\[Elise’s Pov\]
I stare at the bar in front of me, understanding completely why Anasastia wanted to meet Denali here. Since it was located on the poorer side of town, the people who frequented these places were drug lords and criminals.
“Sneaky, sneaky.” I giggle, straightening my skirt. “But not sneaky enough.”
Putting a look of innocence on my face, I begin to move, heading into the building, which wreaks of alcohol and stale smoke. Once inside, I look around until I spot her sitting in a booth while sipping on some fruity drink.
Doing my best impression of Denali, I make my way toward her and then take a seat while she watches me.
Only when I’m settled does she give me a smile that gives me the creeps.
“I’m so glad you came.” Anastasia beams. “I wasn’t sure if you would.”
“Of course I came.” I counter, smiling gently. “How could I ignore my dear sister when she reached out?”
“And here I thought you forgot all about me after taking over Emerald Moon with your husband.” She huffs.
“No way,” I gasp as a group of men with ill-intention written all over their faces appears and stops.
“Are you ladies alone?” One asks, not seeming the least bit embarrassed as his eyes trail down my chest. “If so, mind if we join?”
“Sure,” I say, looking at Anastasia. “You don’t mind, right?”
I was almost certain this was part of her trick anyway. I had to be a brilliant actress and play along. Otherwise, how could her plan progress?
“What are you ladies drinking?” Another man asks. “Let us go and get it for you.”
“Water,” I respond.
“Long Island iced tea.” Anastasia adds.
“Got it.”
Growing quiet, I wait as the men head toward the bar so they can buy and probably spike my drink.
Taking advantage of their disappearance, I look back at Anastasia and smile.
“While they’re gone, why don’t you tell me why you asked me to come here?”
Although I knew that pushing wasn’t the best of ideas, I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity since I was certain I’d have to pretend to be obliterated very soon.
“Why the rush, sister?” She asks. “We haven’t seen each other in so long. Why don’t we catch up first?”
“My husband will worry if I’m gone too long.” I explain. “You know how protective he is of me.”
At my words, Anastasia’s face falls, and the jealousy and hatred she feels toward Denali is so obvious it is almost comical. Well, if she wasn’t such a conniving bitch, maybe she too would have what Denali and Rosco have, but villainous women like us didn’t deserve that sort of thing.
“You claimed you had information I needed.” I continue, remaining calm. “But I am curious; how do you know what is happening behind the closed doors of Emerald Moon?”
As I speak, I can see worry flash in Anastasia’s eyes, but as quickly as it is there, it disappears, and her fake, nice mask is back. Man, this girl truly was easy to read.
“I have my ways.” She shrugs just as the men return.
“Sorry,” one says, passing me my drink. “The bar tender was telling me a funny story, so it took longer than expected.”
It was more like they needed time for whatever drug they were using to disappear enough that I wouldn’t notice it in the water I ordered.
“No worries,” I say, taking their offering. “Please have a seat.”
Keeping my gaze fixed on them, I bring my drink to my lips and pretend to take a sip while the scent of something sweet tickles my nose.
‘Bastards.’ Anna growls, coming to life. ‘Did they really think that we would fall for something like this?’
‘Not us,’ I remind her. ‘Tonight we are innocent Denali.’
‘Right.’
Turning my attention back to the world around me, I find that all eyes are on me. Man, they really were too damn obvious. But since I wanted to see this through to the end, I would play along.
Smiling, I sit my cup back down and then lean forward.
“Do you boys have names?” I ask conversationally.
I figured I had maybe half an hour before I was to pretend that the drug they were trying to slip me took effect. Until then, I needed to keep them distracted so they didn’t think much of me not drinking the rest.
“I’m Clinton,” the one who offered me the drinks says. “And these are TJ and Reece.”
Nodding, I look from one man to another, taking in their disgusting sneers as they eye-fuck me. Anastasia really did know how to pick them. She definitely wanted to taint Denali with these men, but the joke was on her. She would be the one tainted if she didn’t tell me what I wanted to know.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I say, my smile broadening.
“And what’s your name, beautiful?” Clinton asks, licking his lips. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”
“Denali,” I respond immediately. “Honestly, I’m not much of a drinker, but my dear sister asked me out for a drink, and I just couldn’t reject her invitation.”
By this point, it was time to slowly pretend that their drug was taking effect.
“Is it hot in here?” I ask, beginning to peel off the thin jacket I was wearing.
“Maybe you should hydrate more.” Clinton suggests, further confirming their motives.
“Maybe you’re right.”
Lifting my drink, I take an actual sip since I already knew it wouldn’t do much to me. Before leaving Emerald Moon, I took an antidote that would work against any date rape drug. If Anastasia was stupid enough to believe no precautions would be taken, that was her fault.
“It’s still so hot.” I sigh.
“Maybe I should step out for some air.” I continue.
“Let me go with you.” TJ says, getting to his feet. “Can’t possibly let a lady go outside alone.”
Fighting the grimace that wants to escape over how fucking disgusting these men are, I nod.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate it.” I say, giving Anastasia an apologetic smile. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.”
Not waiting for a response, I get up and pretend to sway.
“Careful,” TJ says, wrapping a beefy arm around me so his grubby fingers can rest on my hip. “Don’t want to fall.”
“Thank you.” I say beginning to move.
As we make our way through the crowd, everything in me screams to shake this bastard off of me, but since I’m supposed to be weak and demure Denali, I remain calm.
It is only when we are out on the street that I begin to put on my grand performance, swaying against the wall and brushing a hand across my forehead while TJ watches on expectantly.
“Are you sure you’re alright, beautiful?” He asks me. “Should I take you home?”
“N-no,” I whimper. “I’m okay. I just think it was too hot. I’ll oh…”
Gasping, I begin to fall forward as TJ’s arms grab me, and a laugh escapes him.
“Time for the main event.” He mutters, starting to pretend to lead me away.
Time for the main event, indeed. I giggle inwardly. It was time to blow off some steam.