Page 85 of Hollywood Comes Home

“What?”

“I just hate him. I’m not mad at you at all.”

“I will say, other than trying to press himself against me a few times, he was better behaved than I thought he’d be.”

I lifted a hand to my chin, stroking my stubble. “Yeah, he’s up to something big.”

“Because he behaved… for him?”

“Yep.”

Glancing at the clock, she respired. “Baby, I have to go dance now.”

Taking her hand and mine, I led her out of the room, pressing my lips to hers before she went to the dressing room. Navigating my way back to the table, I froze dead in my tracks when I got closer.Fuck. Silently, I slid into the booth, angry at Alejandro, who was sitting next to Ian.

Something was different. Luke didn’t have a silent conversation with me like he did whenever that waste of space was around. Instead, he appeared extra pleasant, which was alarming. Turning his attention to the stage, he put the rim of his Tom Collins drink to his lips.

Instead of being distracted on his phone, Tyler carried on an engaging conversation with Alejandro, who had a dark grin on his lips. A grin I wanted to carve off his face and shove up his ass.Something strange is definitely going on.

Amber’s song started and Alejandro’s tongue rolled over his bottom lip as he turned his attention to the main stage. Narrowing his gaze on my almost naked girlfriend, he slipped a cigarette out of his pocket, lighting it. Ian allowing him to smoke in the showroom was a shock as well. He got pissed when anyone smoked at the table unless he gave direct permission. Alejandro inhaled a deep drag, flashing me a provoking glance.

Instead of making a comment, I focused on Amber, who was once again wowing the entire room with her incredible show. She stepped to the edge of the stage, removing the thin, tied red halter dress she’d changed into. Men and women inserted money into the slit of her clear-bottom platform heels and garter.

Sashaying to the pole, she grabbed it, pulling herself up. Spinning sideways, she let go, stretching out both of her arms. Her body spun slowly before she held the metal again, flipping upside down. She used every ounce of her core to support herself. Slowly, she spread her legs into a split. She held the pose for a few seconds before locking her legs around the pole again, inching to the base. In one smooth motion, she rolled onto the floor. Her show ended with cheers and whistles, as always. She collected money before picking up her top and exiting the platform, with the stage assistant following.

Turning my attention to the table, I noticed Alejandro was staring off into the crowd. I attempted a silent conversation with Ian, Luke, or Tyler, but all were acting as if nothing had happened. Rolling my eyes, I placed my glass to my lips, about to take a sip.

My phone vibrated against my leg. I slid my phone from my pocket, seeing Ian had texted me, but his phone wasn’t in his hand. Five texts came through at once. Glancing up at him, he bowed his head slightly, lifting his glass to his mouth. Scrolling to my messages, I opened it.

Pre-scheduled texts so there’s no confusion.

When you get these, take Dragon and Amber and go to my house immediately.

Leave your car at the club. I’ll send for it.

Nico’s outside in the front, waiting for you. The back entrance is guarded.

Speak to NO ONE on the way out!

Standing, I picked my drink up, chugging the rest of it, sliding my phone into my pocket. “Well, I have to get up early tomorrow to meet my sister for breakfast. I’m going to take off.”

Ian nodded. “Sounds good. Will you see to it that Amber gets toherapartment safely?”

Squinting, I got ready to ask him what he was talking about until I caught on to his plan. “Yeah, of course. You’re fine with her leaving early?”

“Yes and tell her she rocked it tonight.”

“I will.” Turning to each of the guys, including Alejandro, I waved lazily. “See you guys later.”

Ducking through the patrons, I exited the side door, marching toward the dressing room. The door was open, and Amber was just finishing changing. Switching her shoes, she smiled at my reflection in the mirror when she discovered me in the doorway.

“Hi bab—”

“We have to go.” Rushing to her bag, I swept it off the floor, throwing it over my shoulder. Taking her hand, I pulled her down the hallway to the main lobby, Dragon trailing closely. “I’ll explain on the way.”

“Chance, you’re scaring me,” she hissed under her breath.

The bouncer at the main entrance pushed it open for us. “Goodnight, and we haven’t been able to move the people.”

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