Page 47 of Nicoletta
I pull at Bolt’s sleeve.
“What is that supposed to mean?” my father blusters. “Are you threatening me?”
“Why would I threaten you?” Bolt’s voice is deadly low. “You’re nothing to me.”
“Just remember, I’m not the only one involved, and some of these people are dangerous.”
“Yeah,” Bolt cocks his head, “I ain’t too worried.”
“Well, you certainly should?—”
“Clark?” George Davenport claps my father on the back, then gives Bolt a scathing look. “Everything all right here?”
Bolt grips my father’s shoulder. “Me and Clark are just catching up. Right?”
“Yes, that’s right,” my father grounds out, plastering a tight smile on his face.
George turns his gaze to me. “I didn’t know you would be joining us tonight, Nicoletta. Especially after all that unpleasantness concerning Brad.”
I can barely make eye contact with the man, after seeing him on that incriminating video.
“Yes, such a horrible tragedy. Something definitely must be done about crime in this city. Perhaps I should have a word with the chief of police.” I make a show of looking around me. “Is he here tonight?”
“I doubt it,” my father cuts in. “Russ works far too many hours.”
George and my father nod in agreement, and I wonder if Russ Baker is part of their smuggling ring too. Having a ranking police officer would certainly ensure protection, and at this point, I truly don’t think anything would shock me.
“I’m just so surprised to see you here tonight.” George’s eyes dart between my father and me.
My father smiles at me like a cobra scoping out the mongoose. “Yes, I was surprised to see Nicoletta here too.” His smile widens. “Pleasantly surprised, of course.”
George zeroes in on Bolt and sticks out his hand. “I’m?—”
“George Davenport, right?” Bolt shakes his hand.
George furrows his brow. “Have we met?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Bolt withdraws his hand and grins. “Although you look much thinner in person.”
Bolt’s words hang between us until George recovers. “Will Nicoletta and her young man be sitting at our table?”
“Yes, yes, of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” my father gushes.
CHAPTER 17
BOLT
I enjoy the confusion on George Davenport’s smug face. Like the rest of them, they thought they could intimidate me. What they don’t know is it’s the Royal Bastards who do the intimidation, not this cocky asshole.
I restrain myself from tugging at the neck of my shirt again, mainly to avoid Nicoletta’s glare, but seriously, how the fuck do men wear this shit willingly? Too clean. Too controlled. Too fuckin’ uncomfortable.
I shoot my cuffs, then stop. Gotta fit in. Gotta look comfortable like every other man in a monkey suit.
Fidgeting gets you noticed.
And right now?—
Not getting noticed is the only thing keeping this night from going to hell.
