Page 115 of A Blackened Bond

Annex rolls his shoulders. “I can’t put up with this shit for much longer, Ez. I’m not the ‘meet-and-greet’ kind of guy. I’m the ‘clean-up guy’ or the ‘mess-creator’. Not this shit.”

“I’d prefer to be here with Micai than playing nice for some business connection or information, Annex.” Ezra meets my stare, conflict warring in his eyes as he gazes at me. “It shouldonly take a few minutes, and then we can spend the rest of the night together unbothered.”

I’m not sure whether he’s trying to convince Annex or himself with his words.

“Fine,” Annex grits out. “But if any of those snobby bastards eyeballs or gets snappy with Red, I’ll—”

“Oh, I’m not going,” I grin, cutting him off as I unwrap myself from their hold and take a small step back. I glance between the two of their widening eyes. “I’m going to grab a drink whileyou twodeal with the formalities and play nice with Captain Dickhead and his new deck-mates.”

Annex looks toward the bar, his eyes narrowing toward the groups of people over there.

“There are too many walking dick-sticks around here, Red. I don’t like it.” He shakes his head before turning back to me. “Creed already told me I can’t go on a killing spree tonight, but if someone so much aslooksat you wrong, I’ll—”

I place a finger across his lips, silencing him.

“I’m a big girl, Annex. I can handle myself. If any asshole tries to touch me, I’ll bringyouback a souvenir.” His grin widens against my finger before he suddenly moves forward and nips it.

I let out a tiny yelp before jerking my hand back, my eyes narrowing playfully toward him as Ezra drags me in close for a soft kiss.

He pulls back after a moment, his eyes growing heated as his hands slide down my back. “We’ll join you in a few minutes and then dance the night away.”

“Or grind the fuck outta you.” Annex smirks before he pulls me in for a quick, heated kiss. I lean up toward him, pushing for more as I deepen the kiss, but the ass suddenly pulls back, a dark grin stretching his lips. “You can daydream about me and more ofthatwhile I’m gone.”

Ezra then grabs Annex and pulls him over toward Creed and Mallyn. He gripes the whole way over before stomping up the stairs like a pissed-off toddler.

I watch on as the black fabric sways to one side, giving me a small glimpse of Creed. A busty redhead clings to his side while he wraps his arm tightly around her waist. Our eyes meet, a stiff expression pulling at his features as a flickering look of annoyance enters his gaze. He quickly turns away and back toward the group, laughing stiffly at whatever the redhead has just said.

Did he genuinely dislike me that much? Does just glancing at me send him into a rigid frustration?

His comments and little behavioural ticks toward me were starting to grate on my nerves. What did I ever do for him to detest my presence so much? Or to treat me like some dangerous parasite who just wants to drain his brothers or betray them?

The black fabric sways back down, blocking my view of them as Ezra and Annex join them, also disappearing from my sight.

I sigh, turning around and heading toward the bar in the centre of the room. People were moving out of my way and keeping their distance now. Was that because of the guys, or because of what happened with the blonde?

Either way, it was quicker reaching the bar and finding a spot to sit.

I glance one last time over toward the VIP area before ordering a drink. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take the boys long to sort things out, and we could have some proper fun together.

Creed clearly didn’t want me around his brothers.Or at all.But that was too bad for him, because I wasn’t going anywhere.

Annex, Ezra, and now Mallyn…I wouldn’t be walking away or giving them up for anyone. There was a connection growing between us that no one could separate now.

And sooner or later, Creed would have to accept that.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

MICAI’S POV

My drink arrives, a bright blue concoction in a thin fancy glass topped with light frosty foam that fades instantly on the first sip. It tastes like a mix of a raspberry slushy and a bubble-gum ice-cream, with an even heavier dose of sugar added. It’s aptly named the ‘Sweet Savoy’, and screams of tooth decay.

I order another drink, asking for a less sweet recommendation, and the bartender suggests an ‘Apple Pop’. He raises a hand, his shaker appearing between his fingers as ingredients begin to float around him. The colourful liquids flow like water, mixing and swirling together until he flicks his wrist, and they pour into the glass he’s placed in front of me.

The soft-green concoction swirls around the glass, forming a pearlescent bubble on the top.

I glance toward the bartender, who gives me a small smile and nods. Leaning in toward the drink, the bubble suddenly pops, little sparks softly grazing against my cheeks as the smell of fresh green apples hits my nose.

I smile before taking a sip, and the refreshing and sweet flavours are an instant hit with my taste buds. It has a subtle sweetness, like a delicate apple flavour with a tart edge. It was aflavour that had you wanting more and going in for a second and third sip almost immediately.

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