Page 45 of Kiss of Ruin (Brutal Empire)

The guards do exactly as they’ve been told and pull into the valet of Obsidian. A man standing at the valet podium races over to open my door. Allowing me the chance to see the front of the building in full view. I can feel eyes on me. Whether it’s Elena, waiting in the shadows, I have no idea. I refuse to give her the satisfaction of seeing me as anything but poised and confident. I toss my hair over my shoulder and watch as the driver hands the keys over to the valet. Like a well-choreographed dance, they each come up on one side of me and escort me to the front door.

“Excuse me. We need to search your purse.” The man just beyond the door say. I tilt my head in his direction and wait for him to realize his mistake.

A man in a suit comes rushing forward. I recognize him as the VIP manager. The one Luis always dealt with whenever we came. The club didn’t cater specifically to any family in the area. It would be bad for business considering they were in a neutral area of town. They worked hard to make any of us feel comfortable in hopes of keeping the rivalries out of their club.

That would be the case tonight.”

“Mrs. Romero, it’s good to see you again.” He looks over at the bouncer. “I’ve got this.”

He takes my hand and lifts it to his lips, pressing a kiss on the back. “I was sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Please, forgive me for not knowing you would be coming tonight. Would you like me to escort you to one of our private lounges upstairs?”

Another tactic they used to keep certain groups apart.

“Thank you for your sympathy, but no. I’m meeting someone at the bar tonight.”

A trickle of sweat beads on his brow. He looks around worriedly, but still escorts me in the direction of the main bar.

“Have a wonderful evening Mrs. Romero. If you need anything else, please let me know.”

“I will. Thank you.”

It doesn’t take me long to find Antonio among the sea of people already sitting at the bar. I look to the guard standing on my left. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready to go.”

He takes the signal as planned and they both walk farther into the club to find another door to exit out of to the back of the building. Where they would wait with other guards who currently have the building surrounded. If Elena takes my bait, there will be no way for her to get away alive.

I walk up to Antonio who has saved a seat next to him. He glances over to me when I climb up onto the stool. “Scarlett, it’s good to see you. I’m glad you decided to come tonight.”

“Of course. I’m excited to see the rings you had made for me. I never imagined that I would have to wait so long to see your work.”

“Is there something I can get for you?”

I look and see the bartender standing in front of me. “I’ll take a glass of cabernet.”

He reaches down for a glass and takes the bottle from the counter behind the bar. He fills the glass to the midway point and slides it over. “Another scotch?” he asks Antonio.

“Yeah.” He slides the empty glass in front of him toward the bartender. He slides a full glass to Antonio, then walks down the bar to help someone else.

Antonio reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small jewelry box. I take it from his hand and lift the lid and admire the beautiful craftsmanship of the rings. It’s everything I wanted and more when I asked him to create them.

“You’ve done a wonderful job with these.”

“Thank you. I’m glad I was able to get them finished in time for you.”

I lay my hand on top of his arm. “They really are beautiful.” I set the box back down on the bar and lift the wine glass to my lips. The wine hits my lips, but I don’t swallow any. Tonight I need a clear head.

I set the glass down and turn to Antonio. “I’m going to use the restroom. When I come back we can talk about other pieces to match the rings you’ve made me.”

“I’ll wait for you, Scarlett.”

I know there’s an underlying meaning to his words. Without the fog of grief, it’s easier to see what Nico meant about Antonio having feelings for me. My heart aches for him. I love Nico and that will never change.

I slide off the stool, picking up my bag and walk toward the ladies room. When I’m out of sight of Antonio, I meld into the crowd. There’s a nervous energy in the room, like a hum of a livewire just waiting to go to ground. Elena’s here and I know it.

It’s only a matter of time before I find her.

ChapterNineteen

Nico

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