Chapter 5

I had been lying low around Rachel for so long, there was no way I hadn’t learned everything about her.

I knew exactly who she talked to, what she did, and who her connections were.

To David, she always played the role of the calm and refined girlfriend, but in reality, she was anything but. Back in sophomore year, she was running with all kinds of shady characters, making friends with a lot of street guys. Her network was wide, and even after getting into grad school and moving to New York City, she still kept in touch with those “brothers” from back then.

I sent the party address to my friend, who was already prepping for what we had planned.

The celebration was at a nightclub downtown. The VIP Lounge was dimly lit and thick with smoke, filled with guys who were clearly from the wrong side of the tracks. Some were sitting around shirtless, playing cards, while others were getting wild on the dance floor, moving to the heavy beat of the music.

“She’s here!” A tall, lanky guy sitting in the middle, cigarette in hand, announced as soon as Rachel walked in.

Rachel slapped me on the shoulder and grinned. “Hey Derek, I brought a new girl to join the fun.”

A few of the guys turned to look at me, their stares far too intense for comfort.

Instinctively, I started to back out of the room.

Rachel, however, shoved me forward.

“What the hell, Rachel?” I asked, confused.

The moment the door clicked shut behind us, her entire demeanor shifted. The fake friendly smile vanished, replaced by a cold smirk. “Emily, it’s time to drop the act.”