Chapter 4: A Dance with Deception
1231 Words
Lena Carter adjusted the slim earpiece in her ear as the black town car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Carlton Grand Hotel. The grand entrance was alive with flashing lights and murmured conversations, the marble steps leading up to the massive gold-trimmed doors flanked by security in tailored suits.
The high-society gala was the event of the season—an exclusive fundraiser for a political foundation, attracting the city’s most influential figures. Which meant it was exactly the kind of event Marco Voss’s associates would attend.
“Comms check,” Ethan Knight’s voice murmured through her earpiece.
“Clear,” Lena responded, adjusting the hem of her sleek black gown. The fabric hugged her figure without restricting movement—practical and effective.
Ethan stepped out first, adjusting the cuffs of his tuxedo as the valet opened the door. He turned, extending a hand toward Lena with a small, knowing smile.
“You clean up well,” he said.
Lena ignored the comment and slid her hand into his, stepping gracefully out of the car. Ethan’s hand was warm against hers as he guided her toward the entrance. Cameras flashed as they ascended the steps together.
“We look like a couple,” Lena muttered under her breath.
“That’s the point,” Ethan replied smoothly. His hand settled lightly on the small of her back. “Try to smile.”
Lena’s eyes flashed. “I am smiling.”
Ethan chuckled low in his throat. “Terrifying.”
They crossed the threshold into the ballroom, where crystal chandeliers gleamed above a sea of perfectly dressed guests. Champagne flowed from silver trays, and soft jazz drifted through the air.
Lena’s gaze swept the room. High-profile politicians mingled with corporate executives and media figures. Hidden behind the glamour was power—real power. And Marco Voss had his claws in more than a few of them.
“Targets spotted,” Lena murmured. “Two o’clock. Matthew Cain, talking to Senator Price.”
Ethan’s gaze sharpened. “And?”
Lena’s eyes slid toward the east side of the ballroom. “Cain’s not alone. Marco’s security team is stationed near the exits. No direct sign of Marco himself.”
“That’s because he’s smart,” Ethan said. “He’ll let Cain do the talking.”
Lena’s hand brushed the small comms device tucked into her clutch. “I’ll handle Cain.”
Ethan’s hand tightened at her waist. “No.”
She arched a brow.
“You’ll handle the security feed,” Ethan said. “I’ll get Cain talking.”
Lena’s lips curled. “You think you can charm him?”
Ethan’s smile was pure confidence. “Watch me.”
Lena’s eyes narrowed. “Try not to screw it up.”
Ethan’s gaze darkened with amusement. “Likewise.”
Lena slipped away, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. Ethan watched her go, admiring the way her movements were precise and controlled, the sharp intelligence in her gaze as she took stock of every exit and security point.
Then he turned toward Cain.
Cain stood near the edge of the room, his back straight, a whiskey glass in hand. He was tall, sharp-featured, with salt-and-pepper hair and a politician’s easy smile. He was listening intently to Senator Price, but his gaze flicked toward the room’s security in a way that suggested he wasn’t just there to socialize.
Ethan slipped into the conversation effortlessly, his smile charming.
“Senator Price,” Ethan said smoothly. “Pleasure to see you.”
Price’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Do we know each other?”
“Not yet.” Ethan extended his hand. “Ethan Ross.”
Cain’s gaze sharpened slightly.
Price shook his hand, but Cain’s eyes didn’t leave Ethan’s face.
“Ross, you said?” Cain’s voice was smooth.
“Yes,” Ethan said. He smiled faintly. “Mutual acquaintances, I believe.”
Cain’s mouth twitched. “Interesting.”
Ethan leaned in slightly. “You have a moment?”
Price hesitated, then excused himself. Cain’s gaze was cold as he studied Ethan.
“You’re bold,” Cain said.
“I’m interested,” Ethan replied.
“In what?”
“Business,” Ethan said. He reached for a glass of whiskey from a passing tray. “I’ve heard you know how to make things happen.”
Cain’s smile was thin. “From whom?”
Ethan’s gaze darkened. “Let’s just say… a man who knows how to get things done.”
Cain’s eyes sharpened. He took a slow sip of his drink. “And what exactly are you hoping to accomplish?”
Ethan smiled. “Let’s not play coy.”
Cain’s gaze flicked toward the exit.
“If you’re working with Marco,” Ethan said softly, “then you know exactly what I want.”
Cain’s grip on his glass tightened.
“Who are you really?” Cain’s voice was dangerously low.
Ethan’s smile sharpened. “You already know.”
Cain’s jaw tensed. Then his gaze flicked toward a pair of men near the security post. Marco’s men.
Ethan’s pulse quickened. Got you.
Meanwhile, Lena was crouched beneath a maintenance panel near the ballroom’s eastern wall. The panel cover lay beside her as she connected a small data cable to the security port hidden inside.
“I’m in,” Lena murmured.
The feed on her phone screen flickered before stabilizing. The ballroom’s security grid spread out in a complex map. Marco’s security was good—thermal scans, motion detectors, encrypted access points. But not perfect.
“I see you,” Ethan’s voice purred in her ear.
“Focus,” Lena replied sharply.
“I’m focused,” Ethan replied smoothly. “Cain’s about to make a move.”
Lena’s eyes narrowed as she hacked into the network’s encryption protocols. Come on…
A flash of red.
“There you are,” Lena whispered.
A secondary feed opened up—a hidden network beneath the ballroom’s main grid. An encrypted signal originating from the south wing of the hotel.
“Ethan,” Lena said. “We’ve got a problem.”
“Define ‘problem,’” Ethan murmured.
Lena’s pulse quickened. “There’s a secondary signal coming from the south wing. High-frequency, encrypted. It’s not local.”
“Remote access?”
“Or Marco,” Lena said darkly.
Cain’s gaze sharpened as Ethan leaned closer.
“What are you trying to pull?” Cain demanded.
“I think you already know,” Ethan replied.
Cain’s hand twitched toward his jacket.
“Careful,” Ethan warned. His smile never wavered.
Cain’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t know what you’re walking into.”
“Oh,” Ethan said. “I think I do.”
“Ethan,” Lena’s voice cut in. “Get out of there.”
Cain’s gaze shifted toward the exit—where two of Marco’s men had started to move.
Ethan’s smile turned cold. “If you see Marco,” he said softly, “tell him we’re coming.”
Cain’s jaw tightened.
Ethan set his glass down and turned toward the exit, slipping effortlessly into the crowd.
Lena’s voice was tight in his ear. “We need to move. Now.”
Ethan’s gaze flicked toward the security cameras. The feed had gone dark.
“They know we’re here,” Ethan said.
Lena’s breath sharpened. “Then let’s give them something to chase.”
Ethan’s smile sharpened. “After you.”
- Writer
