Chapter 7

Brianna’s scalp throbbed under his harsh grip. Her throat constricted. It wasn't just fear holding her tongue; it was a mix of emotions she couldn't untangle. This man, hidden in shadow, was playing a dangerous game. She was starting to feel the danger and maybe the arousal in herself and started to get scared.

"I…" she stammered, the single syllable lost in the smoky air.

He tugged harder on her hair, not enough to cause pain, but enough to make his point. "Tell me." His voice was a low rasp that seemed to vibrate through her bones.

Brianna squeezed her eyes shut for a second, trying to block out the pressure, the fear, and the undeniable spark of excitement that was flickering within her. What did she want? She needed the money, desperately. That was the whole reason she was here. But beyond that, this man, whoever he was, was stirring something inside her she had never felt before.

She opened her eyes, meeting the darkness where his face should be. “I…I want…the money,” she blurted out, the truth, or at least part of it, tumbling out.

He chuckled, a low, satisfied sound. "That's it? Just the money?"

Brianna bit her lip. He was pushing her, testing her. "No," she whispered, almost against her will. "Not just the money."

"And what else, Eve?" he pressed, his voice softer now, almost coaxing. "What else do you want?"

This was it. This was the point of no return. She could lie, give him the words he wanted to hear, and get it over with. Or she could tell the truth, risk his anger, and see what happened.

She took another shaky breath. "I want…to feel something," she confessed, the words raw and vulnerable. "I want to forget about everything, just for tonight."

The grip on her hair loosened slightly. She dared to look up, trying to pierce the shadows that still concealed his face.

"Forget about everything?" he echoed, his voice thoughtful. "That's a dangerous wish, Eve."

"I know," she said, her voice barely audible.

A long moment of silence stretched between them. Brianna could feel his eyes on her, studying her, trying to see into her soul.

Finally, he spoke. "Alright, Eve," he said, his voice low and firm. "I'll help you forget. But you have to promise me something."

"What?" she asked, her heart pounding.

"Promise me you'll be honest with me," he said. "No more lies. No more games. Just the truth, between us."

Brianna hesitated. Could she really be honest with this man, a complete stranger? Could she reveal the parts of herself she kept hidden from everyone?

But as she looked into the darkness where his eyes should be, she saw something there, a flicker of something real, something…lonely.

"I promise," she said, her voice firm.

He released her hair, his hand sliding down to cup her cheek. His touch was surprisingly gentle.

"Good," he said, his voice a low murmur against her skin. "Because tonight, Eve, we're going to forget everything…together."

He leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. A shiver ran down Brianna’s spine. This was it. This was really happening.

But just as his lips were about to meet hers, a loud banging on the door shattered the moment.

"Senator McIntyre! Are you in there?" a voice shouted, panicked. "It's Levi! We have a problem!"

Phoenix swore under his breath. This was not how he envisioned the night going. He pulled away from Brianna, his face hardening with annoyance.

"What the hell is going on?" he growled, his voice laced with irritation.

"Senator, it's urgent! You need to see this!" Levi shouted through the door.

Phoenix glanced at Brianna, a mixture of frustration and apology in his eyes. "Stay here," he said, his voice low. "I'll be right back."

He stood up, adjusted his clothing, and strode towards the door, his face set in a grim line. He threw open the door, revealing a frantic Levi clutching a phone in his hand.

"What is it?" Phoenix demanded, his voice sharp.

Levi’s eyes were wide with panic. “It’s Brooke, Senator. She…she’s gone to the press. About…everything.”

Phoenix stared at Levi, his blood turning to ice in his veins. Brooke had done what? Gone to the press? About him? About Brianna?

"What are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice barely a whisper.

Levi thrust the phone into his hand. "Just…just look at this, Senator."

Phoenix took the phone, his hand trembling. He looked down at the screen and saw a headline blazing across the screen of a news website:

"Senator's Secret Life Exposed: Affair with Stripper Rocks Political World!"

Below the headline was a grainy photo of him leaving Valkyrie a few weeks ago, his face partially obscured by his disguise, but still recognizable.

Phoenix stared at the screen, his mind reeling. Brooke had done it. She had exposed him. Everything he had worked for, everything he had built, was about to come crashing down around him.

He looked back at Levi, his eyes filled with a mixture of shock and fury. "Get the car ready," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "We're going to have a little chat with my fiancée."

He turned back towards the VIP room, his heart pounding. He had to tell Brianna. He had to warn her.

But as he stepped back into the room, he found it empty. Brianna was gone.