Ghosted (Team Zero #3) by Rina Kent

Colour me surprised!

That means Kyle has a rank – even at such a young age. I definitely need to use him. He could be close to Ghost.

“So what brought ye over?” he asks as we stroll down a wide hall, decorated by vintage wallpaper and elegant platforms. “We don’t get too many innocent-looking girls like ye, love.”

“I have lots of debts and I need money.”

He laughs, the sound is long and genuinely amused. “Honest. I like it.”

We stop in front of a large door with intricate swirls and geometrical designs on the wood. Kyle doesn’t knock. He barges inside with me still trapped under his arm.

“Hey, Mist!” he calls. “I want her as my birthday present.”

Wanker. What does he think I am? An object?

Mist – or who I assume is Mist – sits behind a large mahogany desk. Eyes closed, her head is leaning against her fist. A strikingly dark red hair is gathered in a neat French twist. That can’t be natural.

The sombre red light of the room reminds me of those photographers’ darkrooms. The view is partially obstructed by the odd choice of light.

It smells of alcohol; Scotch and cognac. I make out a small bar to the right.

“Mistyyy!” Kyle calls again like an obnoxious kid who’s been ignored by his mother.

“Shut it.” She groans. Her voice, although feminine, is sharp and authoritative. “My head hurts and your whining doesn’t help.”

No idea what and if she did something, but all of a sudden, the light switches to normal white. I squint at the sudden change.

A quick sweep shows an antique lounging area and a door to the right not far behind Mist’s desk. I’ll have to find out where it leads.

Still leaning on her hand, Mist opens her eyes. Their sharp hazel falls straight on me. That woman with a seemingly perfect face could’ve participated in taking Zoe away – after all, she owns this place. What right does she have to sit there like a queen on her throne? If only I could strangle and punch the answers out of her.

Mist’s lips twitch up in a small smile.

Shit.

I lower my head. Was I glaring? Did she catch me? I need to get it together.

“Out, Kyle.” Mist’s tone is non-negotiable.

“I still need my birthday present!” He leans in to whisper in my ear. “Don’t be nervous, love. There are no cameras or listening devices in here.”

Good to know. Breaking into Mist’s office would be easier.

Kyle continues murmuring, “I’ll keep an eye on ye, love.”

Please do.

He’s easily on the list of people to use.

The door clicks closed, leaving me under Mist’s scrutinising gaze.

“Sit down.” She motions at the chair across from her desk and doesn’t even bother to straighten.

She’s hard to read.

I sit on the leather chair, back straight and one hand on top of the other. First impressions matter the most. Mist needs to believe I’m serious about this.

And I am. Being accepted in Le Salon is the only way to find Zoe.

“Why do you want to join us, Emmanuelle?” Her voice is cool and sophisticated, just like her entire demeanour.

“Lily said that you’re looking for –”

She puts a finger up, shushing me. “I know about Lily and that she vouched for you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be sitting here. I’m asking about your reason.”

I inhale deeply. Truth is always the best way to weave a lie. “My mother worked at a low brothel. When I was young and watched her give head to men in the toilet for a few quid, I swore to never sell myself as cheap as she did. If someone puts a hand on my body, then they should at least pay a thousand. That’s why I wanted to come here.”

Mist raises a perfect eyebrow. “That confident?”

I nod. “If you accept me, I’ll prove my worth.”

She abandons her inert position and stands. Her black dress hugs her slim, fit shape. She strolls towards me, leans forward and places a red-manicured finger under my chin. Her perfume is something powerful and mystic, but there’s a hint of a flower, too. Lilac?

This close, she appears controlling and calculating, as expected of Le Salon’s madam.

I don’t care who she is. I’ll destroy her with my own hands if she’s done anything to Zoe.

I rein in the urge to ruin her face or wiggle away.

“There’s a fire in there.” She plunges her impassive eyes in mine. “That’s both irritating and interesting.” She smiles, showcasing blinding white teeth. “Tell me, Emmanuelle. What will you do to prove your worth?”

“What do you want me to do?”

“An audition. A demonstration of your escort skills.”

My heartbeat spikes up. Shit. Shit!

Lily said I only have to serve drinks for the first few months, and then, if I’m deemed good enough, I’ll be promoted to an escort. I work as a barmaid when not fighting, so I have confidence in mixing drinks. I planned to find Zoe and bugger off before those months were over.

No one said anything about a demonstration.

I wasn’t prepared for this. What the hell am I supposed to do?

“Second thoughts?” Mist steps back and folds her arms under her chest. “This isn’t a world you can come into on a whim and then leave. Once you’re in, you will never be out. If you want to leave, this is the only chance to do it.”