Chapter 4

Angela…

"Clio, for the last time, I am not putting on that black jumpsuit!" I push the outfit back toward her. She keeps insisting I wear it, but honestly, I’d consider it if it wasn’t so ridiculously see-through. "And you know I hate wearing see through clothes."

"Live a little-"

"Clio, if it wasn’t a see through, I’d totally wear it." I stand up and head over to my suitcase, pulling out a cute blue minidress that’s off the shoulder with a daring cut near the top. I pair it with some white rhinestone-strap heels that have a little platform. After straightening my hair, I go for a natural eye look, finish with a bold red lip, and spritz on my favorite milk and honey scent.

The same scent I wore on my last job. "Clio! I’m all set!" I call out as I stroll back into the room. I catch Clio tossing some stuff into her purse. "Wow, look at you!" I grin.

She’s rocking a baby pink off-the-shoulder jumpsuit with silver heels. Her hair is all curled, and her makeup is fresh and natural. "Thanks, Angela! And you look absolutely stunning! Who are you planning to take out tonight? No pun intended."

I chuckle. "Well, lucky for you, I had Maya and Ares cancel any hits I had lined up just so I could join this bachelorette party at the club." I say, checking my purse one last time.

I always make sure to have a knife and a gun in every bag when I go out; you never know what might happen.

Clio and I head out of the hotel room and make our way to the elevator. "By the way, what club are we hitting up?" I ask.

"Moonlight Lounge." My eyes widen as I process that.

"Isn’t that the same place where your father was spotted with his mistress?"

I raise an eyebrow, realizing she’s being cautious because of the elevator cameras. We finally step outside the hotel, and Clio hails a cab.

Now we’re just hanging out.

"If my client said they got the body right after I sent the address, then I should be in the clear."

"Angela, you’re the Angel of Death. You never get caught. And if you do, you always find a way out. But if you get caught as Cora, I’ve got your back."

"You’re right," I replied.

"Damn straight! Now just relax because we’re going to have a blast tonight!"

"We sure will." A few minutes later, our cab arrived and took us to the Moonlight Lounge.

I’ve been watching Clio’s friends take shots one after another. I’d join them, but they’re being so loud and obnoxious with their squealing and shouting, “Cheers to getting married in a few days!”

"Angela, I swear they’re not usually this wild when we go out. I think the wedding hype is getting to them."

"I can see that."

"Angela, don’t make it obvious, but there’s a really hot guy checking you out right now—"

Of course, I didn’t listen to her warning and quickly turned around to see who was looking at me. Wow, he really is good-looking.

I gave him a once-over, winked, and smirked before turning back to my sister. "Angela, what part of ‘don’t be obvious’ do you not understand?!"

"I’m all about bold moves. Plus, he’s cute, so why not?" I said with a grin.

Just then, the bartender slid a drink my way. "What’s this?" I asked, surprised by the drink in front of me.

"It’s called a slow comfortable screw. It’s made with orange juice, gin, and vodka," the bartender explained.

"Wait, I didn’t order this," I told her.

"I know," she replied, pointing at the same guy who was still watching me.

"He did."

"Clio, can you pass me a straw?" She reached over, grabbed a straw, and handed it to me.

Thanks a lot. I take a sip. "Wow, Clio, you have to try this—it's amazing!"

"Let me have a taste." I push the drink toward her, and she grabs the straw, taking a sip of the vibrant orange beverage.

“Wow, this is really good."

I keep sipping while occasionally glancing at the guy across the bar. He’s definitely got his eyes glued to me.

At this point, I’m almost finished with the drink he gave me, so I pass the last bit to Clio. When I look back up, I notice the guy has moved from his spot. "Um, A-Cora?" Clio calls my fake name, and I turn around.

She glances to her right and then back at me. It’s the same guy who’s been checking me out since I got here. "Hey there, beautiful," he says.

"Hi," I reply, catching him staring at my chest. "My eyes are up here, darling," I say, stressing the word ‘darling.’

"Sorry about that. I hope you liked the drink I got you."

"I really did. It was fantastic," I respond.

"Well, as a thank you, would you like to dance?" he asks.

"Sure, but it won’t just be a thank you. I’ll think about it," I say with a playful grin.

"Absolutely, love."

We spent the night enjoying drinks and dancing, and for the first time in ages, I genuinely had fun being around people.

—the next morning—

Ugh.

My head is pounding like crazy. What on earth happened last night?

All I can recall is heading off to dance with a guy and— I look around and realize I’m not in the hotel room with Odette. Great.

I glance over and see it’s the same guy I danced with. Please tell me I didn’t do what I think I did.

Then I spot a massive rock on my left hand and bring it closer to my face to see it better.

Is this a wedding ring?!

What on earth did I get myself into last night?