Page 31 of Secrets & Lies

“Now for your dare. I dare you to get dressed in something sexy and come collect your friend. If you don’t, the consequences, I’m afraid, will not be to your liking. Or hers,” he stated calmly.

“I’ll send an Uber for her. What’s the address?” I asked, ignoring his demands and trying not to focus on the fact he called me kitten in Russian.It’s better than darling, but still.

“If you send an Uber for her, it’ll force me to call the chief. I mean, we found a small amount of drugs on her. I’d hate for her to get booked.”

“You’re a liar. Sarah doesn’t do drugs,” I said, knowing my friend well enough to know better.

“Hmm, I wonder who the chief will believe? I’ll give you an hour, tops. See you soon.”

Chapter 14

Aleksandr

It's Game Time

The kiss bothered me all day. She was utterly intoxicating. Her scent, her taste, her sweet, sexy body.When was the last time I lost control like that? I asked myself that question damn near half the day. She purposely taunted me, and I stood there, allowing it.

“She on her way?” Nikolai asked. I nodded.

We had Sarah in the office, lying down on the couch. When Nik and I left, she was sleeping with her head on Ivan’s lap.

My eyes scanned the nightclub, the pulsating beats of music vibrating through the air, as I restlessly tapped my fingers against the sleek bar top. The scent of expensive cologne mixed with perfume wafted around me. The club was packed, and the girls on stage moved their bodies in sync with the rhythm, creating a tantalizing show.

The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation and people looking to fulfill some deep desires. And on a normal Friday evening, I’d be game to join them, but not tonight. My attention kept veering toward the entrance, searching for any sign of Kinsley’s arrival.

I checked my phone for what felt like the hundredth time, my impatience mounting with each passing second. I had the camera pulled up so I could see when she was at the door. Thomas, one of our bouncers, had been given instructions to play with her a little.

“You okay? You seem nervous, and that’s not like you. What gives?”

I frowned at Nikolai. Sometimes it sucked having someone know you so well that they could pick up on the slightest deviation of your normal pulse. I was about to tell him to fucking mind his own business when Marcus arrived.

“Alisha and Jenna are looking for you guys.”

The bartender poured Marcus a glass of water, knowing he didn’t drink alcohol. A groan of frustration rumbled through my chest. This was the last thing I needed. I glanced in Alisha’s direction and then abruptly turned to face the front. She approached nonchalantly as if her presence was an unexpected coincidence.

“Fancy meeting you here,” she greeted as the two of them took a seat. Her eyes sparkled with a glimmer of mischief as she waited for a reaction.

“Not really. I own the place. I’m here frequently, but you already know this. The real question is, what are you doing here?” I arched an eyebrow at her, my annoyance simmering beneath the surface.

Alisha’s smile faltered for a brief moment, her attempt at stirring up my emotions visibly failing. She should’ve known better; our rules were simple, and she’d agreed to them. I sipped my drink and glanced at my phone again. Recovering quickly, she feigned indifference as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Well, I’m here with Jenna tonight,” she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of defiance. “Thought it might be fun to have a girls’ night out.”

Keeping my gaze fixed ahead, I could only hope it was true. She’d commented on more than one occasion about me being distracted over the last few nights, and the last thing I wanted was a scene. I replied, “That’s nice. Enjoy your night, then.”

“Maybe later, when you’re not—”

“Not now,” I snapped, my voice devoid of the usual gentleness I reserved for her.

Nik turned at my sharp tone to watch the exchange unfold. The fucker was being thoroughly entertained, apparently. A mischievous grin played upon his lips.

I shot a quick glance at him, my irritation clear for all to see. “You need something, Crow?”

The asshole shook his head and asked the bartender for another drink, thinking better of trying to engage me, then whispered something into Jenna’s ear. I turned back to Alisha.

Her black hair was curled tonight, framing her pretty face, and her brow furrowed while desire shone in her hazel eyes. Alisha was a confident woman, carried herself well, and had a natural charm about her. Her lips parted, and she made one last attempt to protest, but I silenced her with an unwavering stare.

“Do we need to review our rules?” I barked.

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