Page 151 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

She nods, still captivated by stories of the illustrious lives of our Sapphire dancers. A smirk tugs at my lips as I watch her soaking in the sordid details with rapt attention. Ash has the look of a porn star, but the innocence of a virgin, and sometimes I wonder how she fell into this life in the first place.

I run a hand through my hair, slowing my pace as I pretend to search for the restroom. I’m really searching for Sergio. Maybe he’s hunkered down in his office with an associate. He wouldn’t do business out here in the open.

I creep down a short hallway, my brain rattling in my skull, vibrating from the pulsating electronica echoing through the vast space. Up ahead, I see a sign for the ladies’ room, but I don’t stop. And there are no other doorways in this hallway from what I can see. Where could he have gone?

I keep walking, looking, and listening until I strike gold…maybe.

An unmarked door.

I twist the knob and push it open.

Bingo!

There’s a staircase leading to a second floor.

I take a deep breath and step inside the doorway, not knowing what the hell I’ll find up there.

But I came here on a mission, and I’m not leaving until I complete it.

A lot hangs in the balance, and I’m not willing to take another loss.

The walls leading up are dark, matching the décor of the club. But there are faint lights shining down from the ceiling that guide my path. My heart races as I proceed up the steps, swallowing a gasp as my phone vibrates in my clutch bag. I fish it out and lean back against the wall, clicking to accept my brother’s call.

“Hey, how’s it going? You see anything interesting?”

“No,” I whisper. “Not yet, but I might be on to something.”

“Why are you whispering? And why don’t I hear music?”

“I found a staircase,” I say in the softest voice possible to avoid it echoing on the landing. “I think it might lead to an office, maybe his. It looks private and hidden, so I’m going to sneak up there to see if I can hear?—”

“Jae!” Nate exclaims. “Are you fucking crazy? I told you to keep an eye on him, to see who he talks to, to watch him in the club! Don’t fucking stalk him into a restricted area, for Christ’s sake! We’re trying to figure out who we’re dealing with, not get you killed!!”

“Well, we obviously know who we’re dealing with, Nate,” I mutter. “I mean, the guy is practically oozing olive oil and marinara sauce. He’s clearly connected. And I think there might be something going on here tonight. He was huddled with his guys, and then he disappeared.” I let out a huff. “And thanks for the vote of confidence, by the way.”

I take another step.

It’s dark.

Desolate.

I hope that means nobody is lurking around up there, just waiting for the quivery voice at the bottom of the staircase to appear.

That would be very bad, especially since I only have a can of Mace in my bag.

And it’s been a while since I used it, so hopefully, the nozzle isn’t all crusted up.

“What if he left the place, Jae? Don’t go up the goddamn stairs! Get the hell out of there before you get hurt, or worse!”

“Relax,” I say. “And give me a little more credit. It’s not like I’m little Miss Innocent. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, or did you forget that I’m pretty damn skilled with a knife?”

“And you have a knife on you right now?” he asks in a gruff voice.

“Well, no, but?—”

“Exactly. Get the fuck back to your friends! I never should have told you to go to that club in the first place.” Nate tries to control his voice. “Jae, please. This is dangerous. Don’t go up there, okay? Please just listen to me.”

I let out a sigh. “Fine,” I say. “I’ll go back to the girls. And we’ll just wait until Sergio shows up at Sapphire for your meeting to see whether or not he’s working with the Becerra Cartel. And if so, oh well. We’ll just agree to be sufficiently fucked.”

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