Rain lashed against the tall, arched windows of the Black Orchid.

Inside, the air was warm and smelled of expensive truffles and wet wool.

I smoothed the front of my black apron, trying to keep my hands from shaking.

“Table four is staring again,” Alina murmured as she passed me.

She was carrying a tray of empty champagne flutes back to the bar.

Her sharp eyes darted toward the corner booth.

“Just ignore him, Mara,” she added.

I looked over at the booth.

Julian Vance sat there alone, his expensive silk tie loosened.

He was one of the syndicate’s high rollers, a man who bought his safety with bags of cash.

His eyes had been on me since I started my shift two hours ago.

I picked up a fresh bottle of sparkling water and walked toward his table.

The soles of my shoes clicked softly against the black marble floor.

“Can I get you anything else, Mr. Vance?” I asked, keeping my voice polite.

He didn’t answer right away.

He just stared at my face, a slow, greasy smile spreading across his lips.

“You have very quiet eyes, sweetheart,” he said, his voice thick with scotch.

“Thank you, sir,” I said, reaching to pour his water.

Before I could tip the bottle, his hand shot out.

His fingers wrapped tightly around my wrist.

The grip was surprisingly strong, pinching the bone.

“Stay a while,” Vance said, pulling me closer to the table. “Talk to me.”

“Please let go, Mr. Vance,” I said.

I tried to pull my arm back, but he only tightened his grip.

“Don’t be like that,” he muttered, his breath hot and sour against my skin.

My glass pitcher slipped from my fingers and shattered on the marble floor.

Water and glass shards sprayed across the room.

The chatter in the dining room died instantly.

Several patrons looked over, but they immediately turned back to their plates.

In the Black Orchid, you did not interfere with syndicate business.

“You’re hurting me,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

“Then sit down,” Vance sneered, tugging harder.

Suddenly, a deep, vibrating rumble echoed from the shadows near the back hallway.