Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

Turmoil

The music reverberates through my chest as Jolt and I enter the crowded club.

Pulsing lights flash over the press of bodies gyrating on the dance floor.

We make our way to the bar, sliding between groups of partiers.

I lean in close to Jolt's ear so he can hear me over the blaring beat. "Remember, your Jack and I'm Abe for as long as we're on this op. Got it?"

Jolt nods, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Got it. Time to shake things up a bit, huh, Abe?"

I chuckle and clap him on the back. "You know it, brother. Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into tonight."

We grab a couple of stools at the bar and I signal the bartender.

A few minutes later, two whiskeys appear before us.

I raise my glass to Jolt. "To keeping secrets and making new friends."

"Fuck, I'll drink to that," Jolt says, tapping his glass against mine.

The amber liquid burns pleasantly down my throat.

I scan the faces in the crowd, alert and observant behind a mask of casual indifference.

These people have no idea who Jolt and I really are.

To them, we're just two regular guys out for a good time.

If they only knew the truth—that our real names are our most closely guarded secret.

Abe and Jack are just the nicknames we go by, aliases to help us blend in.

A thrill races through me at the deception we're diving into.

I allow a smirk to tug at my lips as I survey the club again, sipping my whiskey.

Tonight should definitely be interesting.

With Jolt by my side, I'm ready for whatever this evening has in store for us.

An hour passes and we fight off a few flirtatious women.

Jolt wanted to give in, but they're not the woman we're here to pursue.

I take another sip of my whiskey and lean in closer to Jolt. "So, we've officially moved into the new place. The club really hooked us up with a decent house, man."

Jolt nods, his expression serious. "Yeah, we've got to prove ourselves to the club now. Show them we're worth the investment."

"Definitely." I lower my voice, glancing around to make sure no one is within earshot. "I've been running some surveillance on Seraphina Bernard over the last couple of weeks. Noticed she hangs out with a woman named Rita."

Jolt raises an eyebrow. "Rita? Who's that?"

I shrug, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "From what I can tell, she's as close as a best friend that a billionaire heiress could have. You know, the type that's always by her side, privy to all her secrets."

A glint of curiosity sparks in Jolt's eyes. "You find out anything good?"

I can't help but chuckle, feeling a surge of satisfaction. "You could say that. I have a friend who's able to clone phones. He cloned Rita's."

I pause for effect, watching Jolt's expression shift to one of anticipation. "Found out that she and Seraphina are going to a club in a couple of hours."

Jolt leans back, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Is that so?"

I down the rest of my whiskey and set the glass on the bar with a decisive thud. "That's right. And we're going to meet her there."

Jolt's grin widens, mirroring my own excitement. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go get ready."

As we stand up from the bar, I can feel the adrenaline starting to pump through my veins.

Seraphina Bernard—she has no idea what's coming her way.

We head out and go back to the house, freshen up, and get to the club.

The bass thrums through my chest as Jolt and I approach the nightclub doors, the line of eager partygoers stretching down the block.

Neon lights flash above the entrance, illuminating the name "Omnia" in a mesmerizing dance of colors.

The air is electric with anticipation, the distant sound of music spilling out onto the street every time the door swings open.

We take our place in line, blending in with the well-dressed crowd.

I adjust the collar of my black button-down shirt, the fabric smooth against my skin.

Jolt stands beside me, his dark hair artfully tousled, a confident smirk playing on his lips.

We exchange a knowing glance, the thrill of the impending encounter crackling between us like a live wire.

As we inch closer to the front of the line, I catch snippets of conversations around us—excited chatter about the DJ, the drinks, the potential for an unforgettable night.

I let the energy wash over me, fueling my determination.

Tonight, we're here to make a move that could change everything.

The bouncers at the door are imposing figures, their muscular arms crossed over their chests as they survey the crowd with stern expressions.

But as Jolt and I approach, I flash them a confident grin, projecting an air of belonging.

They give us a once-over, then step aside, granting us entry into the exclusive world of Omnia.

We step through the doors, and I'm immediately engulfed by the pulsing beat of the music, the air thick with the scent of sweat and expensive perfume.

The interior of the club is a kaleidoscope of light and color, the walls adorned with intricate murals that seem to move in time with the music.

Hell, if someone did some shrooms before they got here and came to the club they'd have a damn good time.

The dance floor is a sea of writhing bodies, their faces illuminated by the strobing lights.

Jolt leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "Damn, this place is something else."

I nod, my eyes scanning the crowd, searching for a glimpse of our target. "What did you expect? A billionaire heiress like Seraphina wouldn't settle for anything less than the best."

We make our way deeper into the club, the energy of the place thrumming through my veins like a second heartbeat.

I can feel the weight of the mission settling on my shoulders, the need to prove myself to the club, to show them what I'm capable of.

But as I take in the luxury surrounding me, the glittering chandeliers and the plush velvet booths, I can't help but feel a flicker of doubt.

Can two prospects really infiltrate a world like this?

I push the thought aside, my jaw clenching with determination.

We have to.

Failure isn't an option.

Not tonight, not ever.

Jolt and I exchange another glance, a silent communication passing between us.

It's time to find Seraphina and set our plan in motion.

The hunt is on.

We make our way to the bar, the sleek black counter gleaming under the pulsing lights.

The bartenders move with practiced efficiency, their hands a blur as they mix cocktails and pour shots.

I flag one down, ordering a couple of whiskeys for Jolt and myself.

We need to blend in, to look like just another pair of guys out for a good time.

As we wait for our drinks, I lean back against the bar, my eyes scanning the room.

The air is thick with the scent of perfume and sweat, the bass of the music reverberating through my chest.

Jolt nudges me with his elbow, his voice low. "You got a photo of this chick? I don't even know what I'm looking for."

I pull out my phone, swiping through until I find the picture I'd managed to snag of Seraphina.

I tilt the screen toward Jolt, watching as his eyebrows raise in appreciation.

"Damn, she's a looker," he murmurs, his gaze lingering on the image. "You sure we're in the right league here, Turmoil?"

I snort, pocketing my phone. "Since when have you ever backed down from a challenge, Jolt?"

He grins, his teeth flashing white in the darkness. "Fair point. So, what's the plan?"

I consider for a moment, my mind racing through the possibilities.

We need to get close to Seraphina, to gain her trust. And the best way to do that?

"You go for the friend," I say, my voice firm with conviction. "Keep her occupied, distracted. I'll focus on Seraphina."

Jolt nods, his expression serious. "You got it, brother. Operation Billionaire Heiress is a go."

We clink our glasses together, a silent toast to our impending success.

I down the rest of my whiskey, the cold liquid soothing my throat.

Game on, Seraphina Bernard. Game on.

Jolt and I stay at the bar for almost an hour, slowly nursing our whiskeys.

I drain the last of my third whiskey, the buzz of alcohol thrumming pleasantly through my veins.

Jolt's still nursing his drink, his gaze scanning the crowded club with a practiced eye.

Suddenly, he stiffens beside me, his elbow jabbing into my ribs. "Heads up. Your target just walked in."

I follow his line of sight, my heart rate kicking up a notch as I spot her.

Seraphina Bernard, in the flesh.

She's even more stunning in person, her golden hair catching the flashing lights of the club, her lithe body clad in a dress that looks like it costs more than my bike.

Beside her walks another woman, pretty in a girl-next-door kind of way.

Trailing a few feet behind them, a burly man with the unmistakable air of a bodyguard.

I smile to myself. "Showtime, brother. Stick to the plan."

Jolt nods, his jaw set with determination. "I got your back. Go get her, tiger."

I push off from the bar, weaving my way through the throng of dancers.

My eyes never leave Seraphina, tracking her movements as she and her friend make their way to a VIP booth in the corner.

I time my approach perfectly, angling my body just so.

As I pass by her, I stumble slightly, my shoulder colliding with Seraphina's in a calculated bump.

"Whoa, sorry about that," I say, my voice laced with just the right amount of sheepish charm. "Guess I don't know my own strength sometimes."

Seraphina turns to face me, her slate gray eyes narrowing as she takes me in.

I can practically feel her gaze raking over me, from the top of my carefully mussed hair to the tips of my expensive leather shoes.

"No harm done," she says finally, her accent crisp and posh. "Though perhaps you should be more careful in the future."

I flash her my most disarming grin, letting just a hint of heat seep into my expression. "I'll keep that in mind. Can I buy you a drink to make up for my clumsiness?"

She hesitates for a moment, her friend leaning in to whisper something in her ear.

But then she nods, a slow smile curving her red-painted lips.

"Why not? I could use a bit of...excitement in my life."

Oh, if she only knew.

I offer her my arm, my skin prickling with anticipation as she takes it.

Let the games begin.

Seraphina's fingers are cool against my skin as I lead her toward the bar, her friend trailing behind us.

I can feel the weight of her gaze on me, curious and assessing.

It makes my blood sing with the thrill of the hunt.

"I'm Abe, by the way," I say, leaning in close so she can hear me over the pulsing beat of the music. "And you are?"

"Seraphina," she replies, her lips brushing the shell of my ear and sending a shiver down my spine. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Abe."

We reach the bar and I signal the bartender, ordering us both a drink.

As we wait, I let my eyes roam over her, taking in the way her dress clings to her curves, the delicate line of her collarbone.

She's even more stunning up close.

"So, Seraphina," I drawl, savoring the way her name rolls off my tongue. "What brings a girl like you to a place like this?"

She arches one perfect brow, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "A girl like me? And what kind of girl is that, exactly?"

I grin, leaning in closer. "The kind of girl who's used to getting what she wants. The kind of girl who's not afraid to take a few risks."

Her eyes flash with something dark and dangerous, and I feel a thrill of anticipation dance up my spine.

Oh, I have her hooked now.

"Well, Abe," she purrs, her fingers trailing down my arm. "You're not wrong. I do like a bit of...excitement now and then."

The bartender slides our drinks across to us and I grab them, handing one to Seraphina.

Our fingers brush and I swear I can feel the crackle of electricity between us.

"In that case," I say, my voice low and rough, "what do you say we hit the dance floor? I promise I can show you a good time."

She downs her drink in one smooth motion, setting the glass back on the bar with a decisive clink.

"Lead the way," she says, her voice a silken purr.

Finishing off my own drink, I place my hand on the small of her back, feeling the heat of her skin through the thin fabric of her dress.

As I guide her out onto the dance floor, I can't help but let a triumphant smirk curve my lips.

It's time to let the real fun begin.