Page 53 of For Your Eyes Only
“I’m sure you’ve had your share of fuckups, but I am not you. I’m here to see Giana, and you’re going to get out of my way.”
He lowered his caveman brow. “I’m not letting you in, boss. You made the rules, and that’s the end of it.”
It’s a peculiar place to be when you want to murder someone for following your own instructions. As it is, I am the most controlled person I know. A bead of sweat rolled down my back, but I straightened my coat, gave that asshole a cool smile, and walked to my car. Clearly, I wasn’t going to fight my way past him.
This morning, looking at my phone, I saw her last text from hours of no reply,Please talk to me.
My stomach twisted at the plea in her words. I had every intention of talking to her. I needed answers, and I was ready to get them.
Hopping in my car, I sped down Worth Avenue in the direction of the condo, when right out in broad daylight, I saw her walking hand in hand with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. What the fuck? How much do I not know about this woman?
Slowing my speed, my eyes drank in her perfection. Dressed in a bright coral shorts outfit, her shapely dancer legs flexed seductively with every step. A belt cinched in the middle accentuated her narrow waist, and the top was a plunging V-neck that allowed a peep at the curve of her breast.
She was so damn sexy standing at his side, smiling and laughing up at him. He smiled back at her, dimpled with straight, white teeth. He put his hands on her, and rage burned in my chest.
Without thinking, I whipped my car to the shoulder and threw it into park. Red flooded my vision as I stepped out, going straight to confront them.
He dared sayIwas the problem? Thathetook care of her? Where the fuck was this brigade of bodyguards when I had my face in her pussy two nights ago?
Oversized, dark sunglasses made it impossible for me to read her expression, but her full lips were glossy nude and parted. She was fucking kissable with her hand on his arm and the other holding a paper cup of coffee.
I hated this guy acting like he was her protector.
That’s my job.
My internal response shook me, and I had to fall back. I summoned my inner cool, fumbling everywhere for my poker face until I found it.
What is this girl doing to me? I don’t lose control. I don’t play games. She thinks she’s got me wrapped around her finger. She thinks she can lie to me, lead me around, make me beg, but she’d better think again.
I don’t beg.
* * *
The Palm Clubreminds me of Vegas. The entrance is a gigantic neon palm tree with lights blinking from the base, changing colors up the trunks and out through the fronds. Rainbow neon lines the exterior façade, with tracing flashes leading patrons all the way to the entrance.
I step through the glass door, and an oversized bouncer with a clipboard stands in my path. “Name?”
My jaw tightens, and I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this. With a cringe, I utter the name, “Dickie Normous.”
The bouncer’s thick brow relaxes. “Oh, sure.” He chuckles, stepping to the side and opening the door.
Possessive anger vibrates in my body, driving me here, into this club, walking through this dark hallway. When I saw her with him this morning, I’d told myself it was over, I was done with pursuing her. I was out.Not a problem.
Yet here I am.
I don't know what I’ll find at the end of this hall, but if she’s wrapped in his embrace, if he shows any indication of ownership, I’m walking. I’m no simp.
The hall opens to a rowdy, disco-themed club full of men dressed in speedos, walking around with trays of Day-Glo test tubes.
A shimmering, sea-green curtain is drawn across the dance floor, and fake smoke and laser lights shine through the haze, rising to the roof. Generic house music pumps like a heartbeat, and a little guy in bondage attire runs back and forth on the bar, shaking his ass in people’s faces as they laugh and slap it.
It’s a predominantly male clientele, and at first I’m confused. Is this the right Palm Club? It has to be. The doorman knew the name to let me in.
“Hey, handsome.” An attractive young man in a halter top pauses at my side. “You here with anyone?”
My brow furrows, and I hesitate. His interest doesn’t bother me, but I’m not sure what I’ve walked into. “I’m technically alone, but perhaps you can help me.”
“Gladly.” He sidles closer with a conspiratorial grin.