Page 51 of Shattered Diamonds

His hand resting on the gearshift flexes and tightens around the ball. “Did he put his hands on you?”

The muscles under his cropped beard covered jaw start flexing while waiting for the answer I am now afraid to give. “I mean… We were dancing.”

“Answering my question properly will only benefit you.”

Is he jealous? “We were dancing.”

“Haven.”

“Yes, Demetri. He put his hands on me. Are you jealous?” I blurt.

“I don’t get jealous, young pup. I get even.”

“What does that even mean?” I question just as the door to the back of the building opens and a man walks out.

“Get out.”

“Get out?” I repeat with anxiety, nervous about the unknown of what is inside the building and Demetri’s behavior. I watch him as he walks around the car to my side.

“Now, Haven,” he demands when he yanks open my door.

I turn in my seat and step out, my body brushing against his as I stand because he purposely left me no room. He crowds me in the small space between him and the open car door. His left hand goes to the roof just as his right hand comes up to my jaw. The pressure on my chin demands my attention. He has it. I’m not afraid of him but I am afraid of the unknown of what is to come.

I feel my breathing pick up, my chest visibly rising and falling. There is no denying this man makes me feel things. He’s so close, I swear he’s going to kiss me, his fierce gaze stares at my lips, but he doesn’t.

He pulls back and looks me directly in the eyes. “No man touches you. Understood?”

ChapterTwenty

HAVEN

He holdsmy heated gaze for a moment. The intensity of his fingers leaves my face and wraps around my hand. He closes the door to his car, hits the button on his key fob, locking it, and then walks towards the man who has been patiently waiting. They shake hands and exchange pleasantries before Demetri turns to me. “Johnathan, this is Haven McKittrick. Haven, meet Johnathan Reznor, the owner of this fine establishment.”

Mr. Reznor is a very attractive man. He looks to be around Demetri’s age and holds himself with the samedon’t mess with medemeanor that Demetri does. Where Demetri is more rugged and raw in a suit, Johnathan has more of a clean cut in combat boots look, though an air of badass surrounds him. He extends his hand and respectfully greets me, then quickly turns his attention back to Demetri.

“Your dinner will be set up in my penthouse.” He opens the non-descript door to a dark hallway and walks us to a hidden elevator. “Let Tegan know when you’re ready.”

The elevator shoots us down a floor. I shift in my stance, my nerves getting the best of me. Demetri runs his hand over my lower back. It instantly relaxes me, and I have to wonder if his instincts told him I was nervous or if it is just habit for him to place his hand on the small of a woman’s back.

The elevator comes to a stop. The doors slide open, and I’m led out by just his touch. Once we’re in the hallway, he reaches for my hand. It’s a good feeling being held by a man like Demetri. I feel protected. Safe. Like no one would harm me if they knew I was his. I hold my head slightly higher just thinking about being the woman on his arm. It’s a boost to the low self-esteem I’ve been working on since I was a teen.

Johnathan opens the door at the end of the hall. Demetri stops short and I almost bounce off his broad back. “Give me a minute.” He looks to Johnathan.

“Take your time.” He turns to walk away then turns back. “Nice to meet you, Haven.”

“You as well,” I tell him, peeking around Demetri’s shoulder.

Music pours in from the other side of the door Johnathan holds open.Prayby Xana plays. I’m excited to be here with him. I have to wonder why he didn’t just take me to Temptations if he wanted to go to a club, but then I think maybe he just wanted a night away from the people he works with.

Demetri turns to me just as Johnathan disappears behind the door. “Leave your morals at the door, Haven. I don’t want to hear about your feelings when this night is through.”

“What?” I question just as he opens the door and the beats ofPraybegin again. “Demetri,” I call, giving his hand a tug, but he continues walking without answering me.

He leads us through the door and farther into the room. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I peek around his broad back to get a look at what he is leading me into.

The usual sounds of a club fill the space. Glasses clank, music plays, and laughter fills the building. It’s not until I look deeper into the club, that my steps falter and my lips part at the scenes unfolding before me.

This isn’t a normal club. It’s a club all right, but the criteria for entertainment is not just dancing and drinks with friends.

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