LORETTA

I folded my arms tightly across my chest, forcing myself to hold his gaze. “Well? Start talking”

The guard didn't answer immediately. Instead, his eyes drifted lazily around the club, scanning the bartender, the day drinkers at the bar, the elderly couple tucked away in the corner, and the two women laughing over cocktails by the window.

Only after satisfying himself that no one was paying attention to us did he look back at me, and then he crooked one finger, “Come closer”

The tone of his voice dropped lower, quieter, as if he was about to reveal a government-level top secret between us. I hesitated at first, chills...