Page 136 of Devious Knight

Within five minutes, Mackenzie is sold to her partner in crime and all her problems are solved.

At least the universe has been kind to one of us.

Michael leans into me and whispers, “Ready to go?”

“I’m ready.” Apprehension is still clinging to my stomach, but I paste on a smile.

We get up and head out of the room back to the foyer. I expect Michael to lead me to the bar, but he heads up the grand sweeping stairs.

“My family has membership here, so I have a private lounge when I visit,” he explains.

“Wow, that’s very cool.” It is. I don’t know much about the Black Rose Club, but I’m aware it’s an invite-only association.

With Michael’s athletic status, I’m sure he wouldn’t even need his family’s backing to get in.

“You’ll like the lounge. It has a great view of the river.”

“I’m sure I’ll love it.”

We continue up the stairs and onto the landing. When we nearly reach the end, Michael opens a large oak door and waves me inside.

He was right. The lounge is stunning and offers up a fabulous view of the river through the glass walls and stone archways. It looks like something from a dream.

“My gosh. This is absolutely beautiful.”

“Told you. Take a seat while I make us some drinks. You like red wine, right? Or do you want coffee?”

He gives me a kind smile, and for some reason, I think of Kade. When he smiles, the world stands still and I don’t know what to do with myself.

God, Isabelle. You got it bad if you think that. I also need to answer the question.

“I’ll have some wine, but not too much. I already had a glass.”

“I can drive you back to campus if you want.”

“Oh, no. I’m gonna grab an Uber after our drink. I’ve had a long day.” And I need to be alone.

“No worries. Let me know if you change your mind.”

“Of course.”

I make my way over to the plush white leather sofa and sit while he moves to the drinks cabinet and prepares our drinks.

He pours two glasses of rich red wine into long-stemmed wine glasses that look like they cost a fortune. Then he walks over to me and hands me my glass.

Michael sits next to me, takes a sip of his wine, then places the glass on the little coffee table beside us.

“Well, here we are finally.” He grins. “It’s not the date I imagined taking you on, but I guess it’s something.”

“I hope you sorted out what you needed to.” Again, I play dumb knowing that he’s not going to tell me Kade threatened him.

“Yeah. Things are still busy with championship season, but it’s slowing down.”

“That’s good to hear.” I sip my wine. It tastes sweet and flavorsome. It also gives me an added buzz I probably need to get me through the rest of the night.

“I’m surprised you came here tonight. I mean, I’m glad to see you and I understand Mackenzie is your friend, but I’m surprised your shadow allowed you to attend an event like this.”

My shadow—aka Kade.

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