Page 119 of The Innovator

I jerked my chin at a smaller box. “They arrived yesterday. These are tiny and have better reception. You guys should be able to hear everything.”

“We got you something.” Remi handed me a box.

“It’s not my birthday.”

“Just open it.” Forrest slapped a hand on my back.

I opened it, pulling out a gleaming Rolex. “I already have one, but thanks.”

“This one has a camera in it. The clarity and audio are fantastic. It’s a limited edition.” Remi pointed to a tiny dot signifying the camera.

“Cool. This will be useful.”

“Where’s mine?” Royce teased, looking at Remi.

“I knew you’d ask.” He went to the couch and brought over a bag. Each one of us got a slightly different Rolex, including Remi.

“You went shopping.” Arrow put his watch on. “Thanks, man.”

“I stopped by the shop to pick them up when I dropped Audri, Michelle, and Kiera off for their Hawaii vacation. They’ll be there for two weeks. Audri doesn’t know what’s going on.”

“Neither does Michelle,” Royce added.

Forrest cut me a look, and an understanding passed between us. My boys were worried about their women too. They’d sent them off on a vacation. I infuriated mine, drugged her with sleeping pills, and forced her to stay in Paris. It seemed severe compared to what Remi and Royce had done.

But my situation was different. Natalie had recently been abducted, so she was already involved. In addition, her aunt had ties to the crime organization. It was too risky to have them link her to me.

After we reviewed the plan, they all went home. I hopped into the hot shower to clear my head and prepare for tomorrow. When I slid into bed, nerves churned in my stomach. Tomorrow was the turning point. Things would go well or turn into a disaster. I had to prepare for both.

CHAPTERSIXTY-SEVEN

GRAYSON

Dressed in a black suit with the red tie Natalie had given me, I strode into Club Diablo with Rafael, who wore all black, including his tie. The host had scanned our tickets, which were sent to our phones.

“Where did you get that? The red is fantastic.” Rafael gestured to my tie.

I could be an ass and say Natalie made it for me, but then I’d be dragging her precious name into this club, a den of corruption. My buttercup deserved better. Besides, talking about her would only prompt Rafael to ask more questions, and my mind didn’t have room for anything other than finding the appropriate locations to place the bombs.

I didn’t tell Rafael about the bombs. He only knew I wanted to survey the club for elite members of The Trogyn, which was true. The less he knew the better off he’d be.

Most everyone in the club wore black suits. The few women who accompanied the men were decked in colorful dresses. I didn’t recognize anyone. Maybe one of my boys would know someone. They were my eyes and ears as well.

The ambiance inside Club Diablo was similar to the elite men’s clubs I’d visited before. Dim lighting and fancy sconces decorated the ceiling and walls. Sleek wooden furniture with luxurious couches adorned the lounge area. The burgundy rug made it seem like I was standing on a sea of blood.

The dark environment made me wonder if I was inside a nest of vipers. Were there eyes on me? I scanned the area, searching for cameras, but didn’t see any. They probably had them hidden somewhere. Or did they assume no one would dare enter their turf to cause trouble? Maybe they thought everyone in the club had already passed the requirement with the size of their wallet.

Everyone who came here had money to play. And money was God.

Still, nerves and uncertainty prickled my skin. Things could go awry. I couldn’t help but imagine there were multiple eyes scanning my every move.

A hostess wearing a tight black dress brought over a tray of champagne and wine. I took the wine glass and tipped her well. “Thank you.” I made sure to hold the wine glass with my left hand so the Rolex could capture more videos.

“You’re welcome. If you need anything else, let me know.” She winked at me.

Rafael elbowed me. “That’s an invitation for the back room, man.” He smiled and jerked a chin toward the hallway past the bar. “I’m getting a whiskey on the rocks. Want anything?”

“Maybe after the wine, but I’ll check out the bar with you.” I didn’t want my usual Martini stirred because everyone knew that was how I preferred my drink. It was best to separate the true Grayson from the one lurking in this club.

---