Page 3 of Kept By the Bratva

No. I’vegotto stop thinking about him.A one-night stand shouldn’t stay on my mind like this, but Nate was burned into my mind. The memories of that one night we shared would never leave me alone.

After Missy left, I closed down the front desk and tidied up the paperwork for whoever would be coming in first thing tomorrow morning. I hated keeping things cluttered or messy, but some days, it seemed that I was the only one on the staff with the mentality of being orderly and organized.

I headed home and took a fast shower, but when I perused my options for what to wear, nothing stood out to me. My ambivalence about going out was preventing me from even caring, and in the end, I didn’t try hard. I knew I wasn’t looking my best, more casual than suggesting I was looking for a good time. And I didn’t care. I wasn’t in the mood to hook up with anyone. Hell, I wasn’t interested in eventalking to a man. Since Nate, I was indifferent about dating or finding someone to have a fling with.

Missy was at the bar as promised, and I mentally cringed when I saw her all glammed up and so cute. She’d taken her time to doll herself up, and I regretted being so whatever about my appearance.

Hey, as long as we have fun and she knows I’m happy for her, that’s all that matters.It wasn’t like we were hitting the town to score someone. She was taken now, after all.

Our first drink didn’t last long. Missy downed hers fast, eager to have fun and let loose, but I couldn’t manage a single full sip of my beer.

“Water?” Missy raised her brows. “You sure?”

I grimaced and nodded, a hand on my stomach.

She sighed, pouting in commiseration. “You poor thing. You’re still messed up from that stomach bug?”

“Yeah.”

“Damn, girl. Why won’t you go to the doctor?”

I shrugged.Because I can’t afford the co-pay.“I’ll make an appointment next week if it doesn’t clear up.”And thank God it’s Thursday.Only one more day until the weekend, when I’d be able to sleep in a little more—if my stomach allowed.

When a live band started playing, butchering the cover songs they performed, we shared a glance and left. The next bar we headed to was too noisy and full of too many bachelorette parties, so we didn’t stay there long, either.

In the end, we danced and tried to hang out at Harrow’s. I wasn’t a fan of strip clubs, but it was nearby and we figured it was an upscale place where we wouldn’t have to deal with crappy music or crowded parties.

Even though she ordered me another drink, I stuck with water.

Maybe Idoneed to go to the doctor.I was tired of feeling so blah.

“Hey.” Missy tipped her chin up slightly, smiling. “That man’s been watching you since we got here.”

I knew how this worked. I could play it cool. I continued dancing and sipped my water through the straw as I twirled to the side just enough that I could check out this admirer from the corner of my eye.

Huh.I had no clue who he was. Shrouded mostly in the shadows, he blended into the wall back there.

I dared another look, making sure to really try to get a good look at him.

When I faced my friend again, I made a face and shrugged. “I can’t really see him.”

“He has not taken his eyes off you since we came in and grabbed this table.”

“From what I see, I don’t think he’s anyone I’d know.”

She winked and did a little suggestive shimmy. “Then maybe it’s time for you togetto know him.”

I waved her off, rolling my eyes. “Nah.”

“Okay, don’t take this the wrong way, girl, but you’re a downer tonight.”

I sighed and let my shoulders slump. “I’m sorry.” She frowned, catching me rubbing my stomach, and I lowered my hand. “Even if I were feeling better, I’m not in the mood to strike up a conversation with some guy.”

Now that I’d spotted him and Missy had pointed him out, I swore I could feel his stare on me.

“How come? You’re single.”

“Because of…him.”

---