Page 9 of Lock 'em Down

Luckily, they’re not far away and when I meet Izzy’s eyes and gesture that I’m leaving with Leif, she arches one eyebrow. I roll my eyes, and she snorts and gives a little wave.

“What was that?” Leif laughs, catching our exchange.

“That was me telling Izzy we’re out, her asking me if I’m sure, me saying ‘seriously,’ and her laughing.”

“You had that whole conversation with one look?” he questions, lacing his fingers with mine and moving us toward the exit.

“We’ve been friends forever,” I shout over the music. “Don’t you need to find your friends?”

“I’ll text them,” he replies as we weave through bodies.

We get our things from the VIP booth. Leif sees Ray and passes him a wad of bills for tonight’s fun, and we leave the club.

When we get outside, the fresh air slams into us. Even though it’s hot and humid, it feels refreshing after hours in the club.

We stall for a second as Leif looks me over. “You okay?”

I nod, smirking. I like that he checks in. Most guys I know aren’t this attentive. “I’m good. Where to?”

Leif shrugs and glances down the street. “Actually, there’s a place I’ve been meaning to pass by. It’s a two-minute walk.” He eyes my shoes, my poor foot that took the brunt of his weight, and again, his concern causes a warmth to spread through my limbs.

I slip my hand into Leif’s. Right now, I don’t feel the pain in my foot. I don’t feel anything but anticipation for the hours ahead. “Lead the way.”

We take off at a stroll. A casual, familiar walk at midnight in Vegas. It’s not desperate. We’re definitely drunk but we’re not falling over each other, unable to function.

Instead, our conversation is easy. Our silence, comfortable.

It’s fucking unnerving, that’s what it is. And I relish it.

When we arrive at our destination, Leif knocks twice on a nondescript door.

A thrill of nerves, of anticipation mixed with fear, runs up my spine.

Where are we? Did I read this situation wrong?

A night from Spain—Ibiza—comes buzzing back. Of Levi scoring drugs. Getting high.

I shake my head.

Shit, I should have shared my location with the girls.

I look up at Leif but he’s as cool as he was a second ago.

The door opens.

“Yeah?” a gruff guy asks.

“I’m here for Skip,” Leif explains.

The guy gives Leif a long look before he swears under his breath. “You coming now?”

Leif shrugs. “Was in the area.” He tosses me a wink, like I’m in on the secret.

What the hell is the secret?

And why, with my track record, am I so desperate to be in on it?

“You ready?” Leif squeezes my fingers.

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