Chapter 17 #2
I file that information away, trying not to show just how valuable it is.
It sounds like we’ll need more than just a casual introduction to get close to Morris.
Still, I keep my tone casual. “Well, we hope we pass the test,” I say, shooting a playful look at Isabel.
“We’re very… open-minded, but we like to be sure about the company we keep. ”
Across from us, Trey rests his hand on Vera’s thigh, his voice dropping lower. “So, how do you like to… watch?” His gaze flicks over me and Isabel, and there’s an unmistakable edge to it.
Isabel tenses, but she masks it by shifting on my lap, pressing closer.
My entire body goes on high alert at the feel of her in my arms, but I smooth a hand along her lower back, letting my fingers toy with the material of her dress.
“We’re just feeling it out,” I say, steadying my voice.
“We like to keep each other in sight, you know? And if things get interesting… we watch from a comfortable distance.”
Vera laughs softly, leaning forward, elbows on her knees. “Mmm, well, you might see a lot tonight. People sometimes get carried away, especially after a few drinks.”
Isabel offers a small nod, her voice pitched low and warm. “That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Even though we’re playing a role, the closeness between us is far from fake.
The heat of her body on my lap, the subtle flutter in her pulse when I shift beneath her—it’s all too real.
My mind splits in two: one half remains laser-focused on gleaning any relevant detail about Morris, and the other half struggles to deal with the heightened awareness of Isabel’s every breath.
We chat for a while longer, the conversation dipping into innuendo and flirtatious remarks.
Trey and Vera seem eager to gauge our interest, as though testing if we might actually swing or if we’re just voyeurs.
They drop more hints about Morris’s circle—how exclusive it is, how certain individuals must prove themselves “trustworthy”—but it’s all still vague.
Not enough to pinpoint his location or schedule, and definitely not enough to confront him directly.
Eventually, the music from the mini-ballroom shifts to a slower tune. Trey stands, extending a hand to Vera. “Shall we dance?”
She rises smoothly, shooting us a wink. “We’ll give you two some space. Enjoy yourselves—maybe we’ll circle back later. Who knows what might happen, right?”
I force a crooked grin. “Right,” I reply, letting my hand stroke a comforting pattern on Isabel’s thigh.
They saunter off, leaving us in this tucked-away nook that’s both intimate and exposed. I exhale, glancing down at Isabel. Her gaze meets mine, and I see the swirl of relief, nerves, and maybe a hint of amusement in her eyes.
“Well,” I mutter, keeping my voice low, “this is definitely not what I expected.”
She snorts softly, settling her head against my shoulder. “We came here looking for Morris, and we end up weaving through a swinger’s meet-and-greet. Talk about a curveball.”
I tighten my hold on her, the press of her body offering a strange sense of comfort. “At least we found people who know him,” I say, striving to stay optimistic. “If we play our cards right, they might introduce us in the future.”
She nods, the strain in her voice obvious. “Yeah. We just have to keep up the act.”
I brush a strand of hair off her cheek, trying not to think too hard about the fact that my feelings for her have blurred far beyond any act. “We’ve got this,” I murmur, voice gentle. “We’ll see what else we can learn. Then we’ll get out of here.”
Her lips curve in a weary smile. “Right. Together.”
For a moment, I forget about the mission, about Morris, about the entire reason we’re here.
All I can think about is how her body molds against mine, how her breath feathers against my jaw.
But the mission’s always in the back of my mind, reminding me we have bigger goals than just enjoying each other’s closeness.
Still, I can’t deny the fierce surge of protectiveness that wells up, urging me to shield her from this world of secrets and seduction.
“Come on,” I say finally, pressing a soft kiss to her temple for show—and maybe for real. “Let’s mingle a bit more, see if anyone else has scraps of information. If we’re lucky, Vera and Trey might introduce us to someone else in Morris’s circle before the night’s over.”
She nods, shifting off my lap with graceful ease.
Her dress skims her thighs as she stands, and for a split second, my gaze lingers on that exposed skin, warmth flaring in my chest. Then I push aside the distraction and rise beside her.
I extend my hand, and she takes it without hesitation, her touch sending a faint jolt through my system.
As we step back into the main room, the low lights glint off the polished floor.
The soft strains of music continue, punctuated by hushed laughter and the occasional murmur of conversations I can’t quite catch.
In the distance, I see Trey and Vera dancing close, their bodies swaying in unison.
They glance our way, exchanging a knowing smile that suggests they’ll be watching to see if we fit in.
My grip tightens on Isabel’s hand. We may be a million miles out of our comfort zone, but we’re not giving up.
If there’s even a sliver of a chance that these connections lead to Morris Rolfe, we’ll take it.
Because come what may, I’m not letting her face this alone.
And I’m not walking away from this mission until we have the answers we came for.