Page 34 of Hate to Love You
The Antonov family built an entire floor in this club, in a week, and made it a VIP lounge. How did I miss this family creeping up the social hierarchy? And not even creeping, but dominating it mercilessly?
I’ll have to look into that.
Mentally, I add that to the to-do list for tomorrow, but my interest is piqued. Because a family with a lot of money always means a family with lots of secrets to hide.
I pull out my phone and see that it’s just past midnight. However, the screensaver of Lily makes me question if I locked the greenhouse and I sigh.
I locked it. I know I did.
The side of my face heats up, and the hair on the back of my neck stands to attention as a familiar feeling overcomes me once again.
It’s something I haven’t felt in a few years: eyes.
Those specific eyes.
While fiddling with my necklace, and stirring my drink with my straw, I resist the urge to seek out the source that sets my skin ablaze.
Normally, a man staring at me wouldn’t make me feel so uncomfortable, but there’s something so powerful in this particular gaze, that feels as if it is searching for any sign of weakness, any clink in my armor, hunting its way to my soul. And it’s almost as if a part of me senses that if I let my guard down, it will tear through the layers of my defense, straight through my skin and bury itself into my body, devouring me and my secrets.
But I’m getting distracted.
Lifting the glass to my lips I toss it back, the cold drink sliding down my parched throat.
There’s no way I can get into the VIP section tonight, but I can place a tracker on his car. He drove it here, usually the rich have cars that are hired, but not this time. No, that car is his. He’s the type of man that would own multiple cars, he screams money and if he’s in VIP then he definitely has some according to Lizzie. However, I’m positive that the Range Rover is his favorite. It’s too polished, too well-kept for him to only use it rarely.
I throw a twenty on the bar and jump down from the stool, adjusting the straps of my jumpsuit. I still feel like I’m being watched, but it’s probably nothing.
Lizzie waves at me, as I finger salute her and walk away. However, I turn and walk straight into Teddy’s chest. I stumble trying to regain my footing. These shoes aren’t exactly conducive for walking, but they went so well with the jumpsuit that I had to wear them.
Teddy grabs my arm to steady me, “Abby baby, leaving so soon?”
“Yeah, Teddy, I’m just not feeling it tonight,” I shrug, running my hand down his arm.
“One dance?”
“Maybe next time,” I yell in his ear. “I have work tomorrow.”
He nods, running his hand through his hair, “Maybe we could get dinner? I could—”
“Bye, Teddy!”
I’m not going to be able to use the loud club as an excuse to avoid that forever. I have been kind of leading him on so that I could get unlimited access to this club when he’s working.
He’s an asset.
Might need to throw the dog a bone at some point.
I throw a wave over my shoulder as I walk toward the exit, still feeling someone’s eyes burning their way through my back as I slide between sweaty bodies. It’s only as I exit the building, the door slamming closed behind me, does the sensation finally fade.
The night is clear, and I inhale deeply feeling the cool air in my lungs.
Glancing around, I can’t believe how quiet it is now, all that can be heard is cars in the distance.
I just want to go home and cuddle up with Lily. It’s strange how a little creature can become such a big part of your life, and feel like family. Technically, she’s my only family, and found me when I needed her most. I can’t imagine my life without her.
As I walk around the side of The Studio to the parking lot, I do my best to appear inconspicuous, pushing my shoulders back and holding my chin high.
Now where is this fucker’s car?