Resting back in my chair, I tap my rings against my glass of whiskey. The collar on my shirt digs into my neck, and I want to rip it off already.
“Shouldn’t you be leaving? You’re already late, and I have to go deal with the next shipment with Nikolai, and then I gotta get back to Zara and Leonardo,” Frankie says from my left with a grin.
He knows I don’t want to go to this wedding. Seeing the family my mom created after she tore ours apart. I’d rather be with him and Nikolai, heading straight back to my new life in Vegas with the Volkovs.
“You got a curfew now, boss?”
“Zara needs me. What can I say? You’ll understand one day.” He shrugs.
I scoff, picking up my drink.
“Doubt that, Frankie.”
I’ve been working for Mikhail Volkov in Vegas since Kai’s death. I will always have my home here in New York. I just need something new. I need to be away from the reminders. And I certainly don’t need a woman. I prefer the variety.
“Couple more drinks first,” I reply, letting the last swallow of bourbon burn down my throat.
I need a few to face this. Maybe Brody isn’t a complete asshole and is nothing like my mother. Even so, after today, I won’t be seeing him again.
“One more. Then go to that damn wedding, show your face and don’t get too smashed. It’s the baby shower tomorrow.” Frankie’s finger wags like he’s my father.
I nod, catching the attention of the pretty waitress with bright red lips.
“What can I get you?” she asks, twirling her blonde hair around her pen, eye fucking me as she speaks.
“Two whiskeys and a shot of tequila.”
I feel Frankie’s disapproving stare on the side of my head.
She leans over, her hair brushing against my jaw.
“How about saving the shots for after I finish?” she whispers in my ear.
I bite down on my tongue as Frankie clears his throat beside me, causing her to pull back.
“I’ve got plans. Maybe I’ll be back after.” I wink at her.
She blushes, giving me a knowing nod before she waltzes off with a sway in her hips.
I watch her take every step until she disappears behind the double doors to the bar.
“Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all,” I mutter, rubbing my hands together.
