16. Ivy

16

IVY

As we enter the club, striding past security and through the scanners, I find it all a bit too easy. Vex clearly is a regular at this place and knows exactly where we are going. I shrug the hoodie off and hand it in at the coat check, hating that I now reek of Vex.

The pulsing music and flashing lights assault my senses as we head further inside. The place is packed with supernatural creatures of all kinds. I scan the crowd, looking for any sign of Marcus.

Vex's hand on the small of my back makes me tense. "Relax," he murmurs in my ear. "Act natural. We need to blend in."

I force myself to take a deep breath and nod. He's right, as much as I hate to admit it. We make our way to the bar, Vex ordering drinks for both of us. As we wait, I continue to survey the room.

"There," Vex says suddenly, nodding towards a VIP section cordoned off by velvet ropes. "That's him."

I follow his gaze and see a tall, pale man with slicked-back dark hair lounging on a plush couch. He's surrounded by several scantily clad women, all looking dazed and compliant. My stomach turns as I remember what Ramsey told me about Marcus's business.

"I need to get closer."

He grins wickedly. "Leave that to me, little shifter. Remember what I said."

Before I can protest, Vex grabs my hand and leads me onto the dance floor. He pulls me close, his hands gripping my arse as we move to the music, inching closer to the cordoned-off area. Vex's hands go under my dress, and I glare at him, but he just gives me that wicked grin, and I take it. I have to. Time is running out, and I have probably just over an hour to get Marcus to drink from me and for Vex to deactivate this spell. So, now the act really needs to be laid on thick.

I turn in Vex's arms and lift mine high in the air as I gyrate around, pressing my backside into Vex, making him growl with approval. I grind against him, trying to ignore the way his hands roam possessively over my body. As much as I hate playing into this act, I know it's necessary to catch Marcus's attention. Looking over, I can see we've succeeded. Marcus is watching us intently, a hungry look in his eyes. I give him that sultry smile as I murmur to Vex, "He's noticed us."

"Good," Vex growls in my ear. "Now, let's really give him a show."

Before I can react, Vex cups my tits through the dress and pinches my nipples roughly, I gasp, probably looking to an outsider like I'm enjoying this assault to my body. Vex dips a hand in and squeezes my boob, dragging it out of my dress for all to see.

I bite back a snarl as Vex exposes me, reminding myself to stay in character. I arch my back, pressing against him as if begging for more. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Marcus lean forward, his gaze locked on us.

He beckons for one of his guards to lean down, and he whispers something to him, never taking his eyes off us. Well, me.

"Incoming," Vex warns under his breath.

Sure enough, the guard approaches us a moment later. "Mr Crowberry would like to invite you to join him," he says, gesturing to the VIP area.

Vex pulls me possessively against his chest. "We're flattered," he says smoothly. "But I don't share my toys."

The guard's eyes narrow. "Mr Crowberry insists."

I turn to Vex, trailing a finger over his jaw. "Come on, baby," I purr. "It could be fun."

Vex grips my chin, his eyes burning into mine. "You want to play with him, little one?"

I bite my lip and nod, trying to look eager and submissive. Vex's jaw clenches, but he finally nods curtly to the guard. "Fine. Lead the way."

The guard slaps his hand on Vex's chest. "Just her."

Vex gives him a wicked smile and holds his hands up. "Fair enough."

I breathe out in relief. He knows he can't waste time arguing with this idiot. I've got less than an hour to get this kill done. Sauntering over to the roped off area, another guard opens it up for me, and I slink in sexily, snapping my tit back into my dress and depriving him of the view. Marcus's eyes go straight to it, and he licks his lips. "Aren't you a delectable little thing," he murmurs and moves over so I can sit next to him on the plush purple banquet.

I smile and make a show of crossing over to him to sit, but he grabs my hand and pulls me onto his lap. I can feel his cock is stiff, and I resist the urge to vomit in revulsion. I force myself to relax against him, draping an arm around his neck as I settle onto his lap, ignoring the daggers from the other women's glares. His hand immediately slides up my thigh, pushing my dress higher.

"What's your name, beautiful?" he purrs, his fangs glinting in the club's flashing lights.

"Poison," I murmur, trailing a finger along his bottom lip. "And you must be Marcus. I've heard so much about you."

His eyes gleam with interest. "Oh? All good things, I hope. "

I laugh softly. "Depends on your definition of good."

Marcus chuckles, his hand creeping higher up my leg. "Quite."

Leaning in close to his ear, I whisper, "I bet you could show me all sorts of fun."

He growls low in his throat, his grip on my thigh tightening painfully. "Oh, I most certainly could."

"Mm, I like to play with dangerous men."

Marcus's eyes flash with hunger. "Dangerous, am I?"

"I hope so," I purr, running my hand down his chest. "I've got a taste for danger."

He grins wickedly, exposing his fangs fully. "Well then, let me give you a taste."

He grips the back of my neck and pulls me closer. His other hand slides up to grope my tit roughly through my dress.

I moan as if I'm enjoying it, grinding down on his lap. I can feel his erection pressing against me, and I fight back a wave of nausea. This is worse than last night because so many people can see me. It's disgusting, but it's my job.

My job. My job.

Just a little longer, and I can end this scumbag.

Marcus trails his lips down my neck. "You smell divine," he growls. "I bet you taste even better."

This is it. I tilt my head, offering him better access. "Why don't you find out?" I purr .

"Get your fucking hands off her, Marc. She's mine."

The familiar voice rings out quite clearly over the music, and the pounding of my heart, and I freeze.

Fuck. Fuck!