Chapter 3 The Devil's Bargain

The recruitment event was held in a penthouse that reeked of old money and older secrets. Anna stood before a floor-to-ceiling mirror in what had once been a senator's private study, adjusting the black cocktail dress Sophia had "borrowed" from one of her modeling gigs. The fabric clung to her slender frame like a second skin, transforming her from a struggling waitress back into something resembling the heiress she'd once been. "Remember," Sophia whispered, touching up Anna's lipstick with practiced efficiency, "you're Anna Cole tonight.

Middle-class background, private school scholarship, parents died in a car accident when you were eighteen. You've been struggling since then, but you're smart, adaptable, and desperately need money."

Most of that's true," Anna murmured, studying her reflection. The woman looking back was a hybrid-Anna Bellamy's breeding and education wrapped in Anna Cole's hunger and determination. "The best lies always are," Sophia replied. "

Now, there are three levels of membership for women in the club. Associates are basically high-end escorts-beautiful, discreet, and well-paid. Companions have more autonomy, often serving as dates for social events or longer arrangements. But the Muses..." She paused dramatically. "The Muses are the inner circle. They're the ones who can bring down governments."

Anna's pulse quickened. "What makes a Muse?" "Intelligence, beauty, absolutely unshakeable discretion, and the ability to become whoever the situation requires," Sophia listed. "They're actresses, psychologists, and spies all rolled into one. And they have access to everything-every member, every secret, every weakness."

Before Anna could respond, the study door opened. The woman who entered was stunning in the way that money could buy but breeding refined. Tall, elegant, with platinum blonde hair swept into a perfect chignon and ice-blue eyes that missed nothing. Miss Cole, I presume?" Her voice held the faintest trace of a European accent. "I'm Madame Evangeline, the club's... personnel director."

Anna extended her hand with practiced grace. "A pleasure." Evangeline's grip was firm, her gaze assessing. "Miss Martinez has told me quite a lot about you. Vassar education, family tragedy, and financial difficulties. A sadly common story among our applicants." She moved to the bar cart, pouring herself a measure of amber liquid. "What makes you different?" The question hung in the air like a challenge. Anna felt the weight of her future balancing on her next words.I understand the psychology of power," Anna said finally. "I know how men like the ones in your club think because I was raised around them. I can anticipate their needs, navigate their egos, and make them feel like the smartest person in the room while extracting exactly what I need."

Evangeline's smile was sharp as cut glass. "Interesting. And what is it you need, Miss Cole? Security, Anna replied without hesitation. "Financial stability and the kind of connections that ensure I never have to rely on anyone else's charity again. "Honest. Good." Evangeline settled into a leather chair, crossing her legs with predatory grace. "Tell me, Miss Cole, how do you feel about... flexibility in your moral boundaries?"

Anna met her gaze steadily. "I believe morality is a luxury the poor can't afford."

"Excellent."

Evangeline raised her glass in a mock toast. "Now, let's discuss specifics. The Gentleman's Club operates on several levels. Our associates earn between ten and fifty thousand per encounter, depending on the client's requirements. Our companions command higher fees for longer engagements-anywhere from fifty thousand to two hundred thousand for extended arrangements." The numbers made Anna's head spin. More money than she'd seen since leaving home.

And the Muses? Anna asked. Evangeline's smile became predatory. "The Muses name their own price. Because by the time a client requires a Muse, price is no longer relevant. She stood, moving to the window that overlooked the glittering city below. "However, becoming a Muse requires... initiation. A trial period where we assess your capabilities and discretion."

"What kind of trial?"

Tomorrow night, the club is hosting a private auction. Rare artwork, vintage wines, the usual indulgences of the wealthy. You'll attend as a companion to one of our Elite members-someone specifically requesting a woman of your... background. Anna's blood chilled.

"Which member?"

Evangeline's smile widened. "Mr. Alexander Devereaux has expressed interest in having an intelligent companion for the evening. Someone who can discuss art and literature, appreciate fine wine, and provide... stimulates conversation."

The room seemed to tilt. Anna gripped the back of a chair, fighting to maintain her composure. Alexander Devereaux-the man she was supposed to marry, the cold heir who'd reduced her to a strategic advantage.

"He doesn't know who you are,"

Evangeline continued, watching Anna's reaction with obvious amusement. "To him, you'll simply be Anna Cole, a educated young woman in need of financial support. The question is-can you handle being in the same room as someone from your past without revealing yourself?"

Anna straightened, drawing on reserves of strength she'd discovered in the past three months. "I can handle anything."We'll see." Evangeline moved toward the door, and then paused. "One more thing, Miss Cole. The club has a zero-tolerance policy regarding emotional entanglements between staff and members. The moment you develop feelings for a client, you become a liability. And we deal with liabilities... permanently."

The threat was delivered with such casual elegance that it took Anna a moment to process it fully. When she did, ice settled in her veins."I understand," Anna said. "Do you?" Evangeline's eyes glittered dangerously. Because Mr. Devereaux has a reputation for inspiring... complicated emotions in our staff. Three companions have had to be... reassigned after working with him. I'd hate for you to become the fourth."

With that, she was gone, leaving Anna alone with the weight of her decision and the terrifying realization that she was about to enter a game far more dangerous than she'd imagined.

Sophia appeared in the doorway, her face pale. "You heard?" Anna nodded, her mind already racing ahead to tomorrow night. Alexander Devereaux wanted an intelligent companion-someone to appreciate art and provide stimulating conversation. What he was getting was the woman he'd dismissed as a responsibility, returned as his potential downfall. "Are you sure about this?" Sophia asked quietly. Anna moved to the mirror, studying her reflection one last time. The woman looking back was neither the sheltered heiress nor the struggling survivor. She was something new entirely- something that could be either salvation or destruction.

"He said he understood duty,"

Anna murmured, remembering their disastrous dinner three months ago.

"Tomorrow night, he's going to learn about consequences."

The game was about to begin, and this time, Anna would be setting the rules.