THE LAST SPY

Chapter four

Kelvin froze as the woman’s voice echoed in his mind. He looked her over, taking in the long, flowing hair that framed her delicate face, the sharp cheekbones, and the curve of her lips as she smiled at him. Her red dress clung to her body in all the right places, the rich crimson fabric shimmering under the chandelier lights. She was beautiful, captivating even, but what stood out most was her confidence. She didn’t look like one of the power-hungry politicians or business elites lurking in the room. She seemed... different.

For the first time that evening, Kelvin felt unprepared. His mouth went dry, and when he finally spoke, his words stumbled out. “I—uh—do we know each other?”

She laughed softly, her voice like velvet, and took a sip from the glass of wine in her hand. “No, we don’t,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “But you looked like someone who could use some company. I was looking for a dance partner. Would you care to join me?”

Kelvin blinked, momentarily thrown off. He glanced around the room, then back at her. “I’d be honored,” he said, finding his voice at last.

She smiled and extended her hand. He took it, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. She led him to the dance floor, where the crowd swayed gracefully to the rhythm of a slow, melodic tune.

Kelvin placed one hand lightly on her waist, his other hand intertwining with hers. Her movements were fluid, effortless, and he found himself following her lead.

“You don’t seem like a politician,” she said after a moment, her eyes locking onto him. “What brings you here?”

Kelvin’s pulse quickened. He forced a small smile, trying to keep his composure. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” he said, keeping his tone light.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his response. “Touché,” she said with a soft laugh. “So, if you’re not a politician, what are you? A cop, maybe?”

The words hit him like a jolt. His palm, still resting on her waist, grew cold. Was it his posture? His choice of attire? Something in his demeanor? He felt exposed, as if she’d somehow seen through the carefully constructed facade he’d built for this night.

He quickly turned the conversation around, his voice steady despite the alarm bells ringing in his mind. “What about you? If you don’t mind me asking, what brings you here?”

She smiled knowingly, as though she could see through his attempt to deflect. “I work for Victor Alonso,” she said simply.

Kelvin’s pulse spiked, though he kept his expression smooth. “Victor Alonso,” he repeated, as though the name were unfamiliar. “Impressive man. What do you do for him?”

“Let’s just say I make sure things run smoothly,” she said, her tone cryptic.

Kelvin decided to press further. “Sounds important. Must be stressful, though, working for someone like him.”

Before he could ask another question, she took his hand, her fingers warm and firm, and led him up a wide, spiraling staircase. The hallway they entered was dimly lit, the glow of soft amber lights casting long shadows along the elegant walls. The faint hum of music and chatter from the party below faded as they walked further.

Maria stopped in front of a door, her hand lingering on the brass handle. She turned to him, her eyes glittering. "I promise, you won’t regret it."

Kelvin’s pulse quickened as she opened the door. The room was luxurious, soft, golden lighting illuminated the plush furniture, and the air was filled with a faint, floral scent. Before he could take in the details, Maria stepped closer, her body brushing against his.

He barely had time to react before her lips found his. Her kiss was fervent and demanding, catching him off guard. Instinctively, his hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as the door clicked shut behind them.

The world outside seemed to disappear as their movements grew more urgent. She guided him to the bed, her laughter soft and teasing as she pulled him down with her. The weight of the moment was intoxicating, a whirlwind of emotions he hadn’t anticipated.

When it was over, Kelvin lay on his back, staring at the ornate ceiling. His breaths were steadying, but his thoughts raced. Beside him, Maria stretched lazily, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the sheets.

"How long have you been working for Victor?" Kelvin asked, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.

Maria turned her head to look at him, her dark hair spilling over the pillow. "Years," she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips. "He’s more like a friend than a boss. I owe him a lot."

Kelvin frowned slightly, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. Her words didn’t align with what he knew about Victor Alonso. A man like Victor wasn’t generous without strings attached. There was always a hidden agenda.

"Victor must be a good man to earn your loyalty," he said carefully, testing the waters.

Maria sat up slightly, propping herself on one elbow. "He is," she said firmly. "But enough about work. Let’s not ruin the mood."

Kelvin forced a smile, but doubt gnawed at him. Maria seemed genuine, but could she be hiding something? He liked her, that much he couldn’t deny, but he had to remind himself why he was here. Victor Alonso was the target, and getting too close to anyone in his circle could jeopardize the mission.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom as Maria disappeared behind the door. Kelvin exhaled deeply, running a hand over his face. He needed to refocus.

His phone vibrated on the bedside table, the screen lighting up with April’s name. He grabbed it quickly, lowering his voice to a whisper as he answered.

"April," he said. "I’m kind of in the middle of something."

"I know," she replied, her tone sharp and knowing.

Kelvin’s brow furrowed. "Know what?"

"You didn’t turn off the camera in your glasses," she said bluntly.

The realization hit him like a freight train. "You—"

"—saw everything," April finished for him, her voice edged with both amusement and exasperation.

Kelvin pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning softly. "Great. That’s just great."

"Don’t worry, I didn’t record it," she said, though her tone suggested she found the whole situation hilarious. "But, Kelvin, this isn’t the time to get distracted. I don’t trust her. She sounds like she’s hiding something."

Kelvin glanced toward the bathroom door, his mind racing. "I’ll handle it," he said. "But this really isn’t the best time to talk. Maria will be back any second."

"Fine," April said reluctantly. "But keep your guard up. Call me if anything happens."

Kelvin ended the call just as the bathroom door opened. Maria stepped out, her hair slightly damp and her face glowing.

"You’re already dressed?" she asked, her tone light but tinged with disappointment.

Kelvin offered a small smile, moving toward her. "I have to get going," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "But tonight was... unforgettable."

Maria smiled softly, her fingers brushing against his arm. "I’ll see you again, won’t I?"

Kelvin hesitated, then nodded. "Of course."

As he left the room, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The warmth of Maria’s touch still lingered, but he couldn’t afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment.

Descending the staircase, Kelvin adjusted his suit, his eyes scanning the room below. The crowd had thinned, but the party still buzzed with laughter and conversation.

Then he saw him.

The second man from the casino, the one with the shaved head and thick buns, stood near the bar, his mask off and his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Kelvin’s blood ran cold. He remembered the man’s piercing gaze.

Kelvin turned his head slightly, avoiding direct eye contact as he quickened his pace toward the exit. His mind raced with questions. Did the man recognize him? Was he already suspicious?

The chill of the night air hit Kelvin as he stepped outside, but the tension in his chest didn’t ease. Sliding into his BMW, he gripped the steering wheel tightly, his thoughts consumed by the encounter.