He hit her with a seductive gaze. “You look amazing this evening.”
“Mr. Carlisle, I asked you a question.”
“Unfortunately, he thinks that Diana committed suicide too.” Christian shook his head. “I disagreed. He thinks I’m wasting my money, but I told him to keep on looking.”
He pointed to her purse. “I assume you have a gun inside.”
“Why?”
“Because my investigator told me you keep a gun in your car and several in your house.”
Angel glared. “He broke into my home?”
“Anything is possible.” Christian shrugged. “I never instructed him to do so.”
“I never spotted him following me.”
“He’s good. The best that money can buy.”
The elevator doors separated.
Soft, sensual music filled the air.
“After you, Detective.”
Angel stayed there. “You already knew my name.”
“I wanted to see if you would tell me the truth.” He winked at me. “Come on. I would love to show you around. My detective said you don’t have much fun.”
Angel stifled a groan and stepped off the elevator.
She scanned the club.
Blood-red paint coated the walls. The floors were polished wood. Luxury loveseats were scattered everywhere. Each one had a cocktail table. Erotic photos lined the walls.
And the place was packed with people, dancing, socializing, and mingling. Some women wore see-through bodysuits with nothing under it. A few men were shirtless with tight leather pants on.
The hostess checked their keycards, took Christian’s jacket, and her purse. At this point, she didn’t think she needed her gun. She spotted cameras.
Christian guided her forward. That damn wicked expression remained on his face.
Angel trailed behind him.
Together they walked the club, watching couples lose themselves in passion.
Christian got to her side. “What’s wrong, detective? You’re quiet.”
“I prefer Angel.”
He licked his lips. “You look like a million dollars.”
You would know. You’re worth a hundred million.
Still, her body stirred. “Did you know I was coming tonight?”
“I did and made sure the manager approved you quickly. Usually, the process takes months.”
“Why?”
“I’m not a patient man.”
“Meaning?”
“I wanted to be near you immediately.”
Heat warmed her body.
He stopped them at a bar. “What do you want to drink?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re not on the job, Angel.”
“I am.”
“We’ll see.”
She scowled at him. “Once I was approved, how did you know I was coming this evening?”
“I had an indication when I saw pictures of you buying this sexy dress.” He gestured to my exposed cleavage. “That made me excited. I considered sending diamonds.”
“Your detective invaded my privacy. I will file a report on him.”
“Did he? I’m not aware of any violations, but you’re welcome for your lawyer to contact mine.” Christian held out his arm for me. “Until then, let’s enjoy the grand tour.”
She didn’t take his arm but walked forward.
He laughed. “You should enjoy yourself tonight, Angel. You don’t go out that much.”
“For the record, I have a social life—”
“You don’t. Not since your daughter left.”
She blinked. “Your guy better stay away from my daughter.”
“That I know. I remember the number of guns you have.”
“And don’t you forget it.”
Slowly, Christian took her deeper into the club and then stopped them at another elevator. “Would you like to see the millionaire section?”
“What’s that?”
“It’s like VIP, but on expensive steroids.”
Angel glanced back at the coat check.
“Don’t worry, Angel. You won’t need your gun.”
“How do I know that?”
He pressed the button. “I’ve never killed anyone in my life.”
“Where were you on the night Angel died?”
He gave me a sad frown. “Paris. It was Fashion Week. I sat in the front row right between the Ambassador’s wife and daughter. Cameras snapped pictures all night. Afterwards, I did a few interviews with magazines. I looked excellent. I can send you all of the footage for your enjoyment.”
Christian had an airtight alibi.
He sighed. “I wish I were in Chicago. If I’d been here, Diana would still be alive. She always called me during her episodes.”
“Episodes?”
“Sometimes she would sink deep into depression. Anytime that happened, I would rush over and try to help. Even knowing about her depression, I still don’t want to admit it was suicide.”
The elevator doors opened.
Angel stepped on.
His seductive voice followed. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“Did I say that?”
He stepped on. “You’re not the type of woman to go with anyone that you’re scared of.”
The doors closed.
Angel looked at him. “If you don’t think that Diana committed suicide, then who do you think killed her?”
“Diana was the top moneymaker in my agency. With that beautiful brown skin, everyone wanted her wearing their products.” He gazed her way. “Until Diana, I thought no one had a richer complexion. After seeing you, I realized I was wrong. Have you ever modeled?”
“No.”
“I have a question, Angel.”
“Yes?”
“Why did you throw your vibrator away last week? It didn’t satisfy you?”
She blinked. “None of your business.”
“But I’ve made it my business.”
The doors opened.
Angel rushed off the elevator. “If I see your guy following me, I’m going to put a bullet in his head. And tell him to stop going through my trash can.”