It’s uh… just a prank.” I wince internally. Who would be stupid enough to pull a prank on this place? The Volkov family may host charity events and pretend to be just any other elitist family, but there’s enough rumors about what happens to people who go against them for me to understand being here is dangerous.

---