“If you think talking to the people at the brothel will work, then let’s dress me up and get you in there.” I headed to the closet. I was going to need his help picking out what would make sense. The only thing I knew about brothels was what I read in history class.

“I can’t have you do that.” Austin ran his hands down his face.

“I don’t know how many choices we have.” I pulled a black bodycon dress off the hanger. I normally paired this with a blazer and sneakers. Instead, I dug out a push-up bra and a pair of my highest heels.

Austin stopped protesting and waited until I was dressed before helping me pull my hair into an updo. I stayed still with my eyes closed as he quickly applied my makeup.

While I got my shoes on, he hustled into a suit and pulled his hair back. He still had on black nail polish, but it was worn away. When we were done, Austin pulled a shoebox off the shelf. Under a pair of heels, he had a wad of cash.

“Hopefully, this will be enough.” He tucked the bills into the inside pocket of his suit jacket.

I grabbed my purse and observed Axel. He was happily snoring away. “How far away is this place?”

“Just a few blocks west. The city has secrets and rough sides of town close to ritzy places. I have so many reservations about you going with me. I’ll just go in and see what they say.” He tapped his pocket.

“We go together. I’m not letting you go by yourself to whatever screwy ass place Endgame wound up in because he was high out of his mind and doing business where he shouldn’t. I owe watching your back to Teddi. And I take that very seriously.” I turned and studied my reflection in his full-length mirror.

“You look fuck hot.” Austin skimmed his lips on my bare shoulder and I forgot to breathe.

Teddi would kill us both for heading to a brothel to save a drug dealer from a mafia boss. Or whoever Endgame owed so much that they were willing to kill him. This was big time, big city problems.

Axel didn’t stir as Austin and I walked into the hall. Austin set the alarm from his phone and locked the door. He ordered a car service to pick us up. Someone passing by would think we were going to a party. And as I palmed the pepper spray in my wrap, I silently wished they were right.

The car ride was as short as Austin had predicted. Austin held out his elbow as we headed toward a warehouse with a nondescript door.