Page 71 of Jump on Three
He sputtered before bursting out laughing. “Oh shit. Baby Sokolov is jealous as hell.”
“Ivan.” Evelyn placed her plate beside her and unfolded from the couch. Crossing the room to me in her bare feet, she stood in front of me, wrapping her fingers around my index finger. “I don’t think Marco was actually talking about my ass. He finds me sweet and little, possibly like a child, and he would toss me out on my bum if I broke his rule about drinking. That’s all he meant.”
She glanced at Marco over her shoulder. “Right?”
He nodded at her, still chuckling under his breath. “Right, sweetness. You’re cute as fuck, but I haven’t been into high schoolers since I was in high school. Tell your man he doesn’t have to fight for your honor.”
She turned back to me, still gripping my finger in her tight little hand. “You don’t have to fight for my honor, Ivan. It’s intact.”
I felt like I was losing my mind from my drastic swing of emotions. Fear, relief, anger, and yes, furious jealousy. I needed Evelyn out of this place, but the idea of sending her alone in a car with a stranger made me almost grind my molars to dust.
“You have to go home now,” I stated.
“I don’t think I’m ready.” She squared her shoulders. “I came here to solve the mystery of you, and I haven’t done that yet. Also, I would like to dance.”
“Let the girl dance, Ivan,” Marco chided.
It was two against one. If I wanted her out of here fast, I had to give.
I took Evelyn’s chin between two fingers and tipped her head back. “One dance, then we leave, and I answer your questions on the car ride back to the academy.”
Her eyebrows slowly rose. “Will you dance with me?”
I huffed. “Did you believe I would let you out of my sight?”
Marco chuckled. “Have fun, kids. And, Ev, the offer stands. Come back anytime. I’ll let the doorboys know to let you in.”
I was going to fucking kill him. That pen beside his keyboard would go nicely through his eyeball—”
Evelyn’s warm palm slid against mine as she wove our fingers together. “It’s a deal, Ivan. Let’s go dance.” She waved her free hand at Marco. “It was nice to meet you. Sorry for sneaking in like that.”
He winked at her. “Don’t worry about a thing, sweetness, and the pleasure was all mine.” His attention swung to me. “You’re cutting your night short?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. I have shit I need you to do, though.”
“I will be back tomorrow.”
“Yep. I know you will.” He focused on his computer monitor. “You can take your girl.”
Dismissed, I started toward the door, pulling Evelyn with me while she made sure to set him straight once more.
“Oh, I’m not his girl.”
Marco huffed a laugh. “Sure you’re not.”
I took my girl out of his office, kicking the door shut behind us.
Chapter Twenty-three
Evelyn
Beats burst through my bloodstream, flowing out to my ligaments and muscles, moving me. I threw my arms over my head and let the music dictate my rhythm. With my eyes closed, I could convince myself I was in my bedroom, my headphones on, winding down for bedtime.
Ivan had directed me to a corner of the VIP dance floor, which wasn’t nearly as crowded as the main one downstairs. Once he’d placed me where he wanted me, he stood guard, making sure no one came close.
He didn’t want to be here with me. That was obvious. His scowl was what had made me close my eyes, and even then, it felt like a cloak over my skin. I hadn’t left him alone, and I’d invaded his space. That I felt bad about.