Page 73 of Follow Your Instincts

Maggie was dressed up, but not in a costume. She was wearing a long, black sleeveless dress with a high neckline that showed off her strong arms and back, and hugged the curve of her ass way too well.

“You’re not allowed to wearthat,” I growled when I saw her, and pushed her back into the guest bedroom by her hips.

“What? Kira said it looked good,” Maggie protested.

“Lookstoogood. We’re trying to be subtle. That dress is not subtle,” I said into her ear, stroking the curve of her lower back.

Maggie snorted. “I think you might be a little biased. I promise you, no one will look twice at me.”

“You don’t see yourself very clearly,” I grumbled.

Maggie sprayed herself with the descenter I’d brought. It wouldn’t work if she started perfuming heavily, but it would help her pass as a Beta if no one got too close.

“You have to behave yourself,” she said as we waited for our rideshare driver. “No being sexy.”

I laughed. “I’ll do my best, baby.”

Hush was across the city, in a much trendier spot than our neighborhood. We were early, trying to come before things got too crowded, but there were already a lot of people on the street. I tried to act as a human shield for Maggie and, to mysurprise, she let me.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been around this many people,” she whispered as we walked towards the bar. “And everyone smells so strong.”

I squeezed her hand. “Maybe this wasn’t the best idea. You need a second?”

“No, stop it, I’m fine. I am helping on this investigation whether you like it or not,” she insisted, and pulled me into the front door.

“This was my idea,” I said.

“Yeah, but it feels more fun if I feel like I’m fighting the system,” Maggie said, grinning.

Hush did not live up to its name. A band playing covers of ‘90s music had the small crowd dancing in the main room. I pulled Maggie over by the bar and got us drinks while looking around. There was a smaller, quieter room off the main bar area, and we ducked into it with our drinks.

“This is definitely the place,” Maggie said, pointing to the neon sign from the picture on the wall opposite us.

“Agreed,” I said. “If only Greta would just show up now, that would be perfect.”

Maggie smirked at me. “Yeah, sure. We could ask the bartenders if they’ve seen her. I could be a friend from school,” she suggested.

I nodded and took a drink of my beer. Maggie was pressed in close by my side, watching the room and nursing her gin and tonic. Every time she took a sip, she grimaced.

“You don’t like the drink?” I asked.

She blushed. “I don’t really drink much anymore, but G&Ts sound like a classy drink, so I figured I’d try it.”

“Not a fan?”

“It tastes like a Christmas tree,” she said, laughing up at me. She was so beautiful when she laughed. Her hair was down and wild, the way I liked it best. I was too busy staring at her that her sudden grip on my arm caught me completely off guard.

“Holy shit, it’s her,” she whispered, staring across the room.

“Who?” I asked stupidly. There was only oneherit could be. And sure enough, there was Greta Heitzig. She was wearing a bright pink dress that barely reached her mid-thigh, and was clinging to the arm of a blonde Alpha I recognized from the photo we’d been working from.

Greta and Maggie caught each other’s gaze and I could tell that Greta was struggling to place her. When she glanced between the two of us, I saw recognition flash in her eyes along with panic.

The Alpha she was with noticed her reaction and immediately directed their steps our way. I squeezed Maggie’s hip in warning, but I had no chance to say anything.

“Hi Greta,” Maggie chirped. “You look amazing tonight! I love that dress.”

Greta foundered for a moment, but recovered. “Oh, yeah, thanks. Paul got it for me,” she said. “It’s great to see you.”

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