Page 93 of Bloodlust

"Oh..." He frowns, evidently confused. "Did we do something wrong?" He scratches his shiny hair. "I know it's been a while, but we just thought you were busy or something and?—"

"Javi." I rest my index finger against his rambling lips. "Get back to work, okay?" I nod at the swarms of horny patrons. "There are tips to be made." He hangs his head, disappointed. Poor kid. As he turns around, I give his ass a quick slap. He whips his head back at me and grins. "Go get 'em, tiger."

"Yes ma'am," Javi chirps, mood boosted as he saunters toward my other dancers.

"Boys," I mutter under my breath as I remove my jacket.

"I always thought you preferredmen." Leo's playful voice calls from behind. "Glad to see you're evolving."

"Leo," Isigh. It'll be 3 a.m. by the time I make it to the costume room. "What do you want?"

"Where were you?" he asks. "Violet's been trying to call you for hours. Apparently, Bunny's not coming in today."

"I know," I narrow my eyes at him. "How doyouknow?"

He shrugs shamelessly. "I know everything."

"Do you now?"

"Sure do," he hums, sipping on a cocktail. He gives me a knowing smirk as he asks, "What were you doing with Hazel? I saw you guys across the street. You looked...friendly."

Friend or foe?

Another gamble.

It's a game I seem to be losing recently. But my father taught me that you can't win if you don't play.

He taught me a lot of things.

Perhapstoo much.

I intend to put my education to good use. There must be a light somewhere in this godforsaken tunnel. It can't be dark forever. There must be an end.

There isalwaysan end.

And if I can't find one... I'll blow a fucking hole myself.

"We were having a drink," I say lightly, waving Zoey over from the back bar. I hope her search was fruitful. She rushes toward us, tablet in hand. I look down at her. "Did you find a doctor?"

"Yes, and?—"

"Doctor for what?" Leo asks, interrupting Zoey. He scans my face, mild concern in his tone. "Are you sick?"

"I am sick ofyou," I say, rolling my eyes. Leo scowls, unimpressed. "No, Leonardo, I am not sick, okay? Relax."

Leo twists his lips, gaze flicking between Zoey and me. "What are you girls up to, huh?" He looks around cautiously before leaning down and whispering, "Is this about the deal? Did Alba send details yet?"

"He did," Zoey says, giving me a pleading glance.

She's asking for faith.

It's like I'm giving it away for free.

Nothing is ever free.

Nothing.

But Leo has a right to know. Despite my better judgment, heneedsto know.