Page 4 of Lethal Infatuation

"What was that?" she asked with a hint of amusement in her tone. "Do you know him?"

"I don't know him, but we've met." My tone came across as dismissive, but that's how I felt about the smug man. "Which brings me to my next question—who is he and why was he invited to your wedding?"

"His name is Nicolas. He's one of Kayden's really close friends. One could say they're like brothers at this point."

I scoffed at the revelation. "How unfortunate."

She smirked at me and wiggled her eyebrows. "Last time I heard, he's single."

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her along with me, leading her to the bar area. "What's your point?" She released a heavy sigh as if the words she was about to say next was the most obvious thing in the world.

"You're single. He's single. Plus, he seems like your type."

When we reached the bar, I immediately asked for two shots of vodka. Nothing better than starting off the reception on the right note.

"He's not my type." When I completed that sentence, I realised I could've said it with more conviction.

"Right," she said in a bored tone. The bartender pushed the shot glasses in our direction and we grabbed it simultaneously. "Here's to a long, happy, blessed marriage."

"Amen." Saying that specific word while downing clean vodka was absolutely blasphemous. We brought the glasses to our lips and tossed them back. I swallowed the liquid in one gulp.

The burning sensation spread down my oesophagus, pooling in the depths of my stomach. I grimaced and blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears forming in my eyes.

"Jesus," Kehlani muttered. "Why do I keep doing this with you?" She placed the empty glass onto the counter and tossed her head back slightly, making me chuckle.

"It's funny, you prefer whiskey over vodka. Did Kayden force you to make that decision?" She laughed and shook her head.

"No, it just tastes better."

"I beg to differ, but let's agree to disagree." The music in the background blended into a low sound, almost turning into nothingness when I felt a pair of eyes on me.

I could feel someone watching, ogling. When I turned my head in the direction of where Nicolas sat, his eyes were locked on me. He didn't waver, didn't look away. If anything, he continued staring, making me feel naked under his watchful eye.

He sat in the same position, legs spread, one hand on his thigh and the other draped over the back of the chair. Looking extremely sexy. I almost couldn't bring myself to look away, but I did.

I forced my focus back to my best friend. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look?" I gushed. I couldn't shake the feeling building in the pit of my stomach, knowing that he was watching me.

"Yes." She giggled. "Just in that moment, I was so nervous I couldn't even think straight, so I didn't get to tell you how beautiful you look. Your dress is gorgeous, Gabriella."

"Well, you threatened to ban me if I wore anything underwhelming."

Our conversation was cut short when Kayden and Nicolas appeared out of nowhere. "I hope we're not interrupting." He placed his hand on the small of Kehlani's back, kissing her on the cheek. "May I borrow my wife, if that's okay with you, Gabs?"

I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Go right ahead, young man, but please have her back here by 9:00 p.m. sharp." They laughed at my response and then gracefully walked towards the dance floor, leaving me alone with a certain someone.

"Can I get a whiskey, neat?" He signalled for the bartender and I took it as my cue to leave. Unfortunately, the universe liked toying with me because he wrapped his hand around my wrist, preventing me from going anywhere. "How distasteful."

He was taunting me and clearly trying to see if he could rile me up. The skin of his hand burned due to his touch and I released a soft, slow breath.

"Is that the word you'd use to describe yourself?" I tried tugging my wrist free, but the attempt was as useless as letter D in Wednesday.

He pulled me closer, making my breath hitch. Our bodies were extremely close, but not touching. His grip didn't falter, not even in the slightest.

"Have a drink with me."

"I don't drink whiskey."

"Then I'll get your drink of choice," he said sternly. "What will it be?"

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