Chapter 2 The Game Begins.

The club pulsed with life, neon lights casting streaks of red and blue over the crowd. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the steady thump of bass-heavy music created a haze of energy that wrapped around Kara like a second skin. She adjusted her black vest, making sure it was snug over the crisp white shirt underneath. The outfit was simple but effective-it hid her curves well enough, making her look like any other lean, sharp-dressed man weaving through the club's high-paying clientele.

She had learned quickly: don't speak more than necessary, keep her posture confident, and most importantly-avoid drawing attention.

But fate had other plans.

At one of the VIP tables, Elena Laurent leaned back in her seat, her fingers idly toying with the rim of a wine glass. Kara had seen enough of these types-wealthy, poised, and used to the world bending to their will. Elena was no exception, except for one thing: she was watching her.

Kara kept her head down as she approached the table. "What can I get you?" Her voice was firm, leveled-she had practiced enough to make sure there was no crack of hesitation.

Elena's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You're new."

Kara didn't react. "I am."

Elena tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Most of the servers here introduce themselves."

Kara met her gaze for the first time, dark eyes unreadable. "Didn't think my name mattered as long as I got your order right."

The response earned a soft chuckle from Elena's companion, a man in a sharp navy suit. But Elena? She only smirked.

"You're bold," she murmured, swirling the wine in her glass. "I like that."

Something about the way she said it sent a slow chill down Kara's spine-not from fear, but something else. Something dangerous.

Still, she kept her face neutral. "Would you like to order something, or should I take that as a compliment?"

Elena's smirk widened. "Both."

Kara resisted the urge to shift under the woman's gaze. She was used to being invisible, yet here was this woman, looking at her like she was a puzzle she wanted to solve.

Finally, Elena broke the silence. "A glass of whiskey. Neat."

Kara gave a nod and turned to leave.

Then she heard Elena say, just loud enough to reach her ears:

"Something about him feels... different."

Kara's steps faltered for only a fraction of a second before she forced herself forward, disappearing behind the bar to retrieve the drink.

Different?

Was it just Elena's intuition, or had she already noticed something off about her disguise?

Kara had no choice but to keep playing the game.

---

Kara returned to the VIP table, placing the glass of whiskey in front of Elena with the same steady hand she had trained herself to perfect.

Elena lifted the drink, inspecting the amber liquid as if it held answers to unspoken questions. "What's your name?" she asked again, this time with a hint of demand.

Kara hesitated before offering a smooth lie. "Kai."

The name rolled off her tongue effortlessly-something close enough to her real name but distinct enough to belong to someone else.

Elena took a slow sip of whiskey, eyes never leaving her. "Kai." She let the name settle in her mouth like she was testing the weight of it. Then, after a pause, she smiled.

Kara had seen many smiles. Fake ones. Polite ones. Sinister ones. But Elena's? It was unreadable.

She was enjoying this.

Enjoying her.

"So, Kai..." Elena leaned forward slightly, resting her elbow on the table. "How long have you been working here?"

Kara kept her expression blank. "Not long."

"Do you like it?"

"As long as the pay is good."

Elena laughed at that, a soft and knowing sound. "Ah. A man who values money over passion. Practical."

Kara's grip tightened on the serving tray in her hands. There was something in Elena's tone, something deliberate. Was she testing her? Or just toying with her?

Elena's companion, the man in the navy suit, finally spoke up. "You know, Elena, I think you've found a new favorite."

Elena tilted her head, studying Kara one last time before saying, "Perhaps."

And just like that, Kara was dismissed.

She turned on her heel, walking away as quickly as possible without looking like she was running.

The moment she was out of their line of sight, Kara let out a slow, measured breath.

She had come here to blend in, to make money, and disappear.

So why the hell did she feel like she had just stepped into a game she wasn't prepared to play?