“Then a heads-up would’ve been nice.”
She giggles, accepting a colorful drink from Adam. “Did you hear that, sweetie? Chase is gay.”
“I know.” Adam’s eyes widen as if he slipped up. That’s new. I didn’t realize Frankie trusted him thismuch. “I mean, I heard.”
My phone informs me of a new text message, interrupting our gravely exciting conversation.
Thank God for small favors.
Unknown number: Have you told Daddy who you spent the night with, Star?
Aware of everyone’s eyes on me, I smile.
Me: Of course. I got a car for being such a good girl. Who gave you my number?
Dante: You are a good girl. A good girl that’ll join me for a drink.
A certain zestful excitement grows swiftly in my stomach at the thought of seeing him.
Me: Orders might work on your men but not on me. Say please.
Dante: You’re asking for trouble.
Dante: Please.
Me: Tempting, but I’m celebrating with a friend. With the car came a 24/7 nanny.
I stare at the screen, waiting for the three dots to start dancing, but after a few seconds, I tuck the phone back into my bag. Adam watches me for a while longer with creases marking his forehead. I’m sure he’s curious who texted me since everyone who usually does is here. He chooses not to ask, though. Good, I wouldn’t tell him anyhow.
It’s half-past eleven when Allie decides to hit the club. Her friends will probably join us there, and I’m not in the mood to refrain from saying something their tiny brains wouldn’t grasp. They’re living proof that evolution can go backward.
“I’ll get going,” I say, flinging my bag over my head.
Adam looks past me toward the entrance, his face twisted into an ominous scowl. Muscles in his jaw tense and a vein on his neck starts pulsing when he shoves his right hand under the suit jacket, reaching for a gun. “Get Layla out of here.” He pins Burly with a pointed stare.
Burly glances over his shoulder, then leaps to his feet as if his butt caught fire. He grips my arm, tearing me out of the chair, delicate and careful as a brute. I glance behind me, catching a glimpse of two men entering the restaurant. I don’t recognize either, and within three seconds, I no longer see them when Burly drags me down a “Personnel Only” corridor, aiming for the emergency exit.
He shoves the metal door open, pulling me behind him like a dog on a leash. He stops abruptly three steps outside. I slam into his bony back, mentally tearing Frank’s head off. Couldn’t he hireSkinnyto babysit me?
As he shoves me back against the wall, he draws his gun, his stance wide. My head bounces off the stonework with such force my vision blurs for a few seconds before I can refocus on the unfolding scene.
Burly shields me with his frail frame, aiming his gun at the man resting against a black Dodge Charger.
My stomach somersaults back, the sensation intense enough to balance between pleasure and pain when my eyes lock with Dante’s. His jaw works in tight, furious circles as he looks me over before taking a moment to acknowledge my bodyguard.
He pushes away from the car, closing the distance between him and the gun, each step measured. He knocks the pistol out of Burly’s weak grasp, aiming it at his head.
“Next time, don’t hesitate. Now, turn around,” he says, his tone controlled but dripping with malice. His eyes hint at none of that as they shift to me briefly while Burly spins on his elegant shoes. “It sayshandle with careall over her. Apologize.”
The emergency exit door flies open again, hitting the concrete wall and missing me by an inch.
Adam bursts outside with Allie close behind him. The sound of the safety being flipped on a gun clicks in the silent night. “Don’t fucking move, Carrow.”
Dante smirks, ignoring Adam when he nudges the back of Burly’s skull with the gun. “Apologize.”
Shame washes over Burly’s cheeks, painting his skin red, but he doesn’t dare act tough while a single twitch of Dante’s finger could end his life. “I’m sorry, Layla.”
Dante leans closer. “Touch her again, and I won’t be so fucking altruistic.” He takes the clip out before handing the gun back. His features soften when he looks at me. “Ready, Star?”