The hum of conversation surrounds us as Morovich's hand slides across the back of my neck, his thumb pressing gently but firmly into the base of my skull. I feel the familiar tingle of the trigger response, my body betraying me despite my best efforts to maintain control.

"Another drink, Mark?" he asks, his accent thickening the air between us. His fingers flex slightly, sending a jolt of unwanted arousal straight to my groin.

I force a nervous smile, adjusting my glasses as I play the part of the desperate would-be restaurateur. "I probably shouldn't, but why not? It's not every day I get investment advice from a man like you."

"A man like me?" He tilts his head, eyes darkening with intent. "And what kind of man do you think I am?"

His hand slides forward, brushing my earlobe with his thumb as the bartender places another drink in front of me. I can hear Hardison's急促 breathing in my earpiece, knowing he's monitoring every second of this.

"Successful," I manage, taking a deliberate sip. "Generous." My pulse quickens as Morovich's fingers tighten almost imperceptibly in my hair.

"Generous is an interesting choice of words," he murmurs, leaning closer. His breath smells of expensive whiskey and something spicy. "I prefer to think of myself as... selective in my pleasures."

The drug is already working its way through my system, I realize with sudden clarity. My skin prickles with heat, my cock stirring in my jeans despite my best efforts to suppress it. I should abort now, call it off before things go too far.

But Maddie and her children would pay the price for my weakness.

"I hear you have a room upstairs," I say, forcing the words past my suddenly dry throat as I meet his gaze directly. "I think... I'd like to discuss my business plan in more private surroundings."

Morovich smiles, and in that moment, I know I've stepped through the looking glass - and there might be no way back.