Death Layer (The Depraved Club) Read Online Free PDF Page B

failed, set up a
date for me with my band nerd friend Andy McKnight behind my back. So I finally
caved, let her dress me up, rode along in the limo and watched her and Chip
make out all night.
    And that is our relationship. I’m still humoring her. She’s
still doing my hair and egging me on out of my comfort zone. Nothing has
changed… except the world around us.
    “You seem to be transitioning well,” Rachel says, jolting me
out of my daydreams. “Accompanying him to a private event in the first week? He
must like you.”
    “Hm? Yeah. We’re getting along ok.”
    “Maybe it’s a date.”
    I roll my eyes. “Rachel. He’s my boss. Besides, I am not
looking for anything with anyone right now. Gotta get my shit in order. Last
thing I need is a guy.”
    She says in a sing-song voice. “Bean and King-King, sitting
in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-”
    “Grow up Rach.”
    “Know how I know you’ve got it bad for the boss man? You
haven’t even been singing or playing. And you’re blushing.”
    I sigh as she unwinds the curling iron, fanning my face for
brief relief from the heat. She’s right. I haven’t done any music all week.
    “It’s just a timing thing,” I say, frowning, hoping I’m
right. “Been too tired to practice. Not used to the hours yet, but I’ll figure
it out.”
    “You always do. But yeah, he’s working you hard.” She says
hard with a guttural groan, gyrating her hips. “So hard and rough and—”
    “God, shut up!” We both giggle. “It’s not really hard,
just…long.” That makes us giggle more. “Shut up! Oh my god, we’re twelve.” I
force my face straight. “Tonight should be fun, though. Then, off to
Australia!”
    Rachel nods, dousing me with hairspray and standing back for
a final inspection. “What club is it again?”
    “He didn’t say. Something members only.”
    The buzzer rings. “Must be him,” Rachel says, unplugging the
curling iron. I help her sweep the makeup and hair stuff back into its
Tupperware container.
    “Whew, I’m a little nervous.”
    “You look hot. Behave yourself.” She gives me a sweaty hug.
“Guess I’ll see you later. Or not. I mean, if he invites you to his penthouse,
you know what to do.”
    I playfully punch her arm, grab my purse, and bolt out the
door.
    Gerard is standing by the sleek Lincoln town car idling at
the curb. I’m a little surprised to see that he is the one driving us. It seems
rather out of the line of an Administrative Coordinator’s usual duties.
    I smile at him. “Hello Mr. Jones,” I say brightly.
    He nods but doesn’t meet my eyes. “Miss Clark, good
evening.”
    His eyes are hooded and his expression blank. Obviously he’s
not excited about a working Friday night, but he dispatches with the
formalities flawlessly. With a flourish, he opens the passenger side door in
the back and I scoot in, finding myself up close and personal with Mr. King.
    “Welcome, Miss Clark,” says Mr. King, his iceberg eyes
flitting over my sister-approved outfit. It’s fitted black from head to foot,
and I am assured it’s both corporate and club appropriate. Not that I would
know. “You look lovely this evening.”
    Gerard slams the door behind me.
    “Thank you, sir.”
    “I hope you’ll excuse my secrecy about tonight,” says Mr.
King. As he speaks, Gerard hops in the driver’s seat and we glide onto 125th
street. “You see, this is rather an elite members-only club where the most
powerful men in the world go to unwind. Tonight I have some delicate, personal
business to transact, and it’s imperative that I have another set of sharp eyes
with me. A beautiful lady doesn’t hurt my cause, either. You’re my good luck
charm.”
    He takes my hand and kisses it and I feel my whole body
flush with even more heat, and also a little pleasure. There’s definitely
attraction, and I know he can sense it too. Even in the dim lighting, I can see
that Mr. King notices me blushing. Be cool, Ava. I take back my hand and
turn to face