Alice's parents took countless photos as Aaron arrived at her house in his family's limousine. He had already attached the corsage of white roses and blue hydrangeas, matching his date's dress. Alice struck numerous poses, dazzling the camera with her smile, while Aaron remained impassive. He wondered how many pictures two people needed; he was already weary, and they hadn't even left yet.
"Do you have sparkling cider?" Alice asked, settling into the limo.
"Yes, it's in the cooler to your left."
She thanked him and spent the rest of the ride sipping in silence. This was precisely why Aaron had chosen her—twice. She was easily pleased and showed zero romantic interest in him. The prospect of reliving this dull evening was particularly annoying. He envisioned another night of Alice socializing with friends while he sat alone. He considered texting Keeley while at the prom, instead of waiting until afterward as planned.
They arrived at the hotel and ascended the grand staircase to the ballroom. The prom's theme, "A Night in Hollywood," featured a red carpet and a Hollywood sign backdrop for photos. After posing on the red carpet, Alice looped her arm around his waist for another photo opportunity. Releasing him immediately, she gestured for him to follow as she showed off her date to her friends.
Aaron braced himself for a long night. Small talk was second nature, honed by years spent with the rich and famous, but that didn't make it enjoyable. He played his role well, pleasing Alice. His job was to be her arm candy, provoking jealousy from other girls—and, more importantly, her fiancé, arranged since she was twelve. Aaron, apparently unconcerned about the arrangement, had a girlfriend. Alice's nonchalance left Aaron unsure whether she cared about her fiancé or merely suffered wounded pride. It didn't matter to him; he would endure the next few hours as he always had.
Max needn't have worried about the extraction. Keeley was unconscious, already dressed in a cheap magenta gown. The tranquilizer would soon wear off; they only needed to administer the black-market drugs. She would be heavily intoxicated, likely unaware of her surroundings.
Lacy, sipping strawberry lemonade, appeared disinterested in the music. He approached, reporting after reading the mercenary's update: "She's waiting in room 522. When do you want to go?"
"We need to establish our presence first. Let's socialize and dance. We can slip away unnoticed later."
Max admired her cunning, if obsessive, nature. He nodded, and they spent the next thirty minutes mingling with acquaintances, even greeting Aaron and Alice to avoid suspicion. Aaron's coldness towards Lacy was palpable, and Max felt her simmering anger. Keeley was truly in danger.
He felt sorry for her. She had tried to avoid Aaron, but he persistently pursued her. Unfortunately, Max had to sacrifice her to end Lacy's obsession and win her affection.
After four songs in the mosh pit, Max and Lacy moved to the refreshment table and left separately. Lacy knocked on room 522, and Max pulled her inside before anyone could see.
"You didn't have to be so rough," Lacy complained, rubbing her wrist.
"Sorry, I didn't want to risk being seen. I relieved the mercenary. She's out cold, but you should disguise your voice and wear this mask."
Max handed her a masquerade mask and donned a clown mask himself.
"What on earth are you wearing?!"
"This drug is potent—a hallucinogen, followed by fever and unconsciousness. The mask will scare her; her memories will be hazy, making it seem like a nightmare. I don't want her to associate us with it," Max explained. "Smart, right?"
He wanted to take pictures and leave quickly, unsure how long the visions lasted before the aphrodisiac effect. He needed time to get Lacy away before texting Aaron with a burner phone. He bet Aaron would arrive quickly and comply with the drugged girl's desires. Based on Aaron's past behavior with Keeley, he wouldn't let her go after sex.
Lacy, unaware of the full plan, was impressed. "You're surprisingly thorough."
He grinned, briefly lifting his mask. "I try. Here, take the camera. I'll scatter some pills and place the bottle on the bedside table to make it look realistic."
Keeley stirred. It was showtime.
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