Page 55 of Lethal Infatuation

"We're having a girls’ night," I said, tugging on Amala's dress to indicate I needed her help. She caught on and nodded in agreement.

"Exactly, why don't you go bother Kayden or Ares?" The last word was bitter and it immediately sobered me up. I have no idea what Ares did to Amala, but it was clearly something drastic becauseshe happened to be the sweetest woman ever.

"No," he said calmly, placing both hands in his jean pockets. "I'd prefer spending the evening with her." He pointed towards me, slowly walking closer.

I looked up at him, my head suddenly feeling heavy. "I don't think you know what a girls’ night implies, but it's quite literally in the name."

He chuckled, looking between Amala and I. She gave me a knowing look and I nibbled on the inside of my cheek. "Then I suppose I'll have to change the meaning, because I'm joining you whether you like it or not."

I rolled my eyes at him, hooking Amala's arm into my own and walking off without him, but I just knew he'd follow us. Every inch of my skin burned under his intense gaze, I could feel his stare piercing me.

"So you've captured Nicolas' attention," Amala whispered as we entered the club. We nodded at the bouncer, and surprisingly, he didn't stop to ask for our identification.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. The man is crazy." Denial. Delusion. At this point, I'd go with either before admitting the truth. Judging by the look on Amala's face, I could tell she didn't believe me.

"Yes, that explains why he's here right now, and I have a strong feeling that you didn't share your location with him. I suppose he really is crazy."

I looked behind me and saw Nicolas following us. He kept a safe distance, though, and scanned the environment before intently watching me again.

"How long have you worked with him?"

"Four years." My eyes nearly bulged out of its sockets. Now was the perfect opportunity to uncover more information about himwithout having to ask the direct source.

"So then you'd be able to confirm if this is normal behaviour he's displaying." Amala laughed, pulling me towards the VIP section. She scanned a card and the doors opened.

I hadn't been paying attention to the interior of the vicinity, but now that I was, I realised how lavish it looked. Normally clubs were one speck away from being a complete health hazard, but this one surpassed the low expectations I had. It had similarities to Sarepta, but exceeded that establishment.

"Nicolas is anything but normal." We laughed simultaneously. "No, I'm kidding. This is actually odd behaviour because he's always been extremely quiet, one sided, and reserved."

"Really?"

"Yes." She nodded. "But that doesn't mean he's been nice. The man has always been crude, saying whatever is on his mind, and he's got a short temper."

"That seems fitting for his personality." We couldn't continue our conversation because the man we spoke of strutted into the section we sat, squeezing in between the two of us.

"If you wanted me to move, you could've just said that," Amala teased. "No need to crush us in the process."

"I'd like you to move," he said nonchalantly. His stoic expression nearly made me laugh, but I maintained my straight face.

"Rude." She got up, straightening her dress. "But because you're a good friend, I'll grant your wish." Amala slowly walked away, swaying to the rhythm of the beat.

"Was that really necessary?" I questioned, placing one leg over the other. Nicolas' gaze dropped to my exposed skin, a frown gracing his face.

"Yes. Amala's already used to my personality, so don't worry about it. The real question is, what the hell are you wearing?" heasked lowly.

"A dress."

"A really short dress. I'm sure the men in this place loved the show when you entered the building," he scoffed.

"Are you trying to control what I wear, Nicolas?" I raised an eyebrow.

"No, but I want you to know that whatever happens to the men that gawk at you, will be onyourconscience."

"Excuse me?" I asked as he leaned back, resting against the seat and readjusting his hips. I kept my eyes locked on his, not wanting to falter by falling into his obvious trap.

"You heard me." I rolled my eyes at him, placing my hand on his thigh and using it as leverage to help myself up. His body stiffened and he eyed me. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"To get a drink and to dance. That's what I came here to do, after all." He tugged on the hem of my dress, just enough to prevent me from leaving.

---