The next evening, Dean stood in front of the mirror in his apartment, adjusting the collar of his jacket. His reflection stared back at him—blonde hair neatly combed, clean-shaven, sharp eyes focused. He had spent hours preparing for this night, studying everything he could about Thalia's gang, memorizing the details that could make or break his mission.
Tonight was the night he'd walk into Gino's, the club where Thalia's crew gathered, where connections were made, and deals were struck in the shadows. If he wanted to get close to her, this was his opportunity. Garrett had set it up. Now, it was up to Dean to make it count.
The neon sign of Gino's flickered outside as Dean approached the entrance, his heart rate steady but quickening with each step. He wasn't nervous—not in the way most people would be. Dean had worked undercover jobs before, had faced worse odds, but this was different. Thalia wasn't just any criminal boss. She was known for her ruthlessness and her ability to read people like a book. If he didn't play his cards right, he'd be exposed faster than he could blink.
Garrett had briefed him on the basics—how to act, what to say, who to avoid. It wasn't foolproof, but it was a start. He was going in blind, relying on his instincts to guide him.
The inside of Gino's was dimly lit, smoke curling up from the patrons' cigarettes, mixing with the sound of hushed conversations and clinking glasses. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat. Music thumped in the background, a mix of electronic beats and low bass that rattled through the walls.
Dean's eyes scanned the room as he stepped inside. His attention immediately went to the far corner, where he could spot a few familiar faces—people who had been mentioned in Garrett's briefing. He needed to be careful. One wrong move, one slip-up, and this could all fall apart.
He took a seat at the bar, ordering a drink and keeping his posture relaxed. Daniel Ross was a new face here, but he had to act like he belonged. People here would test him, sizing him up before they'd allow him into their circle. Thalia's people were wary of outsiders, and Dean had to prove he wasn't a threat.
As he sipped his drink, a tall figure approached the bar. Dean didn't need to look up to know it was Garrett, who slid into the seat beside him without a word.
Garrett glanced around the room before locking eyes with Dean. "Alright, Ross. Time to make your move," he muttered, his voice low. "You're gonna want to catch Thalia's eye. She's been looking for someone who can bring something new to the table. Be confident—don't hesitate. She's got eyes everywhere."
Dean nodded, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and setting the glass down. He could feel the weight of the moment settling on his shoulders. The game had just begun, and he couldn't afford to make a single mistake.
As if on cue, the door to the back of the club opened, and a few figures emerged from the shadows. Dean's gaze shifted, and there she was—Thalia.
She was a vision of power and confidence. The white singlet she wore clung to her form, and the silver chain draped over her neck gleamed under the low light. Her olive skin was flawless, her blue eyes sharp and penetrating. She moved with an effortless grace, exuding an aura that commanded attention. Even in a room full of people, it was impossible to miss her.
Dean's pulse quickened, but he didn't let it show. This was his chance. Garrett had been right—this was the moment to make an impression.
"Don't mess this up, Ross," Garrett muttered, already standing up to disappear into the crowd.
Dean took a deep breath, stood, and made his way through the crowd toward Thalia. As he approached her, the room seemed to quiet, the music fading into the background. She turned her head, locking eyes with him instantly. There was something in those eyes—intensity, curiosity, maybe even a hint of amusement.
He stepped up to her, maintaining a confident posture. "Thalia," he said smoothly, his voice steady. "I'm Daniel Ross. I hear you're the one to know in this city."
She studied him for a long moment, her gaze unwavering. There was no smile on her face, no welcome. Just the cold, calculating look of someone used to being in control.
"Is that so?" she replied, her voice low and confident. "And what is it that you think you can offer me, Ross?"
Dean's heart rate spiked for a fraction of a second, but he held his ground. "I've got connections. Information. Resources." He paused, watching her carefully. "I know you're looking to expand. I can help with that."
Thalia tilted her head slightly, intrigued but not convinced. "And why would I trust you?"
Dean gave a half-smile, leaning in slightly. "Because I'm offering you something no one else can. I'm offering you a way to take this city."
For a moment, it seemed as if she would say nothing more. Then, just as quickly, her lips curled into a slight smirk.
"I like your confidence," Thalia said, her voice like silk. "But let's see if you can back it up."
Dean didn't flinch. He knew that this was just the beginning. But in that moment, he realized something important—Thalia was testing him. And passing that test was the key to everything.