Chapter 6
Lydia handed Selina a black credit card without waiting for a reply and went backstage. Lydia’s foray into the underground music scene was purely for fun. Since becoming independent, she'd been searching for something to ignite her interest. Intellectually gifted, she mastered every hobby she pursued. Now, with billions in the bank, Lydia was a free spirit with considerable disposable income. Incognito, she was the star drummer of an up-and-coming underground band called The Rose.
The Rose's rapid ascent was largely due to Lydia's skill, earning them a coveted gig at the Starlight Club. Playing there was a significant achievement—a stepping stone to greater opportunities, more gigs, and a larger fanbase.
Holding the credit card, Selina felt a mixture of emotions. She produced another card from her jeans, emblazoned with a sword and shield. It was a thank-you gift from a mysterious individual she'd helped with a cyber issue. Linked to a foreign account with no spending limit, it had gathered dust in her wallet until now.
Selina pocketed Lydia's card and approached the bar. She used the sword-and-shield card to purchase a Bloody Mary.
Upstairs in the VIP lounge, a man in a blindingly white suit and hot pink shirt, wearing gold-rimmed sunglasses, leaned back, engrossed in a game. Only after securing a victory did he look up, self-satisfied. Charley Griffin tossed his phone down and eyed his companion, a shadowy figure absorbed in an iPad, seemingly reviewing spreadsheets. "Come on, Trevon!" he shouted. "Forget work! Let's relax, man. I'm bored to tears!" But Trevon didn't even look up. His fingers deftly manipulated the tablet, focused on a document in a foreign language. He exuded an air of regal authority, sharp-featured and stoic.
Trevon had accompanied Selina to obtain their marriage license, delaying his work. Now, he was catching up; procrastination wasn't in his nature. He suddenly remembered he hadn't given Selina his address. They were required to live together as part of their arrangement.
After sending her the address, Trevon returned to his work, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
Charley rolled his eyes. Having a workaholic friend was infuriating.
"Forget it, Charley," another voice interjected playfully. "When Trevon's engrossed in work, nothing will distract him." A tall man in casual white attire, with silver hair peeking out, entered. His face was chiseled, a roguish smirk playing on his lips. He carried two glasses of wine he'd apparently mixed himself. "Try this. I brewed and blended something new."
Charley's eyes gleamed; he looked like a child who'd just spotted a coveted toy. "Gimme, Edwin, please!"
Edwin Talley, with a playful grin, pressed a wine glass to Charley's forehead before sliding another across to Trevon.
Instantly, Trevon's eyes flickered with curiosity. His tablet pinged—a notification about a charge on his card. It was the card he'd given Charm, a top-tier hacker on the Dark Web, two years prior for cyber assistance. Even he didn't know Charm's true identity. 'And Charm is here, at the Starlight Club? Small world,' Trevon mused.
Edwin, noticing the shift in Trevon's demeanor, smoothly lit a cigarette. "What's with the grin, Trevon? You don't usually 'do' happy."
"Nothing," Trevon replied, taking a sip of Edwin's concoction. He stood. "Feeling a bit lightheaded. Need some fresh air. Be right back."
"No way! Mr. Workaholic Trevon? Lightheaded? Must be the end of the world," Charley teased.
Trevon gave Charley a withering stare. "Zip it, Charley, or I'll zip you up."
That silenced Charley, his eyes widening innocently. "My bad, Trevon."
Downstairs at the bar, Selina savored her Bloody Mary. The wine's enzymes mingled with her saliva, creating a unique aftertaste on her wine-stained lips. Her striking appearance drew admiring glances; she was a captivating presence. "Can I get you another drink?" a man offered, leaning in.
"Thanks, but I'm good," she replied sharply. She had a feeling she'd seen him before.
"Don't be like that, miss. We're all here to have fun. Are you alone? That's not safe. You could use someone like me to look after you. My name's Kevin Clark. Ever heard of the Clark family from Sobovis? I'm one of them," Kevin said, flashing a smile and tossing his hair, oblivious to his awkward approach.
Instantly, Selina threw her drink in his face. "Never heard of them," she snapped.
Of course, he was from the Clark family, the family of her supposed betrothed. No wonder she felt repulsed. Chapter 6