Page 110 of Reckless Vow

Exhaling, I scratch my nape. “Brook—”

“I’m going downstairs to have a drink. Don’t bother joining me unless you’re ready to talk. To really talk, Baldo.”

Chapter29

Brook

The steady beat of music fills the air, but the club is still half empty. It’s too early. The crowds start in an hour, and then it’ll be full of dancing bodies, clinking glasses, laughter and blaring music.

I swirl the paper umbrella in my cocktail and sulk. What an asshole. He disappears and then dares question my whereabouts? Especially after he lied about his trip.

Determined to drown my frustration, I put my glass to my lips, but end up only wetting them.

The idea of partying my thoughts out of my head is unappealing. It worked before, but Baldo gives me a headache without inducing one with alcohol.

Sighing, I put the glass down.

“Trouble in paradise?” Chloe slides onto the seat beside me.

I snort. “No trouble. And no paradise.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’s not that bad. You guys are still in the honeymoon phase.”

I don’t look at her, because I’m sure she would see on my face how wrong her statement is.

I like Chloe—even though I’ve just met her—and I don’t think I can pull the pretense off at the moment.

To my utmost annoyance, I’m also jealous of her. Not because she slept with Baldo way back when, but because she got to be with him throughout the years when I tried and failed to forget him.

The young bartender takes someone’s order and turns her back to us. She pulls a lighter from her pocket.

Holding it close to her hip, hiding it from view, she flicks it a few times, her eyes darting around in the mirror. That’s odd.

“He cares about you, Brook. He cares about you a lot.” She pats my shoulder. “I have to greet a VIP and I’m leaving for the airport in an hour, but I hope to see you soon.”

We hug and I return to my drink.

He returned and made a scene about me being in Madrid.

Saar

Your man is jealous, bask in it.

Why are you my friend?

Saar

Because I’m amazing and you cling. (heart emoji)

I miss you.

Saar

See? Clingy. (devil emoji)

The girl behind the bar drops a glass and jumps. She leans down to pick it up, her eyes constantly scanning the room. For what?

She pats her pocket again, the outline of her lighter bulging slightly.

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