It was the next weekend and I had another visit with Dante planned. After I told him about how to contact my team, he said that he would get a hold of them straight away. I was so excited to be able to talk with Bridgette again via Dante and was looking forward to our next meeting all week. I told myself that it was because I was anxious to know what he had learned through our collective teams, but I knew it was something more. As much as I tried to ignore my attraction to Dante, it felt like it was impossible. I felt so silly as I got ready for our meeting. There were butterflies in my stomach, like I was back in high school and preparing for my first date with a cute boy. It was so stupid, not to mention dangerous, to feel this way. I was undercover in an escort system. I couldn’t allow anything to distract me. Valerie told me she wanted to personally inspect my outfit before I met Dante tonight. So, I chose a dark green dress and painted my lips red. I spent more t

“I think I should go back to my room before people begin to question where I am,” I told Dante, yawning and taking my head off his shoulder. “I’ll walk you back,” he noted, sliding his arm through mine. We walked to the mansion and I tried not to think about how good it felt to touch him, even though the touch was so innocent. I found myself wishing that I had met Dante under different circumstances. Maybe in a bar or a coffee shop. Hell, even online. Then, we could have pursued this undeniable connection between us. But, fate, God, or whatever being that was controlling the universe, hated me and I met Dante while I was undercover. It was not only stupid for us to form any sort of emotional or physical relationship, but it was also dangerous. If Dante and I allowed our emotions to get in the mix, we could blow the whole mission right when we were starting to make progress. These thoughts circled around my mind like water circling the drain. Dante said goo

Dante’s pants and my dress needed to go. But I didn’t want to stop kissing him to undress further. It was an interesting dilemma to be in. “Gabrielle,” Dante whispered against my neck while he placed hungry kisses in it. Fuck, his warm breath felt so good against my skin. “Hm?” I managed to mumble since I couldn't think straight with his hands all over me. “I wanted you to know that I’ve been tested recently and everything came back negative.” Fuck. A man who cared about sexual health. I liked him even more now. “I’ve been tested recently too. And everything was good. Also, I’m on the pill,” I replied. He sighed in relief. “Good, 'cause I didn’t bring a condom,” he said, causing me to laugh at his grateful expression. Then, a look crossed his face and I knew that something was bothering him. “What is it?” I asked him, knowing that he had a hard time expressing his true feelings. “I just don't want you to feel pressured to do

As soon as I came into the kitchen for breakfast, I could tell it was another ‘free day’. The smell coming through the kitchen alone was enough to give it away. If Valerie was here, the girls wouldn’t be cooking bacon, waffles, french toast, and sausage. I went over to a pan and started cracking eggs to fry them up. I waited for a lull in the conversation before I asked the burning question in my mind. “Does anyone know where Miss Valerie is anyway?” I asked the group casually after saying my usual ‘good mornings’ and ‘hellos’. I wanted to know if anyone had any new information on where she was. I was sure that her absence had something to do with the shipment she was getting from the governor. I wondered if something had gone wrong with it again and Valerie was putting out the fire. I thought about the cruel things Bernard would want to do to the governor if he messed up again. The Golden Hive was such a well-connected club that they had unlimited resources to

What the hell? How did Alice know I was trying to take down The Golden Hive? Was this a trap? Was Alice working with Bernard and Valerie? I needed to play it cool just in case. I thought that Alice was my friend and we got along well, but this could all be a ploy to make me reveal that I was undercover. Alice could even be wearing a wire. “Alice, I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about,” I replied, arranging my face into a confused expression. “Okay, I know that you have no reason to trust me. If it makes you feel better, look around the room, and check for cameras.” She raised her hands. “Go ahead and search me. I’m not wearing a mic.” “I think you’ve seen too many detective shows, Alice.” Alice groaned. “What do I have to do to make you trust me? I’m here undercover, which I know you are too.” “Why would you say that?” She gave me a look. “Come on, Gabrielle. I can tell when someone else is acting. I have a master's degree in