I don't know how I found the courage to walk to the VIP door.
I stopped in front of it and took a deep breath.
You can do this, Rita.
I pushed the door open.
There was no one inside.
The room was dark.
The only light came from a neon-red circle glowing against the wall, barely illuminating the sofa in the center of the room.
I stepped inside.
Then I heard it.
Click.
I froze.
The bathroom door opened.
And there he was.
Ezra Vlancur.
His icy-blue eyes immediately locked onto mine.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
I hurried to stand straight and bowed.
"Master Ezra. It's a pleasure to serve you. My name is Rita."
I had to be perfect.
If I could make him my patron, he could help me find the vampire who hurt Eliot.
That was all that mattered.
Eliot.
I couldn't forget why I was here.
"Rita."
The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine.
His voice was low.
Husky.
Dangerously calm.
He looked me up and down.
Suddenly, I became painfully aware of myself.
A blush crept up my ears.
Damn it.
He noticed.
Of course he noticed.
Ezra stepped closer.
He lifted one finger beneath my chin and raised my face.
"Look at me, darling."
I did.
And immediately regretted it.
His eyes were mesmerizing.
I felt something inside me pull toward him.
Something I didn't understand.
Something I didn't want.
What is wrong with me?
I was supposed to wrap him around my finger.
Not the other way around.
He leaned closer.
"You are beautiful."
I blinked.
"Thank you, Master Ezra."
I bowed again.
A quiet chuckle escaped him.
"Oh, don't thank me yet, darling."
He walked past me and sat on the sofa.
He pulled out a cigar and lit it.
The flame briefly illuminated his face.
"I am here for a night to de-stress."
He took a slow drag.
"I've been in a very, very bad mood."
His eyes returned to mine.
"And I need a night to myself."
My heart pounded.
Then he spoke.
"Dance, darling."
Every alarm bell in my head went off.
If I refuse, he might kill me.
This wasn't flirting anymore.
This was life or death.
I forced myself to smile.
"Yes, Master Ezra."
I bowed.
Then I turned toward the small stage.
As I walked away, I could feel his eyes following me.
And suddenly, I wondered if coming here had been the biggest mistake of my life.