Page 27 of Black Velvet

She's talking tome.

She's calling forme.

Normally, I wouldn't let anyone boss me around like this, but this is different.

She's mine, and she's signaling for me to claim her.

My feet start moving toward her before I can even coherently make the decision. Her gaze shies away from me as soon as she sees that I'm coming for her. Her body language screams tension, but the guy is oblivious and continues fondling her breast.

He has been sitting with his back to me, so all I could see was the gray, balding back of his head, but when I come even to them and he turns his face to me, I realize he’s not a stranger. He's an acquaintance of my father, or a "business partner" as he used to say, but it's unlikely they ever once conducted business in the true sense of the word. The only business these two would have ever conducted was handled in the shadows, outside the reach of binding law.

I doubt he remembers me, because it has been years since we’ve seen one another, and we never exchanged more than pleasantries. But I know something about him that will give me an advantage over him.

It's perfect.

Both he and Elene are staring up at me now. He looks irritated, while she looks anxious and apprehensive.

"Good evening," I say, standing so close to her that our legs are touching. She's not shying away in the slightest.

"Evening," he growls back, obviously unhappy about my sudden appearance.

"Hi," she greets, a relieved smile flitting across her face. As soon as it appears, it’s gone, as if she is afraid to get caught looking too happy.

"I'm sorry that I'm late," I say, reciprocating her smile.

She looks confused for a moment, and then the meaning of my words dawns on her and she decides to play along. "Oh, it's fine. I’m just glad that you were able to make it."

Her voice is thin and shaky, hinting at the lie she's trying to hide.

The man is agitatedly shifting in his chair, and I can feel his eyes on me, burning with irritation.

"Excus—"

"The lady has been waiting for me," I interrupt him before he has a chance to even finish his first word, and slowly turn to catch his furious gaze. "I'm sorry, but I will have to steal her from you."

He snorts. "Youngboy, I don't think that's how it works in here."

"Yes, Mr. Bartlet, thatishow it works for us," I strike back. "Besides, I doubt you want anyone to find out how much you like to play in the snow, would you?"

His eyes flicker with rage, burning through me like hot daggers as he processes my words. I recognize it the moment confusion is replaced by understanding.

"You..." he stutters. "You are Alvin's boy."

The smile that tucks at the corners of my mouth is equal parts polite and condescending. I raise an eyebrow at him, giving one last hint that I want him to leave.

And this time he does. Elene can't hide her surprise when he gets up from his seat, excuses himself, and then hurries away with his whiskey in hand.

She glances at me, her pretty face full of questions.

I ignore it for now and signal for the bartender.

"Yamazaki single malt," I order, casting her a quick look. "Do you want another one?"

She shakes her head, the wonderfully confused expression still on her face.

The bartender nods and turns around to pour my drink. I don't speak to the girl until the scotch is placed on the counter, next to her drink. No more interruptions, not tonight.

"What was that all about?" she asks, as we raise our glasses for a toast. "Did you know that guy?"

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