Page 54 of The Devil Can Be Kind

“I’m sorry, Ma’am.” He said resolutely, but I could hear the humor in his voice. Unfortunately for him, I wasn’t going to quit that easily.

“Right then!” I announced, turning to the barman who was only too eager to help me. “Hey handsome, I would like six more shots of tequila for me and my boring friend.”

“Of course, beautiful.” The bartender grinned and poured out six shots, lining them up for us.

“Now, here is the deal, Alonso. Every shot you don’t drink means I must drink it. And I don’t think I can drink six more shots without passing out…so you had better help a girl out, okay?” I said to him expectantly.

He eyed me suspiciously but didn’t say anything in response.

“One, two, three!” I tipped back the first one and looked at him expectantly. When he didn’t move, I grabbed his shot and downed it as well.

“One, two, three!” I called again, tipping back another before turning to him.

“Alright, alright. Hold on a second.” He put a hand to his ear and started speaking into his wrist, apparently asking someone for permission.

I bet it’s Jesse.

“Jesse!Pleaselet Alonso drink with me! I’m fucking bored!” I yelled at his wrist.

After a few more seconds of quiet mutterings and nod of the head, Alonso grabbed his shot and downed it.

“Yes, my man!” I screamed, doing a little drum roll on his chest. “Another!” We both did the last one together and I applauded him playfully. Earning me a grin.

“Now seriously, Ma’am, I can’t drink anymore with you.” I started to pout but his face turned stern and serious.

I was about to call over Tom, hoping to convince him to play along too, but as I turned a swarm of black suits came into the room. It took me a minute to realize that what I was actually seeing was about fifteen of Marco’s men. They moved as one as they crossed the room, descending on a group of tables to the side.

I shrank behind Alonso as best I could, not wanting to draw any attention from the man I really didn’t want to see tonight. I had even begged Jesse to leave me at home for the evening…

I should be so goddamn lucky.

Marco stopped directly in front of us and Alonso stood to attention, inclining his head respectfully.

“You’re drunk.” Marco observed, addressing me with his familiar dark eyes.

“And all you ever seem to do is tell me off.” I fired back, crossing my arms challengingly.

“If you just behaved, I wouldn’t have to.”

“If you let me stay at home then you wouldn’t have to. Or, even better, let mego—then you wouldn’t have to.” I smiled sweetly.

“Watch it.” He stepped closer, invading my space as his eyes narrowed. “Do you need me to remind you of what happened the last time?” Immediately images of him threatening the man with a gun flashed across my mind.

His breath brushed along my skin, and he went to move away, but I stuck a hand out and grabbed his collar before I could even register what I was doing.

I feigned correcting his tie as I spoke. His eyes darkening as they bore into me. “If I want to fool around with someone, Marco, then I will. Threat or no threat.” I promised, releasing him and turning.

He was quicker though, catching me by the elbow and spinning me back around. His face mere millimeters away. “I will shoot any man that touches you.” I could see the possessiveness in his fierce expression and didn’t doubt he meant it.

“Why?” I found myself asking.

My stomach did a flip in anticipation.

Anticipation? Ugh what is wrong with me.

A second ticked by, then another. I could see his expression closing down, reverting back into his familiar indifference and I knew he wasn’t going to answer me.

I yanked my arm free from his grip and trotted off toward the dance floor, joining the gyrating bodies instead. I moved to the upbeat rhythm suggestively, getting lost in the music for a while as the alcohol buzzed and made my mind numb to much else other than the pounding in my ears.

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