Genesis's POV

"Do you have a problem pretending to be my husband?" I asked, lips pressed against the curve of Axel's ear. "You did say you'd be fine with it but you seem a little...distracted."

Axel's cheeks were tinged with pink but a content and obnoxious grin curved at his lips. He turned, placing his hand on my thigh and slowly inching upwards. "Oh, I'm fine. It's you I'm concerned about."

Raising my arm I placed it on his shoulder, moving it slowly to cup his neck. "Concerned? Why's that?"

"Because you've been weird lately. Been lost in your head a lot more and that's never a good thing."

My heart drummed in my ears. Stupid Axel and his stupid ability to read me. Unable to answer him, I took a tentative sip of the vodka martini I was nursing.

"Don't ignore me, Gen," Axel said brushing my red hair off my shoulder.

It was true I had been strange lately and it was all Thorn's fault. Not that I would admit it aloud though. After that day he had kissed me I had just avoided him any way I could.

I don't know why I just couldn't be near him without feeling...something. It was unnerving, I didn't understand it and I tended to stay away from things I didn't understand.

After two weeks we'd finally found the bar in which Mrs. Kingston went to occasionally. Unfortunately, this plan had taken a while to complete. It didn't help that after Axel had got his hands on our two attempted assassins the information he had gained was nothing that we didn't already know.

Caspian.

Fucking Prick. He's everywhere.

I don't know why he sent those people to kill Thorn of all people but he had and I didn't know why, which frustrated me to the uttermost degree. I shook my head, trying to focus on the moment we were in now.

We were sat at the bar, waiting to make our move on our mark. The bar was called parallel and was very exclusive. Honestly, it took forever for Axel to hack into their system and put us on the eligibility list. If it wasn't for him we would have had no chance.

Due to its exclusive nature, we had to follow a certain dress code. As usual, Axel looked amazing in a simple suit and tie. It was truly unfair, he hadn't tried at all and he looked damn good. If he wasn't hella gay I'd eat him up. 

Now I wasn't one for dresses, in fact, I despised them, they were too breezy and didn't allow you to move as freely as a pair of jeans might. So I had no clue where to even start. Fortunately for me, one of best friends was a genius in this sort of thing. However, seeing as there was no other choice I had opted for a simple but elegant red tea dress that fell just below my knees as well as a silk shawls that settled over my shoulders.

The bodice was pure lace with a silk underlayer and it was the same with the sleeves. The skirt flew softly around my legs and even I had to admit it was a beautiful dress. Sapphire really was amazing.

The creamy sheets of the silk dress hugged my chest and stomach, peppering my body with soft, sensual kisses. Like a lover, it seduced the senses and conveyed with utmost skill the art of pleasing.

Crystal had done my make up. Not too much since we were going for subtlety and not clown. Simple nude eyeshadow and a dark red lipstick to match. She had then but this red wig on me that I hated. It was tied up in a draped french braid with a few strands that framed my face. I, as usual, looked amazing.

"Genesis," Axel said lowly. I turned back to him and offered him a flirty smile.

"I'm okay. But if you move that hand any higher or lean any closer. You little boyfriend might just strangle me."

Axel's eyes darted momentarily to where Jake stood to make a drink of some sort for a man further down the bar. He didn't look at us but his hands clenched the bottle he was holding like he was trying to squeeze the life out of it.

Jake was playing bartender tonight. Thorn was originally supposed to but as Mason cleverly pointed out, Mrs. Kingston may just recognize him. It was highly unlikely but we didn't want to risk it.

My partner chuckled, leaning in and kissing my cheek. "He's not my boyfriend."

I threw my head back and laughed, pretending to be highly entertained by something my supposed 'lover' had just said to me. "Could have fooled me."

"Can I get you anything else?" We pulled apart and came face to face with the ginger boy himself. He tried to look relaxed and carefree but from his eyes alone you could see the jealousy burning behind them.

Axel smiled politely. "Yes, I'll get a blow job thanks."

Jakes smile faltered for a moment and desire replaced the jealousy. "I'm sure that can be arranged, sir."

I shifted on my seat and laughed to myself. "You know it's very rude to check someone out while your wife's sitting right here you know?"

As the words left my lips, Jake growled and I batted my lashes at him with a smirk. I finished my drink and asked for another.

With a glare, Jake went to refill my glass. "Oh, he definitely wants to be your boyfriend."

Axel sipped his scotch, trying to cover his smile. "We'll see." He placed his drink back on the coaster, "Now back to business, do you see her?"

He pressed a kiss just below my ear, one arm wrapped warmly around my waist, holding me close.

It was an easy distraction. People skimmed over us in disgust of public displays of affection, discounted us as not paying attention, not a threat, let dates and eye candy be dragged into places where bodyguards would be far more closely examined.

I lifted my gaze over his shoulder and scanned the patrons. The room was a wash of color and life. I lolled my head to one side, pushing out my red lips just a little. I wasn't drunk yet but I liked to give the impression that I was. It was a lot easier to pass by noticed when it was clear you weren't entirely sober.

My eyes found the woman in the black dress.

"Target's at the bar," I said, keeping my voice low. "Black dress, designed to blend in, she's talking with some guy. Don't think it's her husband though." A crowded but exclusive club was an easy place to trade something - easy to slip in and out of, to hide among the bustle, to pass along information or small items among the crush of bodies.

I tilted my head towards Jake as he placed down my martini and Axel's blowjob with a wink before walking away. Ax chuckled into my neck. "I wasn't serious."

"Oh yes, you were."

"How do you wanna proceed?"

I smiled and pulled away. "We go talk to her." Standing I straightened and lifted Axel's shot to my lips. The Irish whiskey burned but it was a good feeling that warmed my stomach. I then brushed down my dress, threw my shawl at him and grabbed my drink.

"You can't just-" He cut himself off. "What am I saying, of course, you can. You're Genesis." I grinned at the cynicism in his voice. I slowly edged my way towards them.

I forced myself to stumble spilling my drink all over the man with my target. "Stupid woman!" He bellowed.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry." I started frantically patting the man down with his napkin.

"Bartender can we get some more napkins to please," I called.

Rubbing the alcohol into his suit, I rapidly apologized. He shoved my hands off him and I pretended to stumble away. "What the hell is your problem? Can't you stay on your two feet?"

Axel immediately came to my side as well as Jake who handed me about half a dozen fresh serviettes. I felt my lips twitch as I saw the little black object pressed between them. "Is everything okay sir?" Jake asked, his eyes darting nervously between me and the man. Even Mrs. Kingston looked like she was ready to escape.

"No this bitch just spilled her drink all over an $18,000 suit!"

 I started patting him down again, pretending to be incredibly sorry for my actions. "Really sure I don't know what came over me. I'm so sorry."

He batted me away and straightened his suit jacket. He looked towards Axel who kept his hand firmly on the bottom of my back. "Women right? Can't live with them, can't live without them."

Axel sent him a tight-lipped smile, forcing a chuckle. "Indeed."

He reached down for his briefcase and I picked it up for him, sticking the small bug to the underside of it. He probably wasn't anyone important. Just a rich man, looking to pick up a pretty women but it didn't hurt to be thorough. "I really am sorry sir."

He gave me a once over and a mean glare before placing a couple hundred dollars on the bar top and walking away.

I fanned myself with my hand before turning to the target. I smiled down at the women. She looked a lot like Thorn surprisingly. She had his silver eyes and his strong nose, the same dark hair. It was unnerving. She was quite beautiful for her age. The only wrinkles were those on her forehead as well as the dark bags that no amount of makeup could cover.

"I am so sorry about your husband. I really didn't mean to spill that all over him."

Leah Kingston gave me a meticulous once over. I stayed completely still, my smile not dropping for a moment. Her gaze then went to Axel and she gave him a quick look before bringing her attention back at me.

"He's not my husband. Trust me you would have got more than a little bit of yelling if you spilled your drink on him."

I pulled my hair off my neck and Axel took that as a cue to wrap his arm around my waist. Leah's gaze flickered to his arm before going back to my face. "Oh really? Sounds like a scary guy." I giggled. "I'm Ella Wright and this is my husband Edward." 

"Leah." She said, no emotion in her voice. 

" I was hoping I could buy you a drink for the inconvenience?"

She looked at me an then her empty glass. "Sure." 

Axel lifted his hand for Jake and he came right over to us as we sat down. "What can I get you?"

"One vodka martini with two olives, gin and tonic and...?" Axel looked towards Leah.

"A white lady thanks," Jake nodded and went to make the drinks.

"So do you come around here often?" I ask, a cheeky grin on my face. I remained girlish, innocent. Beneath my mask of delight and interested listening, I was planning her death and the disposal of her body, in the same manner, most people reserved for writing a list of household chores.

Her lips stayed in a thin line as she watches me with intrigue. "I do. Why do you ask?"

"I'm looking for someone," Axel says nodding as Jake brings our drinks over. "I've heard from an old friend that he frequents this place."

Leah subtly runs her eyes over Axel, his finger twirling the ends of her hair. I don't know what she's looking for. Maybe a hint of who he really is but whatever it is she doesn't find it. Axel's hand remains on my waist almost as if he's claiming me but I know it's just his way of reassuring both him and myself.

"Oh, and who may that be?" She returned her arms to their resting position, left elbow on the well-shined bar top and manicured nails almost touching her lips. The golden bangles she wore on her wrists, fell to the soft skin part way down her arm and lay glinting in the soft light, bright against her bronze skin. Leah underplayed her part in this little dance of ours, coy and a little slow to warm.

"Simon Kingston?"

I had to give her credit she barely batted an eye as Axel spoke her husband's name but unfortunately for her I had been doing this for a long time and noticed even the smallest things. Like how her hand tightened ever so slightly around her glass or how her posture shifted barely an inch. It was nothing to the untrained eye but to mine, it spoke volumes.

Without missing a beat she said, "Sorry I've never heard of him."

I already knew that she wouldn't give him up. Leah Kingston's greatest strength and greatest weakness was her loyalty. She would go to extreme measures to protect the ones she loved and in the end that would be her inevitable destruction.

"Ah well, it involved his son so we were hoping we could find him." My partner's hand tightened on my waist and Jake stumbled not too far away from us where he was clearly listening to our conversation. Neither of them was expecting me to say that.

Fortunately neither was Mrs. Kingston, who mistakenly let her facade of indifference fall into shock. Her glass slipped from her hand and she paled considerably. As simple as that the mouse got caught in my the hunter's trap.

Jake was by her side immediately wiping up the spilled drink and discarding the cracked glass. Other patrons around us perked up, seeing what all the fuss was about but as soon as they realized another clumsy woman had spilled her drink, then focused back on the conversations they were having.

"What did you say?"

I hid my grin. 

"His son? He's got into a bit of trouble and the only way for him to get out of it is for us to find his father." Axel said easily, trying to just go with my plan. He knew better than to question me and was well aware that I knew what I was doing.

I sighed heavily and stood, pulling my 'husband' up with me. "If you don't know where he is then I guess all hope is lost for that poor boy. We've exhausted all of our resources, I'm afraid. This place was our last hope."

I faked tears as I turned into Axel who wrapped his arms around me, murmuring pointless comforts.

"I don't know what do anymore Edward." I sobbed, pulling off one of the best performances of my life. "If we don't do something they'll kill him!"

"I know sweetheart but there nothing more we can do." He gathered up my thin shawl and placed it around my shoulders, wiping away my fake tears. "We should go home and we'll tell Thorn tomorrow."

Leah's eyes saddened incredibly, her face still pale and her hands shook with a tremor.

The pair of us turned to leave but Leah stopped us with a hand on my wrist. "Wait please."

I turned around, making myself look as miserable as possible. "Yes?"

Her eyes shifted to the side and became glazed with a glassy layer of tears. As she blinked, they dripped from her eyelids and slid down her cheeks. She bit her lip tightly in an attempt to hide any sound that wanted to escape from her mouth. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke. "I can find him."

"Really?"

Leah nodded. I grinned, springing up and pulling her into a hug. She stiffened under my touch but soon relaxed into it. While she was distracted Axel took the opportunity to put a small bug in her purse that sat on the back of her chair. When we pulled apart she was smiling softly. "Thank you so much."

I stood and Axel grabbed a small business card from his pocket. He handed it to Leah who took it with trembling hands. "The deadline is in three days so you need to find him before then."

She nodded, chewing her lip. "That won't be a problem."

Axel nodded. "Great ring me when you've to find him and we'll sort out a meeting place."

The women nodded again, not really listening to Axel's words. I offered her another sweet smile. "We hope to hear from you soon Leah."

With that, we turned and left the bar.

It was dark when we left, stumbling to give the illusion we were a little drunk. Axel chuckled and I threw my head back and laughed. Nothing was funny but appearances were everything, especially when you didn't know who was watching you.

A stretched limousine was waiting for us and Axel opened the door for me with a grin. I slid in, Axel following shortly after. The second the door closed I sighed, pulling off the god awful heels and itchy wig. I would not be wearing either of those again for a while.

"I thought we agreed to keep Thorn out of this?" Mason asked from his position on the opposite side of the sleek bench. He had his laptop open and I could see that the security footage was displayed upon it from where Axel had hacked into the system earlier. A pair of headphones hung from his hand and I knew he was listening to every word we had said.

"Plans change." I shrugged, rubbing my sore feet.

The screen that separates passengers and drivers slid down and Thorn's face greeted us on the other side. "We'll talk about your change in plans after we pick Jake up."

I smiled sweetly at him. "He'll be around back."

Thorn nodded before driving around to the back entrance where Jake slipped in quickly and hopefully unnoticed.

"I'll give it to you Mr. Affleck, you're not too bad when it comes to undercover work."

He doesn't smile as I expect him to, instead his eyes narrow into a glare. "I would have been perfect if you didn't spring that whole Thorn thing on us. I thought we agreed to keep his name out of it."

Jake pulls his bow tie from around his neck and undoes the top button of his shirt. I sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger.

"Look what you all need to understand about our dear Genesis is that she is good at getting results and that means she has to deviate from the plan." Axel shoots me a glare. "Unfortunately for us that never works out well when she does just spring it on us but we have to deal with what we get and it got us a meeting with your father did it not?"

See this is why I kept him around. Someone needed to defend me. Someone more equipped with dealing with people.

The three of them grumbled. 

"We also learned that your mother still actually cares about you." I piped up.

"Could have fooled me. Se tried to sell me and my two-year-old brother!"

"Some people's parents argue others are abusive, yours tried to sell you as sex slaves, no point whining about it."

Thorn's eyes glared with an intensity that tightened my chest. His gaze fell like an act of violence, a glare to stop her heart.

 "Too soon?" I asked and I only received a sneer in reply before he turned around and started to drive.

"Let's just go home, get some rest and we can yell at Genesis for her inappropriate humor later. I just want my bed." Axel groaned, stretching his arms above his head.

"Just to sleep in or...?" Jake asked with a wink.

Axel feigned innocence. "Do you have something else in mind that I could do in my bed?"

"I have a few ideas."

My nose scrunched up in disgust. I really didn't want to hear about his and Jakes sex life. "Someone stake me please," I grumbled.

"You kill me and I'll kill you," Mason questioned, looking just as uncomfortable as I felt.

"Deal." 

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