𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝟏𝟖+

36. shot

POPPY ELLISON

✥

I always sleep better after spending time with Gabriel. As time goes by I like to pretend that Rexx isn't asking me to spy on him, I like to believe that what Gabriel and I have is built on trust and safety.

I'll come crashing down soon and I choose to ignore it. Especially when I know that the deep heartfelt emotions that I am feeling for him are real. I've fallen. I already know that and I fear how I'm ever going to get back from this.

A part of me knows that I won't, that's why I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

When I push myself out of my bed and get ready for the day, Rexx and Tristain are in the kitchen with a man that I've never seen before. He looks normal–which is the worst part. He's wearing a shirt but the top buttons are undone and his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows.

"Poppy," Rexx's voice echoes around us. "Nice to see you looking refreshed."

Not anymore. I think in my head.

"Hi," I offer him a smile because I cannot be bothered to get on his bad side today.

I glance over at Tristain who has his arms folded over his chest, leaning into the counter. He's not sneering at me but he sure is staring. I almost want to stick my tongue out like a child but I know better.

Then I look at the man I don't know. He's probably in his late thirties, good-looking but not enough to make me believe he's a good person. If he's tied with Rexx then I should know better.

"Poppy, this is Spence," he introduces me.

I let my lips curl into a forced smile. "Hi," I say directly to him this time. "Nice to meet you."

"Spence here," Rexx claps a hand on his shoulder. "I've hired to infiltrate Zane's club. I know there are a lot of secrets hiding beneath the surface and I'm ready to dig it all up and get that fucker along with, Gabriel. For everything that they own."

My blood runs cold. "Infiltrate?" I squeak like a damn mouse.

Rexx's lips slant to the side in an evil smirk. "Yes, Poppy. Infiltrate. I've got the plan set out perfectly and I don't need you ruining it."

"They're not stupid," I blurt. "They'll figure it out."

"Will they?" He takes a threatening step towards me and I purposely don't step back. "How would they know when Spence here is an experienced business man who has worked with hundreds of different institutions, nightclubs included. I've heard that Zane has been looking for new clients to benefit his business. I wonder how long it will take for them to seal the deal."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Zane is–"

"What?" His loud voice booms over mine. "Zane is what, Poppy? The only reason that they could possibly find out is if you tell them, which won't happen because I'll have them both murdered on the spot with your fucking name written all over it."

I'm sure steam is pouring from the top of my head at his foul words. "No one would believe that."

Rexx's expression twists into amusement, eyes glittering with a challenge. "Won't they? The psycho girl who begged for a job, who lied on her resume to get into the business. The crazy girl who hangs around with them all the time, desperate for some kind of revenge. Stories can be manipulated as easily as you think, Poppy. I wouldn't try and test me because this will end in bloodshed and it won't be a pleasant thing to witness."

"Zane's club has no secrets," I grind out.

He releases a laugh and then slaps the counter. "You might think you're important in their lives but they wouldn't tell you these things. Which is why I hired Spence to actually get the work done. I'm only keeping you around to make the blow to Gabriel even better. He's grown an attachment to you. It'll be thrilling to see how hurt he'll be when he realises that his golden girl is actually working for a fucking devil."