We got to the bar and Kairus turned to me. “Stay here and don’t move.” My mouth dropped as he commanded me as if I was a dog. He didn’t give me a chance to respond before he turned and walked off.
“What can I get you, huh?” I watched Kairus a second longer. He was stopped by two men I wasn’t familiar with. He seemed annoyed as soon as they approached him.
Spinning around, I faced the woman. She was smiling as she waited patiently for me. “Can I get a lemon drop?” I shifted the thin purse strap on my arm.
“Gotcha, hun.” She moved to make my drink. I tapped my knuckles on the bar and glanced over my shoulder, noticing Kairus was no longer in sight. My eyes narrowed as I broadened my search.
“Azeira!” Hearing my name called made me spin around.
“Jatavia?” My eyes widened as she rushed me.
“What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were a prisoner?” She whispered the last part, making me snicker.
“Here you go. Can I get you something, miss?” the bartender asked. I turned to grab my drink.
“Let me get the same as her, please,” Jatavia said. “Now what are you doing here? Did you sneak out again?” Jatavia wagged her brows.
I brought my glass to my mouth and took a small sip. “No. I’m actually here with Kairus.” I went into my purse to grab a few spare bills so I could tip the bartender.
A shocked expression passed over her face. “Really?” I nodded. “What about you?”
“Oh I’m here on a job. Here to look pretty and be quiet,” she said sarcastically with a smug grin, making me laugh.
“Thanks.” Jatavia reached for the drink.
“Let me know if you need anything else.” The bartender moved down the bar to someone else.
“Who are you here with? Someone new or someone you’ve worked with before?”
“Nope, someone new. He’s some city official or something.” She shrugged.
I nodded, scanning the room one last time. “Enough about me though, what about you? Are you okay? I was worried about you.”
“I told you I was fine.” Since Kairus hadn’t noticed my phone was missing I’d been using it to keep in contact with Jatavia. She texted me every day making sure I was “still alive and well” asshe stated. I kept assuring her I was fine, but she always wanted a picture confirming it was me texting her.
Sighing, my friend ran her hand through her curly hair. “I just worry about you. I’ve heard about this man and how he could be. I don’t like that you’re stuck alone with him.”
“It’s not that bad.” I chewed the inside of my cheek and averted my eyes.
“Are you kidding me?! He kidnapped you and is blackmailing you to be his slave!” My eyes bucked and bounced around the room.
“Can you please not blurt that out?” I hissed, my eyes locked on Kairus who was making his way back to where I was at the bar.
Her eyes cut into slits and she followed my stare.
“Is that him?”
I nodded without removing my eyes from him. “Mhm. I guess if you can look past the scars heiscute. He looks scary though.”
This time it was me cutting my eyes to her.
“Who is this?” Kairus asked as he approached us. His body pressed against mine, making me inhale a sharp breath.
“Who are you?” Jatavia shot back, glaring at him.
I shot her a look. “Kairus, my best friend, Jatavia. Jatavia, Kairus.”
“Who are you here with?” Kairus asked.
