Page 224 of The Devil's Fire

“There you go.” Cecilia handed me a plate with a large piece of chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, and some cut-up strawberries on the side.

“This looks amazing, thank you!” I said excitedly, genuinely thrilled about the dessert. Cecilia always seemed pleased with my reaction whenever she handed me a plate of her heavenly baked goodies. “No wine for me.” I told Ava when she was about to pour me a glass.

“Why not?”

“Last time, the wine and sugar knocked me out in a second, and I’m planning on having a second plate of this.” I said, digging into the chocolate cake. Ava just shrugged and picked up her glass, taking a sip.

Cecilia glanced at the phone on the couch and quickly sent a text back. It didn’t go unnoticed that she rolled her eyes at whatever Damiano had texted her, leaving me curious about their conversation.

“Thanks for the cake, guys.” I said and then faked a yawn when the bottle was halfway empty. I knew it was my cue to bid them goodnight. “I’ve been going to sleep early these days, so I’m already tired.”

The sun just dipped below the horizon when I made my way back. The safe house was next to theirs, so it wasn’t far, yet they kept watching me until I reached the house safely.

Now it was time to get ready.

I went to the bathroom where I had already laid everything out so I could get ready faster. I had about an hour before the cab would be here, which was also enough time for Ava and Cecilia to be knocked out cold.

I wanted to look different as much as possible, so I got myself some colored contacts, making my eyes blue instead of green. I also did heavy eye makeup and red lips. Last, I grabbed the short, black wig with bangs and put it on.

“Damn, I really do look different.” I said, in awe of my own reflection.

I had four days to devise a plan, and this was the best I could come up with. Going to LuxePalace was undoubtedly risky, especially using my mother’s card, and that was why I had to look different for my own safety.

The strategy was simple; blend in, avoid drawing any attention, and search for Mr. Vasiliev, hoping that was the person my mother wanted to talk to. If I don’t find him within an hour, I will be out of there.

Easy peasy.

I slipped into a royal blue satin dress with a slit leg. I chose this dress strategically; I could wear a garter belt, concealing my gun discreetly while still being able to reach it with ease. If I was going to meet the Boss of the Russian Mafia, I sure as hell wasn’t going without a gun.

Satisfied with my appearance, I threw on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie over the dress. I stuffed my heels into a bag along with a clutch filled with a shitload of cash I had taken from the emergency drawer.

I looked out of the window facing Ava and Cecilia’s back porch, allowing me to keep an eye on them. I couldn’t see inside, but their silhouettes would be visible if they moved since the light was still on. With binoculars, I checked for any activity, but it seemed quiet. No movements.

They were out cold, and this was my cue to leave.

I kept the television on to give the illusion that I was watching. I went to the other side of the house, to the window facing away from their place. After making sure no one was around, I opened the window, jumped out, and left it slightly ajar for my return.

I crouched down low on the grass, staying hidden in the shadows as I moved down the street where I had ordered the cab to pick me up. Constantly scanning my surroundings for any sign of Damiano’s men or familiar cars, I quickly made my way to the spot where the cab came into view.

“Cab for Lily?” The driver asked as I got inside. To be extra cautious, I had given a fake name. Damiano had numerous businesses, and his people were everywhere. I couldn’t risk anyone recognizing my name and reporting back to him.

“Yes.”

“Cool! I’m Chad. Where are you off to?”

“The LuxePalace.” I said, a little out of breath from basically playing a spy on a mission. My heart was also pumping like crazy as I continued to look around anxiously, but it seemed I had made it safely and unnoticed.

Chad made a whistling sound as he drove off.

“Fancy! Not to be rude or anything, but I don’t think you’re allowed in, wearing that.” He took a quick look at me and my comfortable clothes before returning his focus to the road.

I ignored him as I started to take off my hoodie and sweatpants and put on my heels. I grabbed a small mirror I had packed with me to make sure everything still looked okay and that my wig wasn’t out of place. It freaked me out how different I looked.

“Damn! Now you look like someone who can get in!” Chad glanced at me again when he realized I was wearing a dress underneath.

“That’s the plan.” I chuckled. If Chad thought I looked like someone who could get into the LuxePalace, then I had done my job pretty well.

My nerves were getting to me when I saw we were getting close to my destination. My eyes widened at the large and luxurious building with lights on it, making it even more extraordinary and expensive looking.