Page 33 of Shattered Souls
As the flashlight glances off his face, he lifts his head, scowling at the guard. “Aren’t we done already?” he drawls in that perfected haughty arrogance. “I want to get this party underway.”
“Apologies, Sir. We’re just doing a quick sweep of the car, and then you’ll be on your way.”
With a grunt, Grayson dismisses the guard as he buries his face in Riley’s neck, eliciting a fake moan.
My fingers tap against the steering wheel, counting out each tense second until the second guard gives a curt nod to his colleague. The first guard steps back and gestures for us to proceed. “Enjoy your evening.”
One hurdle down, I tell myself as I roll the SUV through the open gates. I swear the entire car releases a collective breath as we leave the guards behind and move down the driveway.
“Who knew your assholery could be used for good?” Logan taunts in a bid to break the cloying tension.
Riley’s laugh is strained, and Grayson merely grunts in response, any levity falling by the wayside as a mountain lodge comes into view, exuding timeless elegance and rustic charm.The car’s headlights sweep across the exterior, illuminating the striking combination of natural stone and rich, dark wood, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Towering evergreens frame it, reminding me that we’re a long way from Halston.
The lodge's exterior lights, positioned to highlight its architectural beauty, cast long, dramatic shadows across the front lawn and the surrounding forest, highlighting the number of parked cars.
I roll the SUV to a stop at the foot of a stone pathway that leads up to the front door. “Ready or not,” Logan murmurs. The significance of what we’re about to do crackles in the air as we all share a final, loaded glance before I push open my door and step out of the vehicle.
“Keep it nearby,” I tell a valet as I hand him the car keys. “We won’t be staying long after the event.”
“Sir.” With a nod, he hurries into the driver’s seat, and I move to open the back door, maintaining my role of bodyguard as Grayson elegantly exits the car. His posture straightens as he takes in our surroundings with an air of indifference before turning to offer Riley his hand, helping her out.
Her heels clack against the stone as she clings to his arm. She smiles up at Grayson like he hung the moon as she plays the part of his alluring side piece. Her red dress shimmers in the dim light, highlighting her pale, creamy skin on display. My jaw tightens, and I have to rip my gaze away before I toss her back into the car and drive her the hell out of here.
Grayson keeps Riley tucked beneath his arm as they walk ahead of us along the stone pathway lined with softly glowing lanterns. The lanterns guide visitors to the set of heavy wooden doors wedged open, allowing bright light to spill into the night. Logan and I fall into step behind them, our expressions stern and unyielding, embodying muscle and intimidation.
Two guards stand on either side of the entrance, their eyes cold and calculating as they skim over each of us before dismissing us as we step over the threshold and into the lodge filled with its sickening opulence.
“Looks like the lodge has been rented by a private corporation,” Dax informs me via the tiny earpiece hidden in my ear as I glance around the lobby. High ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the marble floors and plush carpets. A soft, seductive melody plays in the background, enhancing the atmosphere of luxury and decadence. Guests mill about, their conversations a low murmur that adds to the air of exclusivity. Most of the attendees are men dressed in tailored suits, their eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and predatory interest. Scantily clad women accompany them, their laughter ringing out like the tinkling of glass.
I’d sent Dax our coordinates before I climbed out of the car. He has a team stationed back at the village, should they be needed.
If all goes well, they won’t be.
“Probably a shell corp.”
Meaning, there’s no way to trace it back to whoever is behind this sick sense of entertainment.
Grayson leads the way, his confidence unwavering as he navigates through the crowd with pretentious swagger. Riley stays close, her hand delicately resting on his arm, her eyes taking in the surroundings with feigned disinterest. She plays her role perfectly, the epitome of a woman who knows her place in this world of wealth and power. Logan and I flank them, our eyes constantly scanning for any sign of trouble, our presence a silent warning to anyone who might think of crossing our path.
As we move deeper into the lodge, we pass through a set of heavy wooden doors into the main hall. This room is even morelavish, with rich draperies lining the walls and an elaborate stage at the far end. Tables covered in fine linens and adorned with crystal centerpieces fill the space, each occupied by men sipping expensive drinks and engaging in hushed conversations. The scent of expensive cigars and perfume hangs in the air, creating a heady mix that only adds to the sense of indulgence.
Grayson beelines for a vacant table near the front, a prime spot with an excellent view of the stage. He pulls out a chair for Riley, who sits with practiced grace, her eyes subtly scanning for any familiar faces. Logan and I take our positions behind them, our gazes sweeping over the room, noting exits and potential threats.
“There are more people here than I thought there would be,” Logan says in a low voice, ensuring it doesn’t carry to the nearby tables.
My hard gaze skims over them regardless, ensuring no one is paying us any attention.
“Pretty sure I just saw Senator Torrence over there,” Grayson disguises behind his hand as he shifts closer to Riley. One arm goes across the back of her chair as his other lands on her exposed thigh. “Get us drinks,” he orders in an arrogant tone that fits perfectly with this place. “A martini for the lady, and I’ll take a whiskey.”
“Coming right up,sir,” Logan drawls before casting me a look that says he’s already had enough of this performance before heading toward a bar at the back of the room.
“How long until…” Riley gestures toward the stage.
“Probably not long. They’ll want to give everyone time to arrive and have a drink or two, but they won’t want to wait too long and risk exposure,” I tell her, keeping my face impassive and attention on the goings on in the room.
“You’re doing great,” Grayson assures her. “Just keep your focus on me. That can’t be too much of a hardship.”
I barely restrain my eye roll, my lips twitching ever so slightly when Riley doesn’t bother to smother her snort.
