In Too Deep

Twenty

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A long line of people was waiting outside the club, waiting to be let in. Some of them were lingering around, smoking, and others were being dropped off in their cars or cabs. Nova had not yet walked out of the car; while she waited for Vicious to finish his phone call, she looked out through the window, watching the bouncers turn people away. Two guys were hurled outside the club, stumbling on their feet and it was apparent they were drunk.

The dress she was wearing was crepe black and simple; although, the back was completely open and the neckline was dipped so low. She had tucked her hair behind her ears and let it fall behind her back. Vicious was also wearing completely black from head to toe.

"The guy we are meeting at the club is a cartel leader. Make sure you don't say anything. Keep your head down. You don't need me to tell you how dangerous cartels are."

She glanced at him, but he wasn't looking at her; he was texting someone on the phone, so she looked away from him without needing to say anything. His association with a cartel didn't stun her, she realised, somehow she had gotten so used to the unexpected surprises.

The bouncer didn't bother to check their IDs, something that told her this wasn't the first time Vicious had been to the club. Colourful lights worked the crowd and the heavy metal music blaring from the speakers almost gave Nova a headache. Three girls with bare clothes on were dancing on poles, while the men who lingered around the stage showered them with money.

Staggering bodies bumped into her, the smell of pot wafting off their clothes. Nova surveyed another corner of the club where people were dancing on the dance floor. Vicious tugged on her arm, then pointed at the stairs. She followed him all the way, but when they reached the top, they were halted by a security guard.

"I have a meeting with Lorenzo," Vicious stated, his voice ice-cold. The security guard nodded, then slide a glance at her. "She's with me."

He let them pass through a red door. Sitting behind a desk was an undeniably attractive man who glanced up when they walk in. The two chairs that were perched in front of the desk was signalled to them by the man that had to be Lorenzo. He wore a tailored black suit sitting perfectly across the vast expanse of his shoulders. Sitting down, Nova tried to calm the churns of her nerves.

"Vicious," he greeted in a smooth, accented voice. She tried to gauge his age, but she couldn't be specific except to place him in the late thirties or early forties. "I didn't know you would be dropping by today."

Vicious crossed his leg over the other. "Well, there's been a few setbacks, and I needed to talk to you to make sure there's still a deal between us."

Lorenzo's brows furrowed. "Those aren't a few setbacks. You've been hit too many times and recently lost a shipment. You can't keep your territory in order." He was shaking his head when his gaze flicked back to her with open curiosity. "And who is this?"

"She's new. She works for me."

His open gaze made her uncomfortable because she didn't have any idea what he was thinking about, but she tried to appear confident that she lacked. After all, she wasn't dealing with a gang, but a cartel. They were ruthless and vengeful. They were not known for forgiveness or mercy, and they had no problem killing anyone; including their families. Any wrong moment would get her killed. Any doubt on their minds would also get her killed.

"I don't like new people. I like faces I know."

Vicious seemed to pause before adding an explanation, "I trust her and vouch for her. She's not going to be a problem."