Page 2 of High Class

“You’ll all be on your best behavior tonight. No talk of Donovan or anything else unsavory. The mayor is attending as well as several other high-profile businessmen I intend to partner with in the coming months.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Bowden,” my cousin says.

“You got it, Dad.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “You’ve been away too long. You seem to have forgotten your place.”

I lay my head back against the seat, ignoring him entirely. There’s a reason I left New York and followed Matteo to Las Vegas after college. I wanted to be free of the monster in front of me. And I’ve had my freedom for the most part. With the understanding that I’ll always be a Bowden, and until the old man kicks the bucket—which isn’t likely to happen anytime soon—there’s always a chance he could insist I come home. And Jamie Bowden would use force if he needed to. That’s why killing Donovan was so reckless of me. But if I hadn’t, Matteo would have made sure he died for putting his girl in danger, and that could have started a bigger war than the one we’re trying to stave off with the Serrano family. Either way, I would be sitting exactly where I am right now.

The only thing I wasn’t expecting was the long-legged beauty sitting in my cousin’s lap. Hell… maybe I will try to steal her. I’m better looking and have a lot more money. I like my odds.

Thepartyatthenightclub is in full swing, but I’m ready to leave and get back to Las Vegas. This place isn’t my home. Not anymore. But I can’t leave until I’m certain there will be no retaliation for Donovan. Really, I can’t leave until my father says I can.

“Luke, it’s a surprise to see you here tonight.”

I stiffen at the sound of a familiar voice. But I turn and offer a smile and a handshake.

“Senator Pratchett. What brings you to New York City? Aren’t you supposed to be serving the great people of Nevada?”

Pratchett lifts a drink and grins. “My colleagues from New York invited me and it seemed like an excellent networking opportunity. I do have higher aspirations, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

The senator has been a source of information for me back in Las Vegas a few times, but I don’t trust him, and I’m uncomfortable with him being here.

Thankfully, I’m saved from small talk when someone else catches his attention. “I’ll see you around, Luke. We’ll have a drink and catch up.”

I sit back against the booth and watch him walk away before I let my eyes wander back to the person I haven’t been able to stop watching all night.

Zara is on the dance floor with Oliver, and I’m fighting the urge to shove him out of the way. Fate seems to be on my side, because a man I don’t recognize, taps him on the shoulder. Oliver whispers something to Zara, and she makes her way to our table while he disappears with the stranger.

I lean forward and pick up the tequila as she approaches.

“You’re just in time to have a drink with me, Zara.”

She offers a stiff smile and sits down, keeping space between us.

“Afraid I’ll bite?”

“Not at all, Luke. I just don’t want you getting any ideas.”

I slide closer to her and hand her the tequila shot. “And what ideas would you think I’ll get?”

She eyes me from beneath long lashes as she rotates the glass in her hand. “I’ve felt you watching me all night.”

It’s true. I haven’t been able to take my eyes off her. But I won’t apologize for appreciating her beauty.

“Zara, I’m not the only one watching you. You’re eye-catching. Now drink up.”

She tips back the expensive tequila, not bothering with the salt or the lime, and sets the shot glass aside.

“I have a feeling my cousin is going to be tied up for a while. If you want to dance, I’ll happily accompany you.”

She crosses one knee over the other, sending her short dress even higher up her perfect thighs.

“I’m sure you would, Luke. But I think we’re safer here just talking.”

She opens her clutch and pulls out her phone. Her eyebrow shoots up, and she holds it to her ear.“Salut mon chéri.”She pauses and lets out a laugh.“Non je suis désolé. Je suis à New York en ce moment. Peut-être la semaine prochaine.”

Her French is flawless. And by the sounds of it, she doesn’t live here in the city. So where is she from? I lean closer to hear more. From the sounds of it, she’s close to the person on the other line. A lover? Why is she with my cousin then? She finishes her conversation and tucks the phone away. As she does, the handbag slips from her lap and the contents spill. Lipstick, a strip of four condoms—she’s got too much faith in my cousin—some cash, and two phones. Now that is curious. I pick up the phone she hadn’t just been talking on and hold it out to her. “Busy woman?”

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