Page 53 of Merciful Lies

I continue to gnaw on my lip as I slide on a pair of strappy flat sandals and Giselle helps tie them. I still get a little off balance when I lean too far over.

After we style our hair and apply makeup, we are both ready for our prospective dates. But I kind of wish we were going out together.

As if he heard me, my phone chimes and I look to see a text from Nico. I grin at the word husband. He entered his contact info into my phone, and I grin every time I see it.

Husband

Something’s come up and I’m going to be late getting you. Angel can drive you to the Den, so we don’t have to be late for our reservation. Would you be okay with that?

So thoughtful. And the truth is I want to see him so badly, I don’t want to wait either.

Anna

Sure. Is it okay if Giselle comes with me to the Den? I think she has a date or something with Angel later.

Husband

Of course. I can’t wait to see you, Rosebud.

Anna

Awww, you miss me.

Husband

Wife.

Anna

I miss you, too.

He doesn’t reply, and I bite my lip. We never talk about our feelings. But I care deeply for Nico. I know I shouldn’t, but I do.

Angel presses the intercom button and his gruff voice filters through the speaker.

“Are you ladies ready to go?” Angel asks.

I watch Giselle straighten her shoulders, and I raise my eyebrows. She is usually the calm, cool, collected one. But something about Angel makes her nervous.

I only hope this doesn’t end badly. I’d hate to have my best friend feel weird about seeing me if she and Angel don’t work out.

The ride to the Den is quiet, but I catch Angel looking at Giselle’s crossed legs in the short, tight dress she’s borrowed.

She is ignoring him, and I turn my head, so the big man doesn’t see me grin. Okay, fine, so I’m kind of laughing at him.

It’s absurd, but the sexual tension between them is so thick, I swear I can see it.

“Um, did Nico say if he would be there when we get there?” I ask Angel.

“What? Oh, um, no, he didn’t say anything to me,” Angel grumbles.

The drive is fast after that and Angel holds the door open for me, careful to step aside, so absolutely no part of me touches him while I slide out of the tall seat.

But I notice he is there with his hand out, reaching for Giselle before she can get out after me.

Very interesting.

We are parked in an alley behind the club, but it’s paved, and the street is clear of trash and debris. Another hulking security guard stands at a door, holding it open for us.

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