The Key to the Oleander

Chapter Fifteen - Ace

My heart drops to the floor. What did she just say? And just when I thought there was a bit of hope left.

Her face of sympathy suddenly turns into one of determination. "I can fix this." She assures me, nodding. Not fully believing her, I nod nonetheless. "I need you to throw a party." I'm taken back for a second at her request.

"A party?" I repeat slowly. She nods instantly. "Okay, I can do that. Where and when?" I ask as I sit down beside her on the bed.

"A club, preferably the most popular one you can find, as soon as possible." She replies. I bite my lip as I think.

"Oh! A friend of mine's father owns a club, the MSC." I snap my finger once the idea hits.

"What's the MSC?" She asks, clearly confused.

"The Midnight Souls Club. I'll call him."

The plan is set. A party at the Midnight Souls Club, tonight at ten, which is in about an hour or two by the time we finish planning and calling people. I wait for Athena in the room while she's in the bathroom getting ready and on call with Miles, inviting him. I had already put on a black dress suit as she called her friend to invite her also.

She walks out, a smile rises onto her lips, giving me a thumbs up. I don't know what she has planned, all I know is that I trust her and she looks like a goddess.

A deep red dress fits her, showing off her build. I look up at her face, her bright red lips pop out her white teeth as she smiles. Her hair is curled and lays on her left shoulder.

"You look absolutely stunning, love." I stand up and pull her in by her hips. Her breath hitches at my sudden action. She looks down at my lips which is not helping me fight the urge to rip off her dress and make love with her right here and now.

"We should go." She says suddenly, pulling away quickly.

"Hey, we need to be careful tonight. The Masquerade Killer is still out there." I warn her, brushing her arm slightly.

Red stains her cheeks and I can't help but smile. I take her hand, not knowing what the hell I'm walking into. But whatever it is, I'm with her.

Athena's grip on my hand tightens once we walk through the crowd. Strobe lights flicker, blinding me from what's in front of me. I can only hope that I won't run into anyone. Chatter fills the air, along with the upbeat music.

"I reserved a section upstairs if that's alright?" I pull her in once we reach a wall so she can hear me. She only nods.

"I'm gonna go get a drink, I'll be right back." She says suddenly after a few minutes of us spectating.

"I'll come with you." I offer, but she stops me from moving by putting her hand gently on my chest.

"I'll be fine, really. Just wait here." She insists quickly. Even though I'm suspicious I hesitantly nod and stay put, watching her as she drifts into the crowd.

Call it my intuition, but I feel tonight is going to be an eventful night.