Page 45 of Hate to Love You
When I go out to The Studio, I use my ring to drop the Widowmaker into their drink.
Oddly enough, pillbox rings used to be very popular in the sixteenth century, often used for exactly what I use it for. To slip poison into someone’s food or drink.They made a comeback in the 80’s when cocaine usage was at its peak, but then fell out of the spotlight when the government started cracking down.
Once I’m finished, I clean up my station, and scrub my hands down in the sink making sure I take nothing inside to Lily. Quickly walking out the door, I lock it behind me before pressing down on the handle twice.
Smirking to myself as I glance up toward the sky, seeing the clouds clearing to reveal the radiant blue hiding behind them.
I just know that today is going to be an excellent day.
Tonight, my cab takes me straight to the entrance of The Studio, as I step out onto the cool evening sidewalk, I notice Teddy already making his way over to me.
“Abby, baby!” he exclaims.
“Hey, Teddy,” I say with a nod.
“Friday nights are always the busiest! It is packed in there tonight!” He sighs, his head dropping slightly.“I doubt I’ll be able to get off the door to see you at all!”
Schooling my face to hide the relief, knowing that I don’t have to worry about Teddy interfering with my plans.
“Oh no,” I spin around, showing off my bright red dress. “And I got all dressed up too!”
“Babe, you look stunning!” He says, his eyes trailing down my body. “Did you do all this for me?”
I wink playfully, shrugging off the tiny bit of cringey shiver I feel from his intense gaze. I toss my thumb toward the door with a tilt of my head.
“It’s chilly, I’m going to head inside, okay? I’ll try and find you later!” He walks me to the door, swinging it open for me.
“For sure, babe. I’ll try and get at least one dance with you tonight.”
Oh God. No thank you.
But I gently place my hand on his arm, smiling at him as I walk inside.
Tonight, I don’t waste my time orbiting the orgy of people grinding on the sticky dance floor and simply make my way over to the bar. My eyes bounce around the room, scanning to see if Igor is here but given that I’m here early, there’s a huge chance he isn’t even here yet.
Lizzie drops my usual in front of me with a smile, but the bar is so packed with demanding customers that she doesn’t have a moment to stop for a chat. I raise my glass to her, with a nod of my head as I take a sip.
This part is always the most stressful, knowing that after all my careful planning, scouting, and hard work, one wrong move and I’d be caught.
…But that’s always what makes it the most thrilling.
A deep voice suddenly rumbles next to me, startling me from my thoughts.
“Move!”
The guy next to me jolts, spinning round.
“Hey man, I was here first, so why don’t you… oh shit! Okay, I’m going, I’m going.”
I take a sip, feeling the cool drink sliding down my throat as a large frame sits down next to me, the scent of cigarettes, sweat and far too much cologne overpowering my nose almost immediately.
“What’s a lady like you doing alone in a place like this?” A heavy Russian accent breathes next to me, making my body tense and causing the hair on my arms to stand up.
I turn my head slowly, deliberately using my eyes to trail up his body, which isn’t that impressive. Sure, the beast of a man has some muscle, but the majority of his bulk is fat around his midsection.
“Who? Little old me?” I put my hand on my chest, bashfully.
“Yes, you,” he growls with a sleazy grin.