Revive (Book Two)

Chapter Twenty-Three: Falling

I was going to need my own card to get access to this place by the time everything finished.

The bouncer eyed me and acted as if he had no idea who I was, even though I've been here a few times before to meet with the same lady, in the same room, usually around the same time. It was almost insulting.

He nodded to me after reading the black card with gold writing sprawled along it. "Right this way," He began walking.

"I can find it myself," I muttered. "I don't need direction."

The bouncer said nothing, but proceeded to guide me down the dark hallway to the front of a secluded door.

I eyed him, waiting for him to open the door for me as I already knew he wouldn't let me alone.

"Kingsley," He motioned while opening the door.

I walked in to be met with the usual darkened setting. There were only a few dimmed lights, but the table was welcomed with candles so you could view each other in the dark.

"Miss Grace," I murmured as I walked to the front of the table. As she went to stand, I motioned for her to sit back down. "Please," I dismissed.

"Elias, I almost suspected you wouldn't be joining me this evening."

I gave an alluring smile as I took my seat. "Nonsense. I wouldn't bail on you."

Vivian had a navy blue attire on, slim fitting and elegant as usual. She lifted the bottle of wine and poured herself another glass, then topped my own glass, even though I never drank it. "You haven't returned my call," She hummed.

I rolled up my sleeves and rested my forearms on the table. "I've been busy," I answered. "I know what they mean."

"So she doesn't know about me, is that right?" She didn't look up from her task, but I could tell she was intruiged by that information.

"No," I darkly said.

"Does she not wonder where you go in the late hours of the night?" She finally looked up, then placed her elbow on the table, having her chin rest in the palm of her hand. Her dark blue fingernail tapped her cheek.

"I tell her what she needs to know," I murmured. "And I'd like to keep it that way."

She offered a delighted smile and sipped her red wine. "If you insist."

I narrowed my eyes, observing her. She was being a little more daring than she usually was. "Will that cause a problem?"

She swallowed, and shook her head. "Of course not. As long as you know what you're doing, a need to know basis might be ideal. But be careful with your secrets, Elias, if I hadn't discovered yours, it's possible we both might not be sitting here."

"She has nothing to worry about, Miss Grace. Nor do you," I smiled. "I'm guessing our meeting has more to do with something else other than my love interests, yes?" I clasped my hands together.

"There have been developments, yes," She answered, her eyes gleaming towards me. "Please tell me the details of Nash's death," She requested.

I sat back. "Is it of importance?"

She swirled her wine in her cup momentarily. "In some ways, yes, I'd like to believe so."

I swallowed hard. "Do they have any leads?"

She smiled, waiting patiently.

I glanced at the bottle of wine and easily concluded her personality of the evening. She had an extra glass while waiting for me. I smiled. "If you'd like to play it my way, then I'll give you one," I said. "Nash, well we have been friends a very long time. But that also came with being enemies... For a very long time. As you may know."