Before I could say anything more, Nazai returned. “Back off my wife. She’s off limits,” he joked, sitting next to me and pulling into his side.
River eyed me a little longer before a crooked grin formed on his face. “She’s not your wife yet.”
“In less than two weeks she will be.” I glanced up at Nazai and he stared down at me, licking his lips.
I hated the flutters that filled my belly. Snatching my eyes from him, I watched one of the girls in the section lean down and whisper something to Emmet. He shook his head and brought his drink to his mouth. Usually I could read people well, but Emmet was hard. He seemed like a blank slate, never giving away how he was feeling, but always watching.
“You glad you came now?” Nazai asked, leaning down.
“I would rather be at home.”
He chuckled and brought his cup to his mouth.
Eventually, Ezra returned with a wide grin on his face.
I had my phone out, checking on Carson. Nazai ended up upgrading his phone at the same time he did mine.
“You the only person I know who comes to a strip club and looks mad at the world.” I glanced up at Ezra. “You ever smile?” He grinned and cocked his head to the side.
Finishing my message to my brother, I tucked my phone in my crossbody purse. It was small enough for essentials, but big enough for my butterfly knife and gun. Thankfully no one bothered to search us at the door.
“When I have something to smile about.” He chuckled and took a seat next to me.
“Lucas sent us a picture of Nazai’s car. I knew you would be the one to give him hell.”
“Your brother needs to be humbled.”
He smirked. “And you’re the one to do it.”
My shoulders lifted. “Maybe.”
He tossed his arm around me. “I’m gonna enjoy you being around. You’re gonna keep shit entertaining for sure.”
Snorting, I finished my drink and shook my head. Out of all the brothers, Ezra seemed the most welcoming.
As the night continued, Ezra eventually disappeared again. I heard him mention something about the basement. Not sure what he had going on, but Emmet left with him.
Nazai had spent most of the night being the boss. He disappeared a couple of times but I didn’t question it, happy to be left alone. A few times Lucas or River remembered I was there and briefly entertained me, but I seemed to be an afterthought to my fiancé. His presence was demanding and it was clear everyone respected him. We had been here for three hours now and I was ready to call it a night.
I was in the middle of ordering a ride share when Nazai finally appeared next to me. He had a cool expression on his face with a lazy grin.
“Why you look so tense?” Nazai asked, leaning into me. His warm breath against my ear smelled of alcohol and cinnamon.
I tilted my head so I was looking him in the eyes. “You forced me to come here and then just left me alone. I’m ready to go.”
He tossed an arm around the back of my seat. “Nah, not yet. You just need to relax some.”
A girl approached us, her eyes bouncing between me and Nazai. I narrowed my gaze, not feeling how she was watching us.
“Hey, boss. Lindsay told me to bring you this. You ordered a Blood Lust on the rocks.” My brows furrowed.
“Yeah, thanks Majesty.” She licked her lips and gave him a flirty grin.
“Anythingfor you.” The suggestion in her words caused a foreign feeling to twist in my stomach. She lowered the tray in her hand. I noticed a small, clear bag taped to the glass. “Did you two want a dance too?” She fluttered her eyelids.
“No.” I shut her down, clenching my purse.
This thing with Nazai was unorthodox, but the disrespect wasn’t something I would tolerate either way.
