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Something in Chelsea’s face softened at that. She studied me for a moment, as if seeing me for the first time. “Yeah, well... it ain’t easy, that’s for sure.”
I nodded, feeling a moment of connection. “No, it’s not. But you’re doing it, and that’s what matters.” I paused, then added, “I’m just worried about Venus. It’s not like her to quit without saying anything. Are you sure there wasn’t anything unusual that night?”
Chelsea shook her head, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Nah, nothing I noticed. I mean, she seemed stressed, but that’s not exactly new around here. I figured she’d just moved on to something better, you know? Not... whatever this is.”
“Yeah,” I mumbled. “Me too.” I pulled out one of my business cards, holding it out to her. “Look, if you hear from her, or if you remember anything else, can you call me? Day or night, it doesn't matter.”
Chelsea took the card, turning it over in her hands. “Yeah, sure. I hope she’s okay.”
As she closed the door, I felt a mix of frustration and determination. It wasn’t much to go on, but it was something. I turned to the next apartment, steeling myself to keep knocking on doors. Someone in this building had to know something.
An hour and countless doors later, I was no closer to finding Venus than when I had started. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the dingy hallway. I had to head to the club soon to get ready for tonight’s show. But the thought of leaving, of giving up, made my stomach churn.
I pushed through the front door of the building, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the stuffy hallways. My phone buzzed in my pocket—probably Gavin, wondering where the hell I was. I ignored it for now, needing a moment to collect my thoughts.
As I hailed a cab to Club Privé, I made a mental list of the next steps. I’d need to talk to the other dancers, see if any of them had noticed anything off about Venus lately. And I’d have to do some digging into Little Kitty. If that place was as shady as its reputation suggested, it might be the key to all of this.
The cab weaved through traffic as I checked my phone, wincing at the string of missed calls and texts from Gavin. I’d deal with him when I got back. Right now, all I could think about was Venus.
Where are you, girl? What kind of trouble are you in?
As the familiar facade of Club Privé came into view, I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath. I had a show to run and a missing friend to find.
The moment I stepped into Club Privé, the pre-show buzz was electric, dancers rushing back and forth, the muffled thump of music from the main floor vibrating through the walls.
“Sienna!” Darcy’s voice cut through the chaos. She was rushing towards me, a headset dangling around her neck and panic in her eyes. “Where have you been? Gavin’s been looking for you everywhere!”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “I know. I was following a lead on Venus. Any word from her?”
Darcy shook her head, her expression a mix of worry and frustration. “Nothing. And we’re down two more girls tonight. Jasmine’s got food poisoning, and Trixie sprained her ankle during rehearsal.”
“Shit.” I ran a hand through my hair, trying to process this latest disaster. “Okay, we can work with this. We’ll have to adjust the choreography, maybe pull in some of the waitstaff who know the routines. It’s not ideal, but?—”
“Sienna,” Darcy interrupted, her voice dropping low. “There’s something else. There’s a woman here asking for Fury. She says it’s urgent.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Olivia?” I asked, thinking of the leggy blonde real estate agent I’d seen him with at the restaurant.
Darcy shrugged. “I don’t know. She’s waiting by the bar.”
Great. Just what I needed tonight. Another complication.
“Alright, I’ll handle it,” I sighed. “Can you start working on the new lineup? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
I made my way to the bar, spotting a woman I didn’t recognize perched on a stool. She was pretty, with long brown hair and wide, anxious eyes. My stomach clenched. This had to be Fury’s girlfriend.
“Can I help you?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral despite the irrational anger bubbling up inside me.
She stood quickly, smoothing down her dress. “Yes, I’m looking for Fury Gracen. It’s important that I speak with him.”
I forced a smile. “He’s in a meeting with the owner right now. I can take you to the office.”
She nodded gratefully, and I led her through the club, my mind racing. Who was this woman? Why was she here? And why did I care so damn much?
CHAPTER NINE
Fury
I had just finished giving Gavin a more detailed picture of the Arthur Dalton I had known when someone knocked on the door. Gavin went to open it, and for a moment, I only saw Sienna; then my brain registered the other woman with her.
