The crowd was spectacular. Teresa couldn't help but like it. The ambience of the entire place made her feel like the rich women from TV shows. She thought as if she was a Queen who was living her royalty at a party. The hall before her was gorgeous. It had been decorated with shining gold ribbons and drapes. A huge silver chandelier hung from the ceiling. Her eyes reflected the silver glow of the chandelier when she had looked up. Karen had glanced once and shrugged as if it were no big deal to her.

The two of them gracefully dodged the security check when Karen handed an identity card to one of the guards waiting at the entrance. They were carrying a gun each, in their handbags, in case things got out of hand. Apart from the gun, both of them had a push-button signal. If Teresa had managed to get Vozenilek enticed, she had to push it so that Seth and others would be ready for the next stage of the plan. Karen had to push the button if she felt that the plan was jeopardized or if something was wrong. Ben would then get to her. They each had a locater planted inside their heels so they would never be incognito for the mafia. They strode in confidently inside the largest bouquet hall she had ever seen in her life. Fifty elephants could have fit in there, and perhaps even a giraffe couldn't touch the high ceiling. Thousands of people chattered away carelessly inside. Some wore masks, and some had face painting. Karen and Teresa were the only ones who had revealing faces. Teresa looked for Mr Alexey Vozenilek. He was supposed to be the host of this big event.

The plan they had decided upon had sounded pretty simple.

Teresa had to find the Russian man and entice him enough to be taken to the damned diamond. Until then, Karen will be there to distract his secretary. When Teresa reaches the diamond finally, Seth and Ben will take over her. That's it. They were to escape out the window of the suite room. By the dawn of the next day, the Shadow Killers would vanish from sight. Everyone would know what happened and who did it, yet no one would be able to prove it. It was as easy as this.

Then why were Teresa's palms sweaty?

Get a hold of yourself.

She carefully scanned among the large crowds to look for a Mr Alexey Vozenilek. He was supposed to be six feet two inches tall of weak built. She had been told that he would have black hair and sea blue eyes. There would be a small half-moon shaped scar under his lower lip. Her eyes searched for a big crowd. She was sure the host would always be the magnet of attraction in a party this big. She saw Karen slid beside her with a determined nod at her.

"You find the fresh meat and I'll get the side dish"

Did she just say that?

Teresa ambled to not look out of place. She occasionally smiled at some men and sat at the bar side of the hall.

"A White Russian for me please," she added at the counter. She had always wanted to try it anyways.

Soon a glass appeared beside her, and she watched the white froth of the drink mesmerizingly. The ice was clear and beautiful to look at. She stared at the vodka and alcohol accumulated at the bottom. Should she have it? At a time like this, moreover? She was still comprehending the ups and downs of having a sip when a hand slipped on her thigh. Teresa jumped on her seat and swirled around her seat.

A drunk fat man grinned at her abashedly. He had a glass of champagne in his hand.

"Do you want to go, my lady?" he slurred on his words.

"No. Thank you," she replied curtly. Was this the medieval times? 'My lady' gave her the creeps.

"You have to. I am great in bed. Let's go"

With that, he began pulling at her hand. Despite his appearance, he was strong. Teresa pulled back, but the man dangerously tugged harder at her hand. It began to hurt under his steel grip. Panic started to bubble in her head, but she forced it down. She was getting herself ready to beat the man black and blue when another hand appeared on her shoulder.

"She said no Dyadya," a nasal-like voice said.

The man immediately let go with a horrified look on his face. He quickly turned away and stumbled out of the hall altogether. Teresa bit back a relieved laugh. She had to look like she didn't care.

"Thanks Mr-"

She froze when she saw the man. There was no mistaking who he was from the expensive suit and sea blue eyes. His scar showed clearly under his lips. It had a deep dent to it.

She had found her meat, after all.

"I believe I am Mr Alexey Vozenilek," the man before him spoke. He had a normal even-toned voice with a slightly off accent.

"I guess I know that," Teresa smartly replied even though her heart was pounding.

The man grinned beautifully, and his teeth shone perfectly. He wasn't exactly the type of a guy who worked out. Teresa guessed he had always been a lean man. She envied such people. Vozenilek pointed his head toward the drunken man he had called 'Dyadya' and smiled at her sheepishly.

"I'm sorry about my uncle," he apologized.

She gave him a sarcastic smile.

"Aren't you supposed to be attracting masses of women or men towards you? You're the hotshot of the night after all," Teresa asked cautiously.

"Ah well, everyone is drunk and I announced that Schyaste will not be in display at all. Unless someone attracts my attention of course," he said softly, dropping the hint she needed.

Teresa knew this would be her only chance to grab a bite. She walked closer to him and pressed her breasts against him. A look of amusement passed on his face.

"I am afraid I can't just let that go," she whispered roughly. She only hoped her breath didn't smell like dead fish.

"Do you want zex?" Mr Vozenilek asked with that weird accent. He didn't look surprised.

Teresa smirked winningly.

"More than that Mr Vozenilek. I'm afraid I'm not a slut... yet"

She mentally was cringing hard at what she had just said. She didn't even know she could be sexy, never mind be seductive. She probably looked like a frog trying to smile with lipstick on. The thought itself almost made her run away. But, she wore heels and falling before a crowd as elegant as this was not on her 'Be Smooth' list.

Instead of calling the guards on her, Mr Vozenilek lowered his eyes and bit into his bottom lip. He put his weight on his left leg and stared at her with lust written on his face shamelessly.

"Well you look great in that dress. Perhaps you'd give me a better view without it and the Schyaste in the background. Say we go to my suite?"

Teresa was flabbergasted. She had just walked into the domain she would like to run away from. Her pride was in her hands, and she was juggling it into the air continuously. Yet, she swallowed that embarrassment and forced a satisfied smile on her face.

"Will do Mr Vozenilek," she said as she slid her hands into her purse.

She pressed the button as Vozenilek turned his back to guide her out. She quickly walked to his side and felt him close the distance between the two. This was getting weirder as time went by.

"So where is your suite anyways Mr Vozenilek?"

"Call me Alex," he slowly said. Teresa felt his hand brush her butt cheek lightly.

She took his wrist and twisted it lightly but enough to bring a wince on his face. So he wasn't so used to fighting. Nice.

"Keep your hands to yourself Alex. You don't want me to cut them off for you"

Alex smiled approvingly and nodded. "You are totally my type. Let's go"

Seth is way better, was the last thought in her head as both entered a guarded elevator that carried them to the 13th floor of The Meridian Palace. Teresa's heart twisted in a knot as she stepped out on the empty thirteenth floor.

Thirteen was an unlucky number.

*****

Hey guys! This was a long one! I really hope you are enjoying it so far. I don't see many people reading it anymore but I solely hope those who are reading this have no complaints so far hehe.

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AND GIVE SHOUT OUTS! JESUS.