Page 44 of Ours to Keep

“You’re gorgeous, O. But you know we all love you for your personality,”I reply.

She sighs dramatically. “Unfortunately, which is likely why we all remained friends.”

The bartender slips us all a glass of champagne.

“Cheers,”she says, raising her glass. We all chink our glasses and take a sip.

“George is already here, over in the main lounge. Your room is all set, so as soon as you’re ready, I’ll give the nod and have him delivered to you.”

“You’re a lifesaver, O,”Jax says, squeezing her shoulder. “We owe you one.”

She shakes her head and waves him off with a sultry laugh. “Just make sure you get him out of here when you’re done without causing a scene. I have a reputation to uphold, after all.”

River clutches his chest, feigning hurt. “As if we’d ever do anything to tarnish your reputation.”

She dips her glass at him, her red lips forming a perfect smile. “That’s true, but I expect you guys to come back and give me the tea over whatever this is. Where’s Tommy?”

“He’s on a job,”Jax says, clearing his throat and gripping his neck.

“A job? Really Jackson,”River says, cocking a brow and causing Jax to wince.

Octavia points her finger at us. “Yep, you guys have some explaining to do.”She throws the rest of her champagne back in a way that makes it classy and places her empty glass back on the bar.

“Ready?” she asks.

River nods. “Let’s get this over with.”

We follow Octavia through the club, and it’s impossible not to appreciate its opulence. As someone who spends her days as the CEO of a huge multi-million corporate company, this was her way of finding an outlet—allowing her to relinquish control in a safe environment.

As we pass the main lounge, I spot George almost immediately, looking as smug as ever and completely unaware of the trap we’re about to set.

I notice when River spots him because his steps falter, and he hones in on him like a hawk. I grab the back of his neck and pull him towards me, my mouth moving to his ear. “Soon, Riv, don’t blow it.” He lets out a breath as I pull back, my lips ghosting his before he nods as we’re led to a private room.

“This is where I’ll leave you,”O says, gesturing to the door. “Be careful, gentlemen.”

“Always, O.”

She blows us a kiss, and we watch as she sways her hips and disappears back the way we came.

Jax uses his palm to gain us entry.

“Let’s do this,”he says as the door automatically locks behind us.

Chapter Twenty-One

RIVER

I stand inside the dimly lit room, the heavy silence broken only by the low hum of the air conditioning. Elliot and Jax sit on the opposite sofa, their eyes locked on the door.

We don’t have to wait long before George enters, his confusion mingling with a tinge of arrogance.

“You seem to be in the wrong room,” he sneers, his voice dripping with condescension.

“No, George, we’re exactly where we’re meant to be,” I say, the metallic click of the door lock echoing ominously.

I step forward, looming over him. “Sit down. We need to have a little chat.”

His gaze flits nervously between us, his arrogance faltering as he tries to process the situation.

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