Page 6 of Whiskey Promises
Nadia giggles because she knows I'm right. Our parents have always been ridiculously, blissfully in love. Sometimes, I think I want the same thing…and then I remember everything Nadia'sbeen through and change my mind. I don't want to end up nursing a broken heart for the rest of my life like my sister. That's a lot more common than happily ever after these days. And given my track record with questionable decisions? Well, better to skip it altogether than risk it.
"Hey, ladies."
We glance over at the same time to find a man with bloodshot green eyes and a wrinkled suit standing way too close to Nadia for comfort. Two of his friends loiter behind him. Even from where I'm seated, I can smell the alcohol on them.
Great.This is just what we need.
"Heard you up on stage," he says, leering at my sister. "You've got pipes."
"Thanks," she mutters, tense and clearly not interested.
He's either too drunk or too oblivious to take the hint because he steps closer, crowding her on her stool.
"Can I buy you a drink?"
"Thank you, but no." She smiles politely and leans away from him. "I've already ordered one, and that's my limit."
"Ah, come on," he tries to cajole, leaning down over her. "You entertained us for the last hour. It's our turn to entertain you."
And that's about enough of that.Why can't some people ever take a hint?
"How?" I ask, scowling at him. "Are you going to dance for us? Stand on your head? Juggle?"
He flicks a dismissive look in my direction and then glances back at Nadia, his smirk growing as his gaze flicks up and down her body, lingering on her breasts. "Oh, I can think of a few ways."
His friends snicker.
Oh. Gross.
"Yeah, no thanks," she mutters, stiffening in outrage. "I'm not interested."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not. I wasn't aware I needed to explain myself to you." Her eyes narrow on him, her patience at an end. Nadia may be soft-hearted, but she isn't a pushover. "I know this might not register in your current state, butnois a complete sentence."
"So is watch your fucking mouth, you fat bitch," he snaps, immediately flipping from trying to be charming to insults and threats. Typical. Guys like him never handle rejection well. Nadia is gorgeous, successful, and talented…three things he'll never be. He insults her to make himself feel better about the fact that he'll never be in her league.
"I suggest you get out of her face before we call her security team over," I lie, trying to stay calm. Nadia doesn't have security tonight, even though she should, but she has the band.
I glance toward the stage, and my heart sinks. They aren't up there anymore. Crap.
I slap a scowl on my face and forge ahead anyway. "The three of you look like you've been drinking all night. I doubt you'd last a single round."
"Call them over," one of his buddies says. "We'll see who can last."
Well…shit. Note to self: check for backup before talking shit next time.
"Yeah, bitch," the one looming over her says. "Call your little security guard over. See if he can protect you from what I'm going to do to you and your little friend when I get you alone."
Oh, hell no.No one is doing a damn thing to me or my sister. I'll kick his drunk ass myself before he touches either one of us.
I open my mouth to shout for help, only to swallow it back when I see Teo Kirby storming toward us with murder in his eyes.
Shit. Teo is actually here.
Whatis he doing here? Is he stalking Nadia now that they're in the same city? Are they talking again?
Why didn't she tell me?
