Cat startled. Blood drained from her face when she noticed Alexandre Larousse was standing next to her. How did he sneak up on me like that? Is it time for me to hit the kerb already?
Instead of throwing her out of the club, Alex carefully set a glass of wine down in front of her. “Courtesy of my brother, Gabriel. He wondered if you would be interested in joining him?”
What?
The neurons in her brain short-circuited. Her gaze cut to the man in question. Gabriel Larousse watched her with a smile hovering at the corner of his lips. His expression was a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
Oh God, what should I do? Cat panicked for a moment.
She could chicken out and decline the invitation.
But I’m a fucking private investigator, damn it, even though I’m a rookie. This could be a golden opportunity to get close to my target and dig as much dirt on him as I can.
“Miss?” Alex asked. “What say you?”
“I…uhm.
Why?” She wanted to kick herself after she’d blurted that one out. Why couldn’t she have said something smart and elegant like the heroines in noir flicks?
Alex’s face was a mask of impassiveness. He didn’t look as snappish as he was rumoured to be. Alex’s gaze skittered briefly over her face, her body, the journal, and the purse in her lap. “It’s obvious you are waiting for someone—a member of the club. This establishment isn’t open to the public. And, while you’re waiting, my brother wishes to appease your boredom with a game of pool.”
“Oh. I can’t play pool.”
“Then perhaps simple conversation would do.” Alex offered a smile and his hand.
She blinked. “Your brother won’t take no for an answer, will he?”
The smile tightened.
Cat guessed she knew the answer. She shoved the journal back into her purse and took Alex’s proffered hand. She shuffled along, trying to keep up with Alex’s long strides. His grip was firm, as though he didn’t want her to bail out before he could deliver her safely to his brother.
The billiards room was spacious and rather dark. The ambiance was mysterious. Seductive. The walls were plastered in dark wainscots with several antique-looking sconces dimly lighting the place. The thick scent of expensive cigars cloyed the air. Spicy clove, too. The smell of men. Rich, powerful men. And her ill-thinking bravado had dragged her into their lair. She felt like Goldilocks in a bear’s house.
Gabriel took her hand from Alex’s and kissed it like a true gentleman. Was he usually this charming? The media often portrayed him as an introverted man who bordered on being antisocial. The Gabriel before her wasn’t like that at all. His smile seemed genuinely warm and somehow…flirty. Which was weird, because the words ‘flirty’ and ‘Gabriel Larousse’ usually didn’t belong in the same sentence. Alex simply nodded and walked away.
“I’m Gabriel. It’s so kind of you to take up my invitation, Miss…”
“Catherine. But everybody calls me Cat.”
“Hmm. I’d prefer to call you Kitty.” A low chuckle erupted.
His deep, dulcet tones sent shivers down her spine. Whoa. She’d never met a man with such enthralling sexual appeal. She would have fanned herself if Gabriel hadn’t been standing in front of her.
“Catherine.” Her name rolled off his tongue like something made out of sugar and chocolate, incredibly sexy and hedonistic. “May I buy you a drink?”
“But you just sent me a glass of wine.” She nodded in the direction of her table.
“You didn’t touch it. I’m assuming you’re not particularly fond of Chianti.”
“I’m fine, thank you. Getting me drunk won’t get you anywhere, you know?”
Another rich peal of laughter burst out.
She laughed with him just to be polite. Anxiety crept in, despite the naughty urge that made her want to lick him as if he were her favourite sundae. Why did he invite me over here? Does he know who I really am?
“So.” Gabriel’s eyes brightened. They were a light hazel with flecks of gold. “May I be privy to this lucky gentleman’s name?”
It took her a few seconds to comprehend what he meant. Gabriel must have guessed she would be meeting someone. The imaginary lawyer who would never show up. And since this was a gentlemen’s club, women rarely popped in here unless they were invited.