Page 176 of Midnight Curfew

I could marry her.

After all, I don’t need a woman with money, and she’d be crazy to not entertain the prospect of her children having a better childhood than she did.

I just need someone who shares my goals, and I’m not convinced that Aracely is so committed to the Bay as she is having power and helping build something. I can give her that times ten.

“Did you pick out the outfit yourself?” I ask her.

She sits next to Dallas, her long legs crossed in a black schoolgirl skirt with a baggy black T-shirt with holes in it. High-heeled ankle boots with buckles shine against her glowing olive skin.

She doesn’t reply, but she doesn’t avoid my gaze, either. Her deep brown eyes watch me, toying. I know she speaks English.

The outfit isn’t fit for the Wolfe Room at all, but that’s the point. I’d texted Dallas instructions on the performance. She won’t be in those for long.

I’m just happy she agreed.

“You look beautiful,” I tell her, and it’s true. Her complexion and makeup are flawless, her hair long and dark. “Although, you may find it difficult to run in heels.”

I drink my vodka as she looks to him, saying something with her eyes. I can imagine it’s If this goes badly, I’m killing you.

I smile to myself. Her temper is no secret, either. She’s like the male version of him.

“If you want this to be believable,” I add, “you should look at me. Not him.”

But she holds out her hand, her clutch purse sitting in her lap.

Right.

Dallas and I also came to an agreement in text that she was charging for this. Small price to pay for what I’ll come out of tonight with.

I pull out my phone. “You won’t want to worry about carrying a purse in there.” Tapping the app, I look at her. “Venmo?”

She replies, “561-555-9736.”

I punch in her phone number, tap her account, and send the cash. I tuck my phone away and finish my drink as we hit the dip at the beginning of the Fox Hill driveaway.

“No one touches me,” she states to both of us before settling on me. “If I want to touch you, I’ll let you know.”

We pull around the side of the field house, and I drop my glass in a holder. “As long as you don’t touch anyone else.”

It has to look like she’s here with me.

And she’s going to get naked.

The driver exits his seat and moves around the back of the car.

“Why did you agree to this?” I ask her.

Finally, she fixes a small smile on her face. “Know thy enemy.”

Maybe. Stories about the Wolfe Room abound and few outsiders gain access. I can understand the allure would be too great to resist.

The door opens, and I start to climb out.

But then she asks, “Why me?”

I pause and glance at her, but I just chuckle. She will find out.

I help her out of the car, Dallas following, and the three of us filter through the antechamber, putting up phones, wallets, and her clutch.