under that pretty face, Zoe. No one in their right mind would want you.
I swallow the tears that threaten to spill. No matter how much I tried to ignore those words, they cut so deep.
Because I’m starting to believe that maybe they’re true.
Chapter Nine
More than a week passes without much of a clue.
Liam’s getting restless. Not because the lack of results? but because he believes my position will be compromised sooner or later.
What I’m worried about is that these new leaders don’t seem to want President Joe in their business. It’s a bit tense around here, but I don’t think anyone is concerned about a war.
If anything they’re ready for it.
I’d hoped Mist or the mysterious Ghost would be smart enough to avoid casualties, but perhaps, they’re like Shadow and don’t give two fucks about something apocalyptic.
With a nod, I thank the barmaid and take the tray of drinks. Booming music swallows the club area. My movements are automatic and bored as I distribute to each table. Some customers’ gazes linger a bit too much on the low cut of my dark red dress. However, no one has tried to cop a feel so far. Perhaps Mist’s terrorising ways are enough warning. I’ve seen her throw out rich men and politicians without batting an eye.
She’s still my hero – aside from the drug thing.
Natalie smiles at me from across the room. I smile back, but I doubt she sees it in the dim, red light and the chaos.
This isn’t me. I’m not supposed to be a waitress in a club working every night until I have no energy left.
The nightmares with Mum’s voice are returning, and I wake up with tears streaming down my cheeks and self-loathing burning underneath my skin.
I’ve been keeping an eye on Le Salon, the underhanded dealings, and the secret meetings, but I still can’t find an opening to something big. Maybe I should’ve joined President Joe’s side and tried to dig his grave from there.
Who am I kidding? I’d reveal my intentions towards him in no time. I resent him too much to be able to hide my hatred. He came over a few days ago for negotiations with Mist. All I saw was Mum’s dead face, and I almost attacked him. Which would’ve gotten me killed.
My gaze strays to the lift and the stairs. A few more guards than usual are stationed near every exit. Mist has a meeting with a mysterious guest tonight. I should find an opening and try to eavesdrop and hopefully, come up with something useful.
I turn towards the bar and stop short. Shadow is standing in the dim area across the dance floor with Lachlan and Scar. He’s wearing his standard dark jeans and a white T-shirt that hugs his impressive build. Even from this distance, I can still make out those snarling tigers as if they were tempting me close.
Shadow hasn’t been paying me the slightest attention since the stroll in Hyde Park. He completely erased me as if I’m invisible.
I’m the one who rejected him, but I’m itchy about the fact that I’m unworthy of a glance.
Well, screw him. He doesn’t exist for me either.
And yet, my gaze rakes over that mesmerising height of him and that ‘fuck the world’ posture. It doesn’t help that I’ve been visiting Nonna and the old woman has been telling me all sorts of stories about Shadow’s childhood. Most of them are tragic.
The only reason why I’m hung up on him is because I pity him. Nothing more.
Still…
I cut a glare at Scar who’s wearing a short Barbie-style dress that hugs her petite, soft body. I want to ruin her perfect face and cut up her entire wardrobe. She’s the only woman here, aside from Mist, who dares to talk casually to Shadow and Julian.
I hate that.
I rip my gaze from them and search for Natalie. It’s almost closing time, and I need a drink stronger than my usual coffee.
There’s no trace of Nat in the club, so I head to her sanctuary. She spends a shit load of time in the storeroom. Her way to hide from all the chaos, I guess.
I halt at the foot of the stairs when I hear distorted noise. The music from the club hushes in the background as I approach the ajar door with careful footsteps.