Page 31 of Petals and Fangs

“You got yourself into trouble.”

“Trouble? What kind of trouble?”

“You were dancing on the table. The security guards couldn't get you to stop doing it. You were not even supposed to be there. You yelled at me in front of my employees, and you broke your glass and injured your hand,” he says, gesturing at my hand.

As I look down at it, I realize my hand is bandaged. How could I forget this? I was at a club yesterday. I danced with Arial then we lost each other. I suppose I was too drunk because I can't remember anything.

“How did you know? Are you following me?” I glare at him when the realization hits me. The last thing I want is to be stalked by Ethan Rothschild.

“I was not following you, Lily. You happened to pick my club as your go-to destination to have fun.”

“What? How?”

“El Diablo is my club, Lily.”

“You really do own half this city, don't you?”

“I informed you of that from the very beginning, didn't I?”

“I'm sorry about my behavior. I didn't know I would go to such lengths. It is embarrassing. Please, forget about it.”

“You know what's embarrassing, Lily? Having to explain to my employees why you're dancing on a table. It is a behavior that they haven’t seen before. It is a good thing my driver didn't recognize you, at least.”

“Oh, God,” I rub my eyes again, wishing this was nothing but a dream.

“I wonder why? What is the reason for acting so repulsive.”

“I'm sorry, all right? I didn't mean to,” I mutter, feeling ashamed of myself.

“I know you didn't. I could tell you were not sober.”

“I didn't plan to go to your club, you know? I didn't know it was yours. I could have gone to-”

“Nocturna? I own that club too,” he interrupts me, smiling. Like it is fun to see the reactions on my face.

I scoff at him. I'm starting to understand why he is so arrogant. How can he read my mind and predict what I was about to say?

“I wouldn't let you make a fool of yourself anywhere, Lily. It doesn't matter whether it is my club or not. I'm the one who will have to deal with the aftermath.”

“Why?”

“Because, Lily, we are brought back together once again for a reason.”

“Oh, please.”

“Don't think too hard. I'm not implying something you don't want. I'm just saying that fate has its ways, you know? And it's time to accept that.”

“I'm not accepting anything, Ethan. I will not allow you to ruin my life again,” I snap.

“Calm down. “Don't get yourself all worked up,” he sighs.

“Don't tell me what to do. I really have to go. Arial is lmustfor me,” I sigh.

“Arial?”

“My best friend. We were supposed to go back to my place together.”

“Your phone rang a few times while you were sleeping. I am assuming that would be her. Your best friend.”

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