Page 43 of Mike's Assistant

“Jake,” he purred, a smirk playing on his lips. “It’s been a while. About time you’re out without the boys. You should have called me.”

“Dominic,” I replied cautiously, trying to keep the wariness from my voice. “What brings you here? I thought you ran a club.”

“Oh, I run The Dungeon, but I come by from time to time. The Pavilion has its charms.” His eyes traveled over me as if taking in every detail. “But tonight, it seems especially… enchanting.”

While flattery rarely bothered me, coming from Dominic, it always felt like a well-laid trap. “Thanks. I’m just here enjoying the night with my boyfriend.”

Dominic’s expression hardened. “Boyfriend? Since when do you have a boyfriend?”

I straightened up, a sudden boldness surging within. “It’s recent. But why is that any of your concern, Dominic?”

He leaned in closer, so close I could smell the musky scent of his cologne, a mix that was as enticing as it was disconcerting. “You always were one to play hard to get, Jake. I remember how you used to blush when our eyes met across the hallway. You can't deny there was something between us.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “We had nothing between us. And for the record, I didn’t blush because I was flustered in a good way. You always have this… intensity. It's not something I was, or am, looking for.” I finally told him what I thought. I couldn’t believe I did it.

Dominic’s eyes seemed to darken a shade. “Intensity can be a good thing, Jake. It makes life… thrilling.” His fingers danced lightly over the back of my hand that was resting on the table, a touch that was meant to be seductive but only increased my discomfort.

I snatched my hand back. “Look, Dominic, it was nice running into you, but I'd appreciate it if you'd leave. My boyfriend will be back.”

Dominic scoffed. “Boyfriend. Is this boyfriend even real? You used to use your brothers to get away from me. Perhaps you’re using an imaginary boyfriend.”

“His boyfriend isn’t imaginary.”

Relief surged through me as I looked over at Mike. Mike’s expression had a hard edge. He looked ready to throttle Dominic.

“That’s my seat,” Mike said through clenched teeth.

Dominic 's gaze shifted from me to Mike, and for a split second, a flash of uncertainty crossed his striking features. But he recovered quickly, leaning back in his chair with an air of arrogance.

“Well, if it isn’t the mystery boyfriend,” Dominic mused, dragging out the word as if testing its validity. “Tell you what. Why don’t we share him?”

Mike snarled and snatched Dominic from the seat, holding him close to his face. “I. Don’t. Share.” Mike growled every word. “You have two seconds to leave before I make you.”

Dominic didn’t appear phased. He simply grasped Mike’s hands, undoing his grasp. “So protective. It was just a suggestion.” He glanced back at me. “It was good catching up. You should definitely stop by my club.” He winked before walking away.

Mike’s eyes followed him until Dominic was out of sight. He then sat beside me, immediately taking my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. The warmth of his touch was a stark contrast to the icy chill Dominic’s presence had left behind.

“Are you okay?” Mike’s voice held a genuine concern that made my heart flutter.

“I am now,” I replied, squeezing his hand for reassurance. “I've always found Dominic unnerving. I never knew how to handle him. Thank you for stepping in.”

Mike leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Always,” he whispered. “I’ve got your back, no matter what.”

I believed him. I knew he’d be there for me. My heart pounded happily. We settled in our seats just as Tim returned. We quickly scanned the menu and ordered our dinners. I hummed the song that the band now played.

“Tell the world that we finally got it all right. I choose you,” Mike sang, and I stared at him in surprise.

“You know this song?”

Mike nodded. “It’s a great song, one of my favorites.”

“Mine too. I love Sara Bareilles,” I replied.

“She’s good. What other music do you like?” Mike asked.

I shrugged. “I like a little of everything. You said you wanted to be a singer the other day. Why didn’t you?” I looked away and felt my face heat before saying. “You have a beautiful voice.”

“Thanks. It was because of Grandpa Freddie.” Mike leaned back and took a sip of his beer. “He always told me to stay close to Hayden, and I’d find my mate. Hayden wanted to be a lawyer, so I went into law.”

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