Page 14 of Twisted Fate

“Nope.” I hang up as it clicks over to voicemail. “We have to find her, Oliver.”

She’s got some major explaining to do.

Oliver pulls into a parking space and kills the engine. “The bar is a few blocks away. This is as close as we’re going to get on a Saturday.”

A quick Google search shows me that the club is only open forty-eight hours a week. Friday and Saturday, all day and all night. I nod. “Let’s go.”

The place is packed wall to wall with hot, sweaty, dancing bodies, and it’s so loud the building is vibrating. Oliver throws his arm around me and shouts in my ear. “I think we should split up. If you find her first, wait for me at the bar, and I’ll do the same.”

Eager to find Allison, Oliver and I turn in different directions. I comb through the crowd, but it’s a mess of unfamiliar faces. I try my best not to push people as I squeeze through, holding my breath at the heavy smell of liquor, cologne, and perfume, but it’s difficult with all of the flailing arms and grinding hips everywhere.

I scout out the bar before I fight my way through to the bathrooms. I’m walking down the narrow, poorly lit hallway when someone grabs me around the waist and pulls me into a dark room. I try to scream, but a hand covers my mouth and muffles the sound. My pulse surges, and when the lights flick on, I squint against the sudden brightness of what appears to be a storeroom for stock. Boxes fill most of the shelves, and the rest are lined with bottles of liquor. It looks like there was a window, but it’s been boarded up.

I recognize my captor instantly, and my eyes narrow.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I growl when he moves his hand away from my mouth.

“I could ask you the same question, sweetheart.” Tristan slips his arm from my waist and steps back. “Did you come to see me?” he purrs. His voice is sensual but dangerous. Even with the space between us, his inviting scent reaches me. I wonder if all fae men are as gorgeous as he is, then I mentally slap myself for allowing my head to go there.

I attempt to make myself leave—to force my feet to carry me out the door—but fail. “Did you follow me?” My eyes travel across his face and drop to his chest where a landscape of hard muscle pulls at his shirt.

“An interesting idea, but no. I received a phone call from one of my contacts—the gentleman who owns this bar—who tipped me off that the young woman I’m looking for was here.”

Allison’s cousin sold her out? What the hell could she have done to warrant that?

“I hope I’m not hindering another kidnap attempt.” My voice is soft, laced with false sweetness. “Maybe you should find another career?” My chest rises and falls rapidly as I stand there, knowing I should leave.

His lips twist into an arrogant smile. “You’re posing a bit of a challenge. It’s amusing.”

“Go to hell,” I spit.

He chuckles. “Oh, I’ve been. Several times. I happen to be good friends with the Prince.”

I roll my eyes. “I have no idea what you’re saying.”

He reaches forward, quick and graceful, and cups my chin. “I understand you found who I’m looking for. You seem to have misplaced her, yes?”

“I’m not going to let you hurt her.”

“It sounds like you know this girl,” he muses.

I close my eyes, unable to look at him anymore. “She’s my best friend.”

“Of course you want to protect her. You’re loyal to her. That’s admirable.” Tristan’s thumb brushes across my cheek, and my eyes fly open as my jaw clenches. “I’ll offer you a deal. Our previous one didn’t work out as I’d hoped, but I’m willing to give this another chance. I’m in the mood for some entertainment.”

“You’re twisted,” I growl.

His smirk is a flash of perfect white teeth. “You find your friend first, and she’s free to go. However, ifIfind her before you do, she’s mine.”

“What—”

“I’m not done,” he interrupts, his eyes glimmering like a child’s on Christmas morning. “Not only isshemine. You agree to have dinner with me. You’re still a bit of a puzzle.” His eyes flick between mine.

I manage to smack his hand away from my face with an exasperated laugh. “No way in hell is that happening.” My tone is firm, and yet, the image of sitting across from Tristan at a restaurant flashes through my mind.

“Are you doubting yourself?” He’s mocking me, and I want to slap the smug grin off his face.

“I’m going to find her,” I vow. “I don’t need to make a deal with you.”

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