Page 2 of Concealed Deception

I’m aware of the fact I don’t belong here.I’m not from wealth like Lacey is.I don’t know how to act around people flaunting their money and women covered in jewels.Men are in suits that likely cost more than I pay a month in rent.

No, I most definitely don’t fit in here.

As we reach the bar, I lean into Lacey, whispering in her ear with discretion.“Lacey, I think we should leave.I’m not very comfortable being here.”

“Ladies, if you follow me, I’ll have some drinks brought to your table.”The same man that led us through the hidden entrance is the man who is now escorting us once more, upstairs to our very own private section.

I pull Lacey to me and whisper in her ear again, though this time more anxiously.“We get our own private section?How?”The only response is her subtle shrug as we’re led into the unknown.

As we get to the top platform, I recognize that this isn’t only a private section, but it’s roped off, which means it’s VIP access only.“Lacey?”I ask again, hoping she’ll have the answers.Only, when she looks at me wide eyed, I know she’s clueless too.

Our chaperone is having a quiet conversation with a bodyguard, while I’m over here losing my nerves and my best friend is a sea of calmness.

“Ladies, after you.”He gestures to us through the restricted area.

“How exactly did we get VIP access, Lacey?I know your family is well known, but…”

“Here you are.If you need anything, there’s a pager on the table.A round of drinks are on the way up, and if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to press the button.I’ll leave you for now.Enjoy your evening, Miss Montgomery, Miss Pierce.”

The man nods, then he’s gone, leaving us to freak out over our situation.Then it hits me.“How the fuck does he know my name when we only gave him yours?”

“I don’t know, but who cares?We’ve managed to get into one of the hardest places to book in New York.Let your hair down, Ava, we’re here to have fun!”

No sooner has she said it, a tray of drinks arrives.“I can’t believe this is happening.Oh my God, we have our own section,” Lacey squeals over the sensual music.I finally calmed down enough to join in on the excitement.We take a shot each.“To new beginnings and best friends,” she declares as she holds her shot to mine in salute.We tap them together, then throw our heads back, letting the smooth tequila glide down our throats.Before I’ve brought my head down, there’s another drink held out to me, as eager eyes demand me to drink with her.

Lacey takes a long sip through her straw and hums in delight.I follow suit and find this is the most delicious cocktail I’ve ever tasted.

As the fruity spirits flood my body, it also warms me.I stop thinking that out of everyone in this city, how were we granted entrance?I stop the paranoia from that man knowing my name and I do as my friend says by figuratively letting my hair down.

Over the course of the night, we stay seated, talking and taking in the flashy interior of the room.It’s when we’re on our fourth round of drinks, and before we’ve paged for more, that our chaperone from earlier returns, holding another tray of drinks that we never ordered.

“Ladies,” our chaperone formally greets us.“Miss Pierce, it seems you’ve caught someone’s eye tonight.These are on the house.I also hope you’re enjoying your evening.”

I balk at the mention of having an admirer.Who on earth can see us from up here?I look around, scanning the upstairs area, in case I missed something—or someone.When I look to the other side of the room, there’s a faint red glow on a small balcony against the glass wall, hidden in darkness.I’m now assuming the glass may be one-way, hiding some sort of room.

Adjusting my sight, it's confirmed that I’m right as a tall, dark figure stands from a section much like ours, then slides the glass door open and disappears through it.

Before he vanished, I was able to get the briefest of glimpses of him, and from the set structure of his jaw and slanted eyebrows, I’d say he was pissed off that I found him.

But why?

“Thank you.What’s your name?”Lacey’s flirtatious eyes are looking at the man who’s been entertaining us since the night started.Oh no, she’s hitting on him.

“Antonio, but you can call me Tony.”His smirk tells me we’re in more trouble than we realized, because as well as being alluring, it also screams danger, and we’ve become his little lambs.

“Thank you, Tony.You can tell whoever my friend’s admirer is thank you from her too.Right, Ava?”

I’m scared and lost for words, nodding like an idiot.

“She can thank me herself.”

I whip around at his powerful tone and am met with the same hard-set features from moments ago.Though this time, his dark, piercing eyes are staring hungrily at me.

Two

Xander

I’ve been watching them, or more specificallyher, since they stood at the foot of my building.I’ve never allowed non-members into my club, ever.

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