Aaron

6- Poker

Thea's P.O.V.

I followed Brady and Axle, the undercover detectives that would be in the club with me tonight, out of the van and into the club.

They headed straight for the bar, while I scoped out the place quickly. I already picked out multiple people on the FBI'S watch list and New York's new Mafia Boss, Derek Rynes. I headed over to the bar area, ignoring the few men eying me as I passed.

Leaning into the bar, I motioned to the bartender, getting his attention.

"Hey sweetheart. What can I get for you?"

"Hmmm, something strong. Surprise me?"

He gave me a wicked smile. "You like whiskey?"

"I do."

"I've got something you'll love. Give me a minute."

Brady and Axel were at different ends of the bar talking to the random people that they were sitting next to. I stood there, watching as the bartender mixed up the drink. He put a straw in it before coming back over. He smiled again and slid the drink over to me, "Try it."

I put the straw in my mouth. The delicious liquid hit my taste buds, "Oh my God. This has to be the best drink I've ever had. What is this?"

"Something top secret that I came up with." He smiled at me. "Don't drink too many of those though, they're extremely strong."

"Thank you."

I put money down but he picked it up and slid it back into my hand. Holding me for a moment as he leaned in and whispered in my ear. "That one's on me sweetheart." He winked at me before going over and helping others.

I smiled as I left the bar, walking over to the area Gray told me where the poker game would take place.

Walking down the stairs and over to the table, I saw Adrik immediately. I ignored his stares and smiled at the dealer "Is this seat already taken?"

"Ma'am? The buy-in is ten grand." The dealer looked at me like I was completely lost.

My smile widened as I handed over my money for the buy-in and chips. "Perfect."

Adrik pulled out the chair next to him with a smirk, "Let me."

I smiled back at him because I knew we were about to arrest this asshole. "Thank you."

I put my drink down, tucked my dress under my butt and sat down, getting comfortable as the dealer handed me my chips. I looked around the table quickly when my eyes locked with the one and only Aaron Hale.

I paused for a long moment as I took him in. I've never seen this man in person before, just heard the stories. He was extremely handsome, especially being this close to him and the presence he put off was actually overwhelming. My heart raced as I looked into this hazel eyed man who was staring back at me.

I composed myself. He was on the list of people I was talking to tonight. Whether my Captain liked it or not I was talking to Aaron about Judge Coleman's death.

I smiled, bringing my attention back to the dealer.

"Dumayesh', eta suka deystvitel'no umeyet igrat'?" (You think this bitch actually knows how to play?) Adrik asked, unbuttoning his suit jacket. He opened it slightly, just enough so I could see a small black notebook that I remembered Gray talking about.

This idiot thinks I'm dumb and can't understand Russian. A few men were chuckling, but not Aaron. He was glaring over at Adrik.

"Vse v poryadke, ya voz'mu yeye den'gi, a potom trakhnu yeye. Eto moye segodnya vecherom, rebyata." (It's alright though, I'll take her money and then fuck her. This one's mine tonight, fellas.)