Chapter 370
Chapter 370:
“Dominic’s hotel,” Alistair noted. “Of course p>
“And,” Skye continued, scrolling down, “he’s hosting a charity gala tomorrow night. ‘The Graves Foundation for the Arts.’ It’s a cover p>
“A cover for what p>
“A meet-and-greet,” Skye said. “He’s shopping for new partners. And new victims p>
“We’re going,” Alistair said immediately.
“I’m going,” Skye corrected. “You can’t be seen with me. Remember? We’re supposed to be ‘estranged’ for the show’s narrative. If I show up with you, it ruins the ‘broken ex-wife’ angle I need to hook Liam p>
Alistair growled low in his throat. “I am not letting you walk into a room with Graves alone p>
“I won’t be alone,” Skye said. “I’ll be with Julian. He’s my agent, remember p>
Alistair’s jaw tightened. “Julian is a cripple right now. He can’t fight p>
“But he can talk,” Skye said. “And I have the gun. And the wire p>
They arrived back at the safe house to change. A package was waiting on the porch.
From Julian.
Inside was a dress. It was red—blood red. Silk. Backless. It was elegant, but the fabric was voluminous enough around the hips to conceal secrets.
“Subtle,” Alistair commented dryly, holding it up.
“It’s designed to distract,” Skye said, taking it from him. “And to conceal the clutch p>
She went to change.
When she came out, Alistair stopped breathing for a second. The dress clung to every curve before flowing out like liquid fire.
“You look…” he started, his voice rough. “Dangerous p>
“Good,” Skye said.
She picked up the matching red clutch bag. It was heavier than it looked. Inside, nestled in a custom-molded compartment, was the compact pistol Hunter had given her.
“Turn around,” Alistair said.
Skye turned. He stepped close, fastening the microphone necklace around her neck. It looked like a diamond choker.
“I’ll be in the van outside,” Alistair whispered against her ear. “If you say the safe word, I come in. And I don’t stop shooting until you’re out p>
𝘋аi𝗅y 𝗎р𝘥𝘢𝗍е𝘀 𝗈ո 𝗯𝘦.с𝗈𝗆
“Everest,” she repeated.
He kissed her neck, right over the pulse point. “Be careful, Skye. He’s a monster. Don’t let him charm you p>
“I don’t charm easily,” Skye said, turning to kiss him on the lips.
It was a hard, desperate kiss. A promise.
They drove to the Dominion Hotel. The paparazzi were already swarming.
Skye met Julian in the lobby. He was in his wheelchair, wearing a tuxedo that hung slightly loose on his frame, looking elegant despite his condition. A nurse stood discreetly behind him.
“Ready for your close-up?” Julian asked.
“Let’s get this over with,” Skye said.
She walked beside his chair. They moved toward the ballroom doors. The music spilled out—classical, refined, masking the rot inside.
Skye took a deep breath. She touched the Thorne pin hidden on the inside of her bolero jacket.
She stepped into the lion’s den.
The ballroom was a sea of black tuxedos and glittering gowns. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen tears. The air smelled of expensive perfume and greed.
Skye scanned the room. She saw Dominic holding court near the bar, laughing too loudly. She saw Liam—yes, Liam was there too—leaning heavily on a cane, looking pale and ghostlike. He spotted her and started to move toward her, but Skye turned away.