Dangerous Love

CHAPTER 6 (The Phantom Kiss)

‡Quinn ‡

"Are you sure about that?" I asked again. I was talking to Nigel over the phone after I made a call to the so-called Black Widow's assistant, Meriam.

"Yes, I don't know anything about it. I just filled up form online for you. I showed that to you before we left my bar. Why didn't she tell me any of these? If I know, I didn't put you in her hand. Sorry darling," his voice sounded worries and agonizing.

"You don't have to say that. I made the last part. I just don't expect this thing is going to be so complicated." I sighed. "By the way, can you give her address. Her assistant didn't give me any reasonable answer to my questions."

"Oh darling, I didn't know her address. We just meet up in cafe or restaurant near her boutique, we're not that close to exchange address unless she or me need something. You know, in our world, us members of l***q+ community, we just look for each other but other than exchanging texts, calls and social media shout out, we don't really have a strong connection. She's a big star darling. You can't just get her resident address that easy."

"I get it. Okay look, I'm gonna call you later. I have an incoming call." I hung up on him and checked the next caller. "Ash Castillo?"

I pressed the button. "You just called earlier,"

"I know, I have a bad news for you."

"Okay, maybe I can handle that. What is it?"

"Black Widow is nowhere to find."

I tried to tackle that fact in my head. "So? What's the problem there?"

"She has the contract with her. I just don't know where she got the news about the auction last night but if she knew then we got a lot of problem."

"Why is it so important to grab that stupid contract? I haven't sign it nor see it."

"You don't have to sign it, you'll just have to press your finger in their biometric scanner. You probably filled up a form or a verbal negotiation with her lawyer or something. It didn't have to be formal. It's illegal so,"

"You mean he tricked me." I figured it out.

Then I remembered last night before we went to the Golden Palace, Meriam took a picture of me wearing the dress and ordered me to sign up a waiver then pressed my forefinger in a biometric finger print scanner. That must be it.

"I'm working on it. Don't worry, I'll solve this."

"Well you have to. That's what we have in our deal."

"By the way, be ready at seven. He will be at the address I gave you. He didn't know you would come so, act like you don't know he will be there. Wear something pleasant alright."

I rolled my eyes. "Why not send me his picture? So I would know it's him,"

I really don't get why he's doing it to his cousin but I have to play along with it so I can get close to this guy. If it wasn't for my mission, I wouldn't accept it.

"You don't have to. You already met him, in different occasion. You'll know it's him. I'll tell you. I'll be there too."

"Right. Listen, I have more things to do, if you don't have anything to say I'll hang up."

"Okay, see ya, seven pm."

I hung up and slouched my back to the sofa. I stared at the untouched food on the table and my coffee went cold because of my long hour calls. I haven't get any sleep and it was already four in the afternoon. I have to go back in Lower Manhattan to get my salary. I don't want to be much expectant but I think I wouldn't want to go back to that place again. I can't risk being involved with their criminal activities. I have to focus on my mission straight on. Maybe if I have given much time, I'll investigate the cruel system of that place but for now, I have to get on my track.

I have my link now, I just need to carry along with this ridiculous deal. If my plan play so well, I might actually think I can use his cousin to get inside the Castillo Corp. This will make my work a lot easier.

"Things are looking up now, Quinn." I breathed a heavy sigh, then stood up, took my bag and my key. "Alice, are you still on your searching?"

"Almost eighty percent and counting."

"Okay, I'll leave you with your task. I'm leaving, I won't be long."

"Take good care Quinn." She replied, almost in monotonous tone. It was her normal tone if she's doing the multitasking works. Connecting to the server, gathering information to the web, scanning relevant Intel about the subjects, cross referencing to our criminal records database and compiling it in a summary, folders by folders while playing a role playing game I installed for her to keep her busy. She loves doing things at the same time.

"Bye," I called out and closed the door.

I was out of the apartment when I received a text message from unknown number saying: "Hey, meet you again in Continental. Surprise me,"

"What the hell!" I muttered then tried to locate the caller ID using my GPS tracking device. "Manhattan?"

Who could this be?

Then it texted again. "Can't wait to see you, Marilyn Monroe."

I gasped and stared at the number. I texted back. "How did you get my number?"

It only matter of seconds when he replied. "Connection, I have a lot of connection."

"Damn you! I won't show up sorry. I have a date."

He didn't reply again. I put my phone back to my bag. I need to discard this phone. But for now, I have to get my paycheck. My first salary I will ever receive since my last job. Which was, a con-artist. I took many roleplaying type of job. Acting like a lawyer, a medical staff, a school teacher intern, a broker agent, sales clerk. Though most of them, I negotiated thru internet. It was not a scam to make it clear. I just copied and extracted info from my middleman or what they called runner of which I negotiated and tricked into a snare. A buy bust operations sort of. I'm actually one of the biggest if not the brightest asset to the team. Aside from Dylan and Carly, me and my friend Ziggy have the three star rank and almost close to being special field agents but because of our age, we were served as reserve agents. Dylan and Carly however, have their initiations and already doing field work with their superior. Of course, as Covert operational team, we work as one.

I gave out a heavy sigh. I miss being in the team. I miss the action, the thrill and the bond that we already have. I miss Ben.

I averted my eyes to the clear blue sky. I wonder what Ben is doing right now?

Well, probably tracking out my location. Good thing I didn't give my access code to him. That way, he can't trace me out with also the blockage and the help of my trusted friend, Ziggy. I owe him big time.

Just you wait Uncle, I'm going to solve this puzzle myself.

‡Ben Danvers ‡

"What the hell you didn't know?! That's impossible!" I shouted almost loosing my cool.

"Sorry Ben, we haven't heard from the team and Ned since last nine months. We lost contact of them in Upper Peninsula. They handled a terror attack there by the local mad fanatic of Isis. The NSA handled the investigation but Ned still wanted to get involved. He was temporary on leave because he took the allegedly suspect in his custody, beaten him out to dead. The perp took his sister and abused. They soon realized that it was just an isolated case of kidnap or ransom that maliciously mistaken because of the prank calls and he was using the banner of Isis. Christ is apparently, relieved from the department due to his impulsive action and currently undergoing to due process."

"I already know that Ferdi, I want to know what I don't know. Besides, *NCIJTF are under our supervision. I'm asking where could my niece possibly go? She currently worked in an assignment in your department." I breathed a harsh sigh. "Listen, I'm worried about her. She had a crazy impulse to get her work done. Please, if you're hiding something from me, please spit it out."

"As I told you, I don't know. She's your niece, you know her better than me. She's good in hiding her trace. She's a promising spy not to mention, a genius. What would I hide her if I know where she is?" I heard a sigh over the phone.

There was an element of truth of what he said. My niece is good in disappearing and moving out on her own without a trace. Damn, I should have known. If only I came in time, I should have stopped her.

"I understand you Danvers. Quinn is one of the best and the brightest in our tactical team but, she has her battle of her own. You should have known and read her actions. She's struggling to cope up with her peers. Has more balls than her superiors, Quinn is out of control. If she goes on rogue then maybe you should start searching from the last thing that she talked about with you."

I was struck with realization. Suddenly, everything's starting to come to light.

"Yes, you heard it. She was digging some info about the accident that happened two years ago. The case of her mom and half-brother's death. I'll send you what I found in the desk top she used when she was still here. I let you judge it." He hung up.

I opened my laptop and studied the pictures of her recent accomplished mission. Those whom she wore provocative, inappropriate outfit. If I wouldn't know my niece, I would mistake her as a different person. She look like a porn starlet! Good God! Is this the girl I watched from childhood to early teen?

I arched my brow as I scanned all out of her images. Oh God! Scott will shoot me if he see these.

I put it all in one shortcut and viewed some footage of her on act undercover video feedback from our surveillance data server. I watched as she walked with precise alertness and attacked her opponent. She used a quick counter punch, swift elbow slam and a smooth spinning 45 flying kick. Whoa! That's my Quinn.

Then when she got cornered and had nowhere to go, she took a deep breath and bravely jumped from the sixty feet height building and landed in a window across the building. She landed flat on the broken glass and rolled over then stood as if nothing happened, she raced to the apartment stairwell. One thing that I voluntarily shook my head was when I saw her gun pointing in a civilian to hush him.

Shit! My heart almost do a back flip seeing how she did all that. Oh Jesus, I can't believe I insinuated her to do those stunts. Damn! I should have known. I should have known, s**t!

I should not be surprise. Even when she was a child, she always excel in sports and extra brilliant in academics. She even accelerated when she was in Elementary. She passed a ladder test to jump to early High school. We just decided to let her learned in normal process. But even in school, she had a hard time coping with her peer students. Her exceptional brightness and high level IQ made Lisa, her mom, enrolled her in a Premiere School for exceptional and excellent children. She's gifted with mind sharpness and body kinetic adroitness. She'd grown up so matured for her age. In the age of twelve, she won a Nobel prize for young scientist in high school student category. Yes, she's a genius. A computer whiz kid. A Steve Job in the making. Bill Gates formidable rival if she continued her studies.

Unfortunately, it was cut short. Because of that incident.

I sighed. I checked on my PDA. I searched on my late logs and update for tomorrow.

I was doing a quick fix of my itinerary when a message from Ferdi blinked on my laptop. I checked it first. It was a video clip. I clicked the play button.

It was a CCTV footage. In a parking lot. A SUV curbed in and parked in an available slot. It squeezed in between a black SUV and Van. My heart was on my throat when I checked the plate number. JK 346. Lisa's car!

I watched as she went out of the car with a young boy. Tyler! He was tall for a ten years old. Together they walked towards the basement elevator. I paused and zoomed it. Sadly, the video was so poor and the image was too blurred but I already figured out where they were heading. In their apartment in Fremont. They were heading to Quinn's unit.

My heart pounded in my chest. It took five minutes before I pressed the play button again. I have to press fast forward but not too long. Then a suspicious thing I noticed when a man in hooded jacket came up to the peripheral of the footage. He went behind the black SUV. I zoomed it again. It was pixelated. It couldn't make a face registration. He took out something on the trunk. Then circled behind going to Lisa's car. My mind already sensed something will going to happen. He quickly returned. Another man came and they went to the other car. The hooded guy pulled out a black bag and hurled it to his back. The other guy who wore a mask gave a gesture. A signal.

They took each cars. The black SUV and the heavily tinted van. They took off, a CCTV footage again showed that they left the condominium building. Then a few fast forward, Lisa and Tyler walked over the car with Quinn followed in tow, texting.

They got in the car, driving away. Then halfway to the exit suddenly, Quinn went out. She gave a hand signal that she forgot something. The car pulled out when another car was also going out and at their back. Lisa drove to the courtyard of the building, waiting for Quinn. A few minutes after, Quinn finally came out with a box in her hand. Her present for Tyler. It was his birthday that time.

She was halfway towards the car almost one hundred feet away when a blast roared making the other cars' alarm rang in a shrilly, ear-wreaking havoc and Quinn ducked and dropped to her knees, slipping the present for Tyler. She watched in horror as Lisa's car was on ablaze. She even tried to get near to the full blazing car but the security held her and stopped her. She was crying, God, She was crying so hard. She sobbed as she witnessed her mom and her brother were burned alive. The footage stopped.

I snatched my phone dialing the last call I did. "What the f**k is this Ferdinand?!"

"I know, we retrieved that CCTV footage nine months from now. It was hacked. The footage were blocked."

"What the hell?! The security said the CCTV's were broken. We did a deep investigation on this..." I tried to find a rational reason. "Someone paid the security personnel."

"No, the securities on duty that time were found death. They did a clean job. I bet a nameless hacker did a nice obstruction. It curved the data and made it look it were all broken. Well, on his part, he saved the full clip. I don't know, for his personal interest but from the way it looks, he was baiting,"

Hell! Who is he!?

"He, you mean he's–"

"We still don't know yet. But we keep using he to identify the culprit. Anyways, my department was doing a clean up. You know what happened the last time."

"Right, Pietriv tried to hack the system. Good thing Alice..." I trailed off. "Wait, are you saying that..."

"We're not sure yet but what we know is Quinn probably saw this and well, did her personal investigation. You know your niece, she has a very pertinacious spirit. We retrieved that after she left. I think she didn't like to tell the team but my league of IT's found this. She really know how to make a very nice firewalls and virus."

I scratched my scalp while stretching my aching back due to long time drive from New Haven, Connecticut to Cincinnati, Ohio. "So you're trying to say that Pietriv has something to do with it?"

"He's our lead in the meantime but I don't think he had more back bone to orchestrate all these. We know him, he's in the blacklist of *ITB that even goes to Special covert ops. The team where Quinn belongs."

"So what are you pointing out?"

"He's not the mastermind. I knew him, for my long time in Science and Tech, he's not just a big time hacker, a stellar from the bunch. Well, he's a pain in the ass but he cannot planned this all alone. He had other accomplice."

"Or, someone paid him for the job. He sent this to Quinn intentionally. He was trapping her."

"That's also what I think."

"Whoever he was working with, for sure, he knows Quinn and her breakthrough invention."

"Or her father."

I was shocked. Then acknowledged that as one possible thoughts. "Scott, so they trapping her to get on Scott?"

"Ben, you need to find your niece. I'll do everything to help. You can count on me with that."

"Thanks Ferdi."

"One more thing. We can't trace Zukerman. He's been long time missing. I hate to thing that––"

"Ziggy? He's helping her."

"Find Quinn first, we will handle Zukerman. He's like Quinn. He's her doppelganger."

"Keep me updated Ferdi."

‡Quinn ‡

I got to the lower westside about quarter to five. I met Dianne's conceited smile again. I ignored her passing her after she made sure that Meriam was still in her office.

I knocked on the door. She yelled for me to come in. "Hailey, you're early."

"Need the cash now. Are they all arranged?" I said as I took the visitor's chair across her desk.

"Yes, just sign here and we're all done." She put a form again in front of me.

I scanned her face checking if she was playing a trick on me. I read it very thoroughly and signed it with my fake name of course. "Here." I gave it back.

"Here's your card, you can withdraw your paycheck now."

"Okay, thanks." I stood, clutching the bank book and the card together with all of the leaflets of free life insurance and some ways to connect thru the bank without even being there personally. What technology can make to human life a lot more better and less stressful.

I deposited it all in my shoulder bag. I was about to turn for my exit when she suddenly spoke.

"I never knew how charming and good you are, you just nailed a very rich, not to mention, young bachelor in New York's uptown society. I guess I underestimated you. I'll have to commend your friend Frida for referring you here. You just bagged out a very nice bounty Hailey, I guess having few bruises are worth it for the price."

"What do you mean by that?"

She stood, walked over to me and smoothed my leather jacket, rubbing her hands on both my arms. "So intriguing, What did you do to make him pick you?" Then she eyed me tilting her head upright, giving her snotty smirk. "You must be so damn good."

"Excuse me, I have to go." I shoved her hands away from me. What the hell is wrong with this chick?

"I hope to see you again, Hailey." She said while leaning on the rim of her desk.

I just gave a quick nod and left her office.

‡Meriam ‡

I watched as that b***h walked away. Damn! She's freaking lucky while me, I spent four whole years to get my own luck. I f****d several DOM and sadistic clients just to survive this industry while she, it takes only one night and she snagged out a billionaire. He bought her for whopping one billion dollars!

I clenched my fists. She can't get away that easily. I worked so f*****g hard to get my position and earned their respect. But even I already have my own place here in this business, I still couldn't get my own money. Our cuts from the girls was so low, even the total revenue for the over all income were distributed to many members. Damn it! When will be my time come?

"Hey, you up?" A voice from the adjacent door cuts my reverie.

"Zandro, you're still here?" He was one of my play toy. Nah, he's just my constant play thing.

"Yeah, wanna f**k?" He invited giving me his devilish smile.

I rolled my eyes and folded my arms. "Don't you have anyone to play with?" I turned around and faced the wall beyond my desk.

"Why are you so angry?" He slowly made a move and kissed my neck. He fiddled his strong hands on my shoulder going down.

"What are you thinking?" As he was making his way to unbutton my lady suit jacket.

I sighed. "It's that girl. I got frustrated knowing she made out of the contract so damn easy. Can you believe it! Someone bought her last night."

"So, what are you mad of? You should be happy, that's another easy money." He started to smooth the inner or my suit, caressing my belly. His hand was coarse underneath the sheer fabric of my shirt. He was slipping his hand to my skirt. Massaging my flat belly and under belly.

"I'm just frustrated, she made it big in just one night. I want to kill her for that." I said vehemently.

"Sssh, you can't do that. Black Widow will get mad."

I laughed derisively. "As if I care!" I turned around, finally facing him. He was tall, dark and overly buff from head to toe. He's a gym instructor for seven years. He once worked as callboy.

One of Black Widow's old worn out boy toy. Even in my f**k partner, I still suck. Only pick garbage of others.

"Stop worrying okay," He cupped my face. "Let's just have fun." He smiled before he launched his first initiation. He torn my lips and chewed it like bubblegum.

Because I'm so mad and f*****g frustrated, I answered him equally. I gingerly snapped his buttons and smoothed my palms on his taut and rigid chest muscles. He continued to kiss me and navigated me to my table laying me half then he tore off his fly showing his raging c**k ready to fire jets of white fluid. I tucked up my pencil skirt, rolling it up and he gingerly snapped my thong down. I snatched his member and did a handshake with it. He grunted. We played a little while before he launched his first thrust.

I gasped for air and sighed. Then he pummeled on me, ramming me like stallion to mare. Fast, steady, unrelentingly and with full force.

Yes! Yes! Give me more! Give me more!

We never f**k for love but for body needs only. He banged me and banged and banged. I was riveting, high and soaring. He finally c*m and released ourselves a temporary pleasure.

After that rigorous workout, we cleaned up. I put him condom so it won't give me any worries. Of course, I was one of the girls when I was younger than seven years.

We chose to sit on the sofa smoking *MJ and drinking brandy.

"So, what's your plan?" He asked after we shared our frustration and agonies to our boss.

"I want to take over Black Widow."

He gave me a dubious look. "That's impossible, you can't do that. You know her, she's protected by Duchiri, you can't come across them. They will kill you." He pointed out.

"I know, but I'm not going to kill her." I butted my stick. "I'll make them do that to her."

He gave me a perturb look then screwed his face. "And how? They like her so much, so much that they even placed her as the supervisor of their s*x trade."

I gave him a what the hell duh! IKR look. "I have my plan, trust me." Then sipped my brandy. "It's time to give her mask a rest. It's my time to shine,"

‡Quinn ‡

I rushed to the nearest ATM and to check my savings and planned to withdraw a decent amount I will spend for the whole week. I input the password and punched the savings. It displayed a very surprising amount that my eyes dramatically popped out.

"Holy s**t!" I uttered as I saw five and eight zero digit. "What the––"

How did I get 500 million?! Half a billion!

My fingers were shaking. My hand were shaking. The voice behind my back startled me.

"Are you done miss?" A guy said with hint of irritation.

I glanced over my back to see a long line behind me. Waiting for me to bustle out.

I gingerly punched in the amount. I took two thousands. I waited as the cash were being counted. I snatched the cash, took my card and the receipt. I rushed out ignoring the long stare of the people.

"Did you take all the cash in this ATM?"

I gave him a glare. I should have checked my passbook before I headed straight here. Good Heaven! I should make my transaction in the bank instead. 2k is huge enough.

I grabbed a seat in the nearest chair outside a cafe. I sighed and momentarily glanced at my bag where I lodged the big cold cash. I fished out for the passbook. I looked and checked again maybe there's a huge mistake here. But no, the amount saving written on it was the same in the ATM. Five hundred million.

I closed it and tried to tackle a reasonable explanation on how I got this. Then I finally realized what that skinny, white b***h was saying.

I stumbled in a billionaire. Then my thoughts trained back to him. That bastard!

I never realized how huge mess I had put myself into. Now it's finally coming and for sure it will haunt me in matter of time. Damn!

I took my phone out and dialed the number.

"Ash, we need to talk."

"If this is about the date, you don't have to second––

"No, it's not that. I have a problem and you have to help me. You said you'll back me up."

"What are you talking about?" He said almost in low voice.

"I have a tremendous savings on my bank account. I bet the one who bought me deposit it straight on my bank. Hell! I don't want to be tied to him! You got to do something," I said almost frantically.

"Okay about that, I can do anything about it but, what I can offer you is my money to pay him back. I'll bail you out if you just play along with this. You're still there?"

"This isn't f*****g great," I have all my attention to my mission. I can't stand down just to remedy this mess.

"That's why I'm offering you my help. Now, do you finally see what kind of trouble you are in? I told you, not everything in Ryder's are free. You have to bear the consequences of your action."

"I know that." I sighed. I just want to make money. Easy money and this happened. You've dug your own hole Quinn. Terrific.

"Since you call, I have to remind you about the deal."

"Yeah, I heard that from you a couple of times now. I'm coming." As if I have a choice.

"Okay. I'll meet you then. Wear something good. A dress or a smart casual outfit."

"What's the event again? You never discuss to me the things that will happen in the evening."

"Just wear smart. It's a victory party."

"Of what? Victory for what?"

"Car race,"

★★★★★★

I dropped to Fifth Avenue just to grab a nice early dinner at Manzo, Eataly for fine, fancy Italian dining experience. Then I strolled around the Avenue and my feet brought me in front of the boutique shop. Something urged me to step in. So I did. I walked inside with my eyes roaming for my outfit tonight. Not that I'm trying to impress my date but since I have a lot of money, mind as well enjoy spending it. I mean, I'm just like the other girls.

Girls just wanna have fun. I think when Cyndi Lauper wrote that song in the 80's, she means not holding back, feel free to commit mistake and have no regrets.

Well, I want to feel good with my outfit. Besides it's not a crime to spoil myself at least just once.

"Good evening Maam, do you already have your pick?" A saleslady approached me.

I was on the blouses and formal wear outfit. Trying to figure out if I would go to semi-formal or my rugged ones. How about dress?

"Do you have dresses with cute, intricate cut outs? Or something that fits in a cocktail party."

"Oh, if you want Maam, I'll show you. Come with me." So she ushered me to the innermost of the boutique.

"These dresses were our new arrival. Here, it fits on your shape." She showed me a glittery body con dress.

"I like more edgy, and kinda classic in a way." I said returning it to the rack.

"Oh! How about this one, it's our best seller online." She showed me a red dress with nice plunging V neckline and nice back detail. It has a line of beaded crystal draped in the center.

"I think I'll just look around." I rejected.

I often goes more to comfortable than stylish. Besides, it's a cocktail so I guess I have to go with lacy or satin or somewhere in between.

"Okay, just let me know if you are already decided." She smiled and let me roved around, waiting for my beck and call.

I chose from the other rack and then something caught my attention. I went towards it and inspected it. I ran my hand to it. Wow! This will be it.

"Do you like that Maam?"

"Yes, can I try it?"

"Sure Maam, this way."

When I got out from the fitting room and checked myself in the full body mirror, I felt so flattered. It fits perfectly on my body.

"Wow! It fits in you so perfectly!"

I twisted and turned then looked back on the mirror. "I'll take it." I decided.

After I went out of the boutique and few stops from make up store, shoe store, snagged some jewelries, and hacked some beauty products. Okay, I splurged a little but this is for investment. Well, shopping makes anyone feel good.

I went back home, freshened up, wore my dress, done some make up, put silver necklace and dangling, I did a light to moderate evening look and wore a nude matte lipstick from Chanel.

I blew dry my hair and combed it. I decided to let my hair down only spraying hair cuticle to at least soften and gave it a little volume. I did a final look on the mirror before I decided to leave. I took my phone, my mighty lipstick, my extra small pack of utility tools and extra cash. I put it in my oversize purse, courtesy of Chanel. Then I slipped on my three inches Jimmy Choo.

"Looks like you have a very important date, can I come with you?"

"Nope, Alice but I let you track over my phone. I'll be back maybe at midnight." I was heading to the door. "No eavesdropping okay."

She made a sound like a hum of acknowledgement.

I latched the door and went down the stairs. I was at the second floor when I realized I should have bring a blazer. I was too close to the exit so I dropped it then hailed taxi.

As I was checking my face on my powder mirror, my phoned vibrated on my purse.

"Hey, I'm on my way."

"Good, just checking. He's here, he came early."

"Okay, I'll see you."

A few minutes later, I found myself staring at the big, blinking signage of a night club that made only for the rich bastard.

I gaped as it seemed like some kinda familiar. It says. Continental Pearl.

"Oh my God," I uttered. "I think I shouldn't be here,"

But because I have my words, I have to go inside. "Sleek Quinn, you made this to yourself." I said as I walked towards the entrance.

"Invitation," the guy asked eyeing me with scrutiny.

"I'm invited by Ash Castillo." I said.

"Name please," still in acrimonious tone.

"Hailey Danvers."

He gave me a look and whispered to the other man who looked like security. The guy went inside.

So they let me wait to the side and entertained the other newcomers. They came back and signaled to let me pass.

The guy nudged his head with steel eyes. I rolled my eyes on him and sashayed my way in.

I took my time roaming my eyes and praised the place. I was expecting to see a dark, giddy laser lights, crazy dancing people, heart pounding beat of the music and the heavy flowing drinks.

Well, the latter was still there except the others. It was, ah...so light, so prim and so quiet?

Okay, maybe this is how the rich people do clubbing. Or it was just for the event. It looks more like, a gala. A red carpet gala night.

"Hello, how are you? I bet you are Miss Hailey," a black suited man with slick hair approached me.

"Yeah," I answered, partly surprised and confused.

"Please come with me, I'll show your seat."

"Oh yeah." I followed him in tow.

He ushered me to the upper floor then to a long lounge seat upholstered in leather classic with plushy center table and center piece. And there was a chandelier above it.

"I'll tell Mr. Castillo that you arrived." He excused himself and disappeared in an arcade.

Okay, How should I describe it. It looks like an a-list club made for the rich, flamboyant people with grand display of opulence.

It was like you enter a formal evening gathering for gallery open or just what rich people do, charity ball.

I took another round of pacing, rambling the whole vicinity. Somehow I saw a stage singer, the band and the music, well, classic jazz. Then they were tables around dressed in prim, neat tablecloth, gold tiffany chairs, flowers and some lights on the wall cascading and there was a wall decorated with roses. A photo booth.

I was in a high platform, near balcony. I roamed my eyes more and saw the people getting thick. They were ushered in their table. Every table had reservation just like, what the f**k!

Maybe I got used to the usual club like the noise, the lights, the frenzy people. It was a party right, but it was way too posh and too boring in my opinion.

So I chose to go back to my seat, snatched a fine flute glass of champagne and drank in silent.

Moments later, Ash with a girl on his side suddenly popped in when I was on my second glass.

I stood automatically. "Hey, nice party." I smarted giving them my nice smile.

"Glad you make it. I thought you wouldn't come." Ash said playing the cool role again.

"Who is she?" The girl asked while her hand was clutching on the crook of his hand.

"She's Hailey, family acquaintance." He introduced me. We made a short script on our conversation over the phone.

"Hailey, this is Ella."

"Hi!" I spoke, giving my hand.

"Hello there," she cracked a genuine smile.

"My wife," Ash added.

"Oh! Right, she's the one you'd been talking about." I gave her a hug and kisses instead. "Ash was giving me a big talk about you," I smarted. I'm so good at this. Lying.

Actually, from brief talk and the data that I'd gathered about this couple, I have at least a headstart and some trivial knowledge but aside from that, they are totally strangers to me.

This couple has a very deep connection. Though, they didn't obviously show but you can feel something that been there.

Ash, as the usual American pretty boy in usual dapper looks; suited in black, slick, brushed up gold blond hair, deep blue eyes, straight fine nose, arrogant smile but it complimented perfectly on him, sun kissed tan and tall for his age while Ella; long curly chocolaty brown hair, big emerald green eyes that reflecting her good nature and innocence. Small straight nose, plump kissable lower lip and stood five and six in behalf of her two inches pumps. She wore a baby blue colored dress with delicately embellished design and prim slit in front.

I urged them to sit down. "So, how was it? Living together? Are you guys planning to go to Europe? I'm planing to go there if I have time." I bantered, still following the script.

Ash eyed me and gave me an acknowledging nod. "I think by this Christmas. We want to spend the yuletide in Paris just like before. Right Ella?"

"Yeah. But traveling is too tiring, I love it here. Just simple and less stress."

"I think you should try to do things differently. Me, I always travel. I went to Chicago, Seattle, some part in Michigan, West Virginia and a lot more that I lost of count. You should spend your life leisurely, we only live once."

"Really, wow! So you're a jet setter, but how did you do school? If you're traveling in many parts of the states?" Ella prattled. Just like Ash said, she's a bit gullible. Easy to gain her trust.

"Online Ed. It's hassle free and you have your own time. I'm actually upcoming college."

"Just like our age! Wow!" She said in prim tone.

"Look, I have to go to the powder room. Excuse," I took my emergency exit and eyed Ash who just accepted my leave.

While I was walking I heard Ella asked Ash. "You never told me about your other friend Ash," in her tone of childish jealousy.

"She's just a family friend. My deceased uncle knows her dad. And since she traveled a lot, we never had a chance to see each other. I just bumped into her one day and asked to have a reunion. Is that bad?"

Ella eyed him, skimming his face. "You don't seems so attached to her. You don't even say anything since we met her."

Good Lord! This girl is a psychic! Can read between the lines.

"Of course, we barely knew each other. I'm just being polite to invite her besides, it's my victory party." Ash smoothed her arm. "Relax, she's just a friend. Don't worry okay."

"Just make sure, if I learn she's your ex.."

Ash laughed at that. Ella gave a light dab on his arm. "I'm serious here."

"She's not my ex. We never been. That's impossible." He pulled her to his arm closer. "Besides, she's dating Will."

The moment that I heard that name suddenly I felt a tinge of familiarity. Probably one of the name that always in the news clip that I watched together with the media bits from Alice.

"Oh, really? Will is dating now? That's good news."

I went to the restroom leaving them to their private conversation. I was on my way to the powder room when I saw someone below, talking to some guests. My eyes did a second glance then focus. I gasped. Damn! He's here!

I hastily ducked when he suddenly averted his gaze above. Good thing there was a railing that shielded me. I looked dumb so I managed to feign that I lost something and picking on the floor. I peeked if he was not looking. I rose and ran to the restroom.

When I was inside, I tried to think something rational and sensible excuse. I can't show up with my date when he's around. Damn! I need to think some other way not to run into him.

As I calculating my steps and constructing my alibi, I decided to go back, blindly walking to my seat. He was nowhere to find though. Thank Goodness.

When I was near my seat. I saw Ash, Ella with some of the guests, friends maybe, talking. I'm about to walk on them when someone grabbed my arm. It made me step off balance and almost stumble but a strong chest prevent me. His musky scent registered to my nose and I instantly looked up to my captor. My eyes fixed on him. Suddenly I froze. I met the dark, questioning look of the one I'd tried to escape. It's him with his brooding, menacing vibe, looking at me like a lamb meets the wolf.

His quick smile made an abrupt reaction of my heart. Boy, this isn't good.

‡Will Castillo ‡

I watched as everyone filled in the house. This place feels like a depiction of club for the Gatsby retro. Indeed, this club is for social gathering or just a simple nightlife with the superb genre of music, prime booze and night social banter of New York's socialite circle. Just the usual night for me. But something in me feel a little excited.

I checked every ladies trying to fish out someone. I haven't seen any trace of her yet. It was already past seven.

I swayed and greeted the people with my clever smile. I was engrossed in a shallow conversation when I spotted my cousin and his wife. I felt a little tinge of disgust. I excused myself and went to their box. The construction of this club was depicted to an opera house. Balconies were filled with red velvet row seats and chandeliers gleamed in the high ceiling.

I took a swift sway towards the platform and met few of our schoolmates in Harvey. James noticed me approaching and whispered to my cousin. Ash looked instantly on my direction. He gave me a measuring look then raised his glass. I acknowledged it and raised mine. I was drinking whiskey. He, was on his champagne. Ella also threw a wary look then looked away.

How I hate this couple so much. I wanted to yell my anger, break them and tore them apart, satisfying my hatred for making my life miserable. It should be me celebrating, not him. Not them.

I was lurking in the background when a glimpse of something beautiful caught my attention. Then I smiled. So she came, right on time.

I watched as she was walking her way, gracefully gliding to the sea of people. She has a natural grace and nice posture. She wore a black cocktail gown, strapless, low plunging front design with veneer satin in the middle to keep it prim, crisscrossed lines of beaded sequins and crystals. It has a long skirt for evening gown. It hugged her curves showing all her assets. Also, her confidence was overflowing not to mention, her beauty stands out. God she's gorgeous! I'll make it worth while indulging myself tasting her. I found a nice toy to play with.

My feet automatically mobilized me to her and grabbed her arm. Damn, she smell so good. I wonder if I should take her home tonight for some rounds til dawn. I heard her sharp intake of breath, inhaling me. That's it b***h, savor my scent.

She looked up and the time stood still. God I love to kiss that nude lips gaping. I felt her body shivered and she looked surprise. I smiled knowing how I affected her. She's undeniably attracted to me as I was to her. I pulled her in my arm. She didn't resist.

"How do you like me now, Hailey?"

She took her time adjusting herself. "What do you want?" Then she started off again with acrimony.

"I want to spend the night with you." I managed.

"Well, I'm not here to play with you." She curtly spoke. She turned and already walking out.

Meanwhile, Ash gave me a look then to Hailey. My jaw clenched. Don't even start.

I followed her and put my hand on her slender waist. She jumped on her skin, trying to get it off. I smirked and gently tugged her close and whispered on her ear."Don't try to resist, I'll kiss you if you keep brushing me off." I warned, insidiously.

She gave me a glare. That feisty, fierce eyes making her more lively. Damn, I can't get it over her pugnacious spirit.

She didn't resist though and reluctantly stood at my side. I hid my small victory to myself. James sidestepping and curved on our way. I gave my empty glass to the roving waiter.

"Hey, you came." But his eyes were on Hailey.

I gave him a warning look first before I smiled. "Yes, couldn't miss this opportunity to make amends with my cousin." I lied. I just came to rub my presence in Ash's face. Just to annoy them.

"You have someone with you," He mentioned looking at Hailey with admiration.

"Yes, Hailey, my date." I spoke firmly.

She eyed me first before she looked at James, smiling.

"Nice to meet you, James here,"

"If you'll excuse us, we will greet my cousin." I suavely cut.

I swayed her away from him. I know his kind. He always have eyes for pretty girls but aside from face, he hunt for nice shape of bodies.

We went near them Ella noticed us and nudged her husband.

"Cousin," I started.

I felt Hailey's body stiffen. She eyed me in surprise and gave me a confuse look then to Ash.

If I wouldn't know her, I would think they know each other.

"I just need some fresh air," She excused, I stopped her, she gave me a glowering look and tugged me off.

"Will, thanks for being here. I hope we forget our misunderstanding." Ash offered a hand, I shook it briefly then went back to Hailey, following her.

I found her in a corner taking a deep breath and shaking her tension off.

"What are you doing there?" I spoke as I was behind her.

"God! What's wrong with you!" She uttered in her surprise.

"Do you want us to be alone? Well, maybe we could be alone here." I smiled mischievously.

"No! I want to go home," she said walking away again. But I snatched her arm and pinned her to the wall.

"I told you, if you keep this act I will kiss you." I never let her argue and captured her lips hungrily, sealing her as mine.

*National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force.

*Information Technology Branch - a branch of FBI.

*Mary Jane, m*******a.