19. Nineteen

Nineteen

Charlotte

I examined myself in the mirror, primping my curly hair and wiping the excess eyeliner smudged around the corners of my eyes, nodding with a toothy smile. I was wearing a tiny, sleeveless and lacy black dress which hugged tightly around my curves in all the right ways and halted just below the start of my thighs, revealing the matching lace hugged tightly around my plump ass. There was a deep slit in the middle to show off my cleavage which was pressed firmly together by my favorite pushup bra, and I’d chosen to wear my favorite matching heels, each strap twisting up each leg and tied in a perfect bow just below my knees. Not to toot my own horn here, but fuck— I looked hot. The guys were going to love it.

It was going on nine at night. Carter was already long gone to the club, having driven Blaire’s car after I’d taken him up to the precinct yesterday to retrieve it. Karl was being released soon and tonight was our only shot at catching my stalker, and I fucking prayed our plan worked.

If not…well…

I didn’t want to think about that right now.

I couldn’t.

I had to stay positive and believe this would work, so I raised my head high and walked out of my bathroom, down the staircase, and into my living room.

My purse was on the kitchen island, and after double checking I had my keys, I was out the door, rearming the security system and activating all cameras through my phone .

The drive to the club was smooth and easy, and after remembering the tips Carter had given me to discover if I was being followed, I sighed with relief, thankful the coast was clear as I pulled in and parked. As I gaped around, taking in the twenty-something cars scattered around, I frowned. I didn’t see Spike or Phoenix’s car anywhere.

I pulled out my phone then, sending off a text to Phoenix.

Where are you?

His reply came back a minute later.

We’re on the way, baby. Be there soon.

I cracked a tiny smile, then dropped my phone in my purse. After sliding on my cat mask, my purse tightfisted in my left hand, I got out of the car, spotting Carter almost immediately.

He was standing right outside the entrance, dressed in a black SPD issued security jacket, dark jeans, a black button-down underneath the open jacket, and running shoes. He raised his hand to me and asked to see my ID, then stumbled back a step or two, widening his eyes when I lifted my mask, exposing my face to him.

“Wow,” he breathlessly murmured, lips parted. “You…” He swallowed, his Adams apple bobbing as he gave me another head-to-toe sweep. “My God… You’re beautiful, Charlotte.”

An uncontrollable blush crept up my cheeks. “Thank you, Carter.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?"

I inhaled, shaking my head as I moved my mask back in place. “I don’t.”

“Then don’t. Maybe there’s another way. ”

I cracked a smile. It was sweet of him to be so worried. “I don’t believe there is,” I said honestly, sadly. “You have my back tonight, right?”

“Of course.” Carter gestured to the holster strapped to his side with the gun he’d recently purchased tucked securely inside it. “He won’t hurt you or them, not if I can help it.”

“Do you know if Cap and Chief are here yet?”

He shook his head. “Not yet, but I expect they’ll arrive any minute now.” He opened the door and extended his hand to me. “Come on, we need to get you inside. Felix is waiting for you.”

The door shut, and standing front and center behind the desk with a disapproving smirk on his face was Felix McMann. His duck mask was on, and he was disturbingly dressed like a rainbow from head to toe.

“Hmph,” he said, his nose scrunched. “You look like a whore.”

My brows furrowed. “Excuse me?”

“Why is it all the men I like are fascinated with you?”

“What?” I blinked at him like he’d sprouted an extra head. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

He nudged his head at the door, at Carter. “Aside from Spike, that is the most delicious man I’ve laid eyes on in a very long time.” Felix clicked his tongue, sucking on his bottom lip as he continued watching Carter. “Fuck, the things I’d do to that man.”

“ Felix .” I stepped forward and slammed my palms atop the desk, whipping his attention back on me. “Fucking focus.”

He threw up a dismissive hand and rolled his eyes. “As planned, the Red Room is reserved for you, Spike, and Phoenix only. However, should anyone want to tune in on the show, they’ll have to purchase a ticket. That is the only thing that will allow them entrance to the Red Room. The show won’t start until we’ve sold a total of twenty tickets. That should give you enough time to get settled and make any last-minute preparations.”

“How many tickets have you sold so far?” I asked.

“Zero.”

I cringed at the news, then offered him a sympathetic look. “Seriously?”

“Well, aside from my free ticket, then yes, seriously.”

“I’m sorry.”

He scoffed, flicking a hand at me. “Shoo now, whore. Your perfume is strangling my lungs.”

“Call me a whore again and I’ll rip your lungs from your throat.”

Felix smirked at me then. “I can see why Spike adores you so much.”

When I didn’t move and he could see I was really starting to get good and pissed the fuck off, he paused and bellowed out an annoyed sigh. “I’m sorry for calling you a whore. I’ll update you as more tickets are sold.”

There were so many things I wanted to say, starting off with his ridiculous wardrobe, but I bit my tongue after reminding myself to focus on what was more important. Catching our perp.

With an indignant scoff, I spun on my heel and then made way for the bar, ordering my usual.