Chapter 675
Chapter 675:
“Ugh. Gross.” Victoria leaned forward between the seats. “So, where are we going? Please tell me it’s somewhere with top-shelf tequila. I’ve been drinking the minibar sherry for two days p>
“The Vault,” Skye said.
Victoria whistled. “Alistair’s place? Fancy. Do we have a reservation, or are you just going to flash that ring and part the Red Sea p>
“Something like that,” Skye said.
The Vault was hidden beneath an old bank building in the financial district. There was no sign, just a heavy steel door and a bouncer who looked like he ate concrete for breakfast. He took one look at Skye, nodded respectfully, and opened the door.
The sound hit them first, a low, thumping bass that vibrated in the chest. The air smelled of expensive leather, cigar smoke, and citrus zest. It was dark, lit only by amber Edison bulbs and the glow of the massive circular bar in the center, which was built around the original bank vault door.
They claimed a semi-private booth in the corner, upholstered in deep velvet.
“Three shots of Don Julio 1942,” Victoria ordered before they had even sat down. “And keep them coming p>
Skye watched her, amused. “Celebrating something p>
“Freedom,” Victoria said, tossing her coat aside, “and the fact that Lucian is currently minus four tires. Parker sent a screenshot to the group chat. Well, the encrypted game-lobby chat that I’m technically not supposed to have access to. I laughed so hard I choked on my kale smoothie p>
The drinks arrived. Victoria downed hers in one gulp, slamming the glass down. She shuddered. “God, I needed that p>
Liam sat on the edge of the booth, nursing a beer. He was quiet, his eyes scanning the room behind the thick frames of his glasses. He wasn’t drinking; he was watching. He noted the exits, the security placement, the faces of the patrons.
His phone buzzed on the table, a notification from the League of Legends companion app. It was a message from Parker.
Parker [Lobby Chat]: Drone footage secure. Uploading to cloud. Also, tell Victoria she owes me for the courier fee. Credits don’t grow on trees in here.
Read without limits on be.com
He grabbed a bowl of peanuts from the table and started shelling them. His movements were precise, methodical. He placed the shelled nuts on a napkin and nudged them toward Skye.
Victoria paused, her glass halfway to her mouth. She squinted at Liam.
“Hey, Gamer Boy,” she said. “That’s awfully sweet. You trying to hit on my sister-in-law p>
Liam’s hand froze for a fraction of a second. “Just being polite. I heard she likes peanuts p>
“Polite?” Victoria scoffed. “You’re peeling them like you’re performing surgery. It’s weird.” She looked at Skye. “Is he your boy toy? Does Alistair know you have a nerd on the side p>
Skye laughed, taking a peanut. “He’s harmless, Victoria. He’s just working for a tip p>
She pulled a hundred-dollar bill from Lucian’s envelope and tucked it into Liam’s hoodie pocket.
“Good job, Preston p>
Liam’s mouth twitched. “Thanks, lady p>