Page 58 of Sovereign Oaths

“Thank you.” I leaned in and kissed his cheek.

He was listening and taking notes. No crowds of strangers or restricted VIP section for me to be left behind in.

It looked strange only having fifty or so people in the enormous area, but it was perfect. The people who needed to be here were, and judging by the looks on his men’s faces, they weren’t happy about it.

Good.

Their wives and girlfriends seemed just as happy as Ama and me. Or were doing a great job pretending.

“Come on.” Ama looped her arm around mine and led me away from Alessio and the men approaching him, to the bar with only a few people waiting.

She rested her elbows on the gleaming counter and beamed at the bartender who came straight over.

“Good evening, what can I get you?” he asked politely.

“The birthday girl would love a Milliemosa!”

“A what?” I asked at the same time he nodded and moved to grab a glass.

“Make it two, please,” Ama called before looking at me. “We made up a drink for you! Alessio said mango juice is your favorite. So it’s OJ plus mango and champagne!”

“Isn’t it a little late for mimosas?”

She waved a hand. “There are no time limits for yummy drinks.”

It sounded delicious. The kind of drink I could have several of without noticing and end up having to get carried out later tonight. If I left things up to Ama, she’d get me nice and drunk and ready to dance the night away, but I couldn’t let my guard down around this group.

As far as I knew, my guys and the other teams had no plans while Alessio was here distracted. This was just about seeing how far I could press Alessio and what he was willing to do for me.

Making a deal with a rival gang to have a birthday party for his new girlfriend seemed slightly unhinged, but so far, I hadn’t heard any grumbling. Still, the night was young.

“Happy birthday.” The bartender set two flutes in front of us.

“Thank you.” I smiled and picked mine up.

“So this is the birthday girl?” A man in his midthirties with deep olive skin and several face tattoos came to stand in front of us. His fitted suit and confident strides were a startling contradiction to my first impression of him being a thug.

I offered a smile. “That’s me.”

He paused a foot from me, leaning against the counter and taking me in from heel to hair. “I’m honored you wanted to celebrate here.”

“You’re the owner?” I had no idea of the hierarchy within the local gang, but I decided flattery would be the best option rather than offending him and guessing he was a waiter or manager.

“Yeah, I’m Michael. This is my place.” He shifted a bit closer to me.

I doubted anyone but me noticed, but I switched my drink between my hands, using that distraction to move a bit farther back. I refused to give any of Alessio’s men fuel to add to a fire to take me down. I had to always appear innocent of advances. Loyal and uninterested in any drama attempting to come for me.

He didn’t seem to notice as he continued about the club’s outstanding features. His confidence was somehow not annoying. It seemed earned and not just arrogant. He was passionate but didn’t have the overwhelming charisma that seemed to ooze from Alessio. He was much more understated.

“I love the vibes.” Ama glanced around at the deep purple curtains, walls, and tables. It was an interesting choice but worked well for the club.

“Thanks.” He eyed her before turning back to me. “I heard you’re new to our city.”

“Yeah, I’ve only been here for a couple of months.”

He looked down at his hands, then back up, leaning toward me again. “And how do you like it?”

I rested my elbow on the counter behind me, making it clear to anyone watching I was not reciprocating. “The humidity has been hard to get used to, but other than that, I like it.”

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