her shot, Georgia had successfully smoothed down her hackles. She accepted the glass with a polite nod. "Thanks."

The bartender started to leave.

"Wait!"

He turned back to her, a bored look on his face. "Something else?"

Georgia fumbled. "Yes, I, um...that is, I was hoping I might ask you a couple questions." She didn't wait for him to refuse. "I mean, there have been some strange things going on lately. I was wondering if maybe you'd heard anything..."

The bartender regarded her with an expression of open disgust. He shook his head, and retreated back down the bar.

Georgia sighed, and took a sip of her bourbon. The fiery trial it seared down her throat was as close to real warmth as she'd felt all evening. The back of her neck prickled witha narrow alley. She allowed the door to slam shut behind her. It immediately vanished into the aged brick wall.

Georgia sank against the side of the building. She bent forward and rested her hands on her knees. Fuck, was she stupid. What the hell had convinced her waltzing into a floating club was a good idea? She knew her history. She knew what people thought of her.

She should have known better.

Something that sounded suspiciously like a door opening echoed through the alley. Georgia hastily straightened and swiped her hands over her eyes. A second later, Darius was standing next to her. His eyes looked glazed, his face heavy. He shook himself hard.

Georgia pressed her lips together and turned.

"Wait." The word sounded slurred.

Georgia ignored the twinge in her chest.