Page 23 of Bitter Lies

He nods, smiles, but I can tell he’s bored. Ready to get out there and mingle. Move on.

“Go,” I tell him with a dismissive wave, and raise my drink. “One of us needs to let loose and have fun. I think I’ll order myself another one of these.”

Rising to his feet, Quentin leans in close, gently pressing a kiss to my cheek. “It was nice seeing you again. Great to see Lawrence and Trinity hitting it off. He’s been a mess since breaking up with his ex.”

Spotting my friend grinding her arse against Lawrence, I smile. “Me too. She’s had a tough run lately and deserves to meet someone nice. I’m glad he could come.”

“Sure you don’t want to dance?” He flashes that dimpled smile, the one that convinced me once to let him get me naked. “Just because this isn’t going anywhere else, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the night.”

“I’m good for now, but thank you.” Now that I know how he feels, stringing him along seems wrong. “Go.”

He laughs and sambas as he goes, having a good time, while I suck on my straw until it makes that slurping sound. My lips are numb, and I know it’s time to cut myself off before my detail has to carry me out of here.

Needing the restroom, I stand and signal Ryan, my second detail for tonight, that I’ll be back. He gives me a subtle nod, speaking quietly into his wrist.

They checked out the club when we arrived and chose the safest option. The VIP private bathrooms are secluded and easy to monitor. One way in, one way out.

Once he confirms the hallway is clear, I’m free to walk down it alone.

Having security around all the time is annoying, but I get it. I’m a target because of my siblings’ high-profile positions. If I want to be out in the world instead of tucked away in a bubble, this is the price.

Some days I long to be someone other than myself.

But I love my family. I wouldn’t wish for anything different. They could’ve dumped me on my grandparents after my parents died, but they didn’t. Antonio stepped up. He raised me. Gave me a life worth protecting.

When I’m finished, I head back down the hallway, ready to rejoin my friends and make the most of this night. I’m done letting a man who can’t seem to be bothered take up this much space in my head. I deserve better than that. Better than him. And since I don’t get many nights out, it’s time to get back out there and find someone worthy.

I never make it to the end of the hall. Out of nowhere, a hand clamps over my mouth, cutting off my scream. My captor shoves me through a hidden doorway and pins me face-first against the wall.

My first response is to fight.

Gabriella trained me for this. Guards aren’t foolproof, and when trouble slips through, you’re in charge. She had three basic rules. Fight back. Buy time. Survive.

I never expected to have to use what I learned. Turns out, I do.

Thank you, Gabby.

This arsehole has neglected to secure me properly. He’s left my legs free. I drive the spike of my high heel into his shin with all my might. Hoping the sharp point does some major damage.

“Motherfucker,” the voice of the man I’ve thought about all night grunts, but his hold remains strong. “Good to know you’re a fighter.”

Releasing his hand from my mouth, he presses it against the wall while catching his breath.

“Aiden?” I say, trying to slow the rapid beat of my heart. “You shouldn’t sneak up on someone like that; it’s a bad idea.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I catch sight of him, and I try not to swoon. The man is my weakness. Dark hair, styled off his forehead in that messy way that makes my fingers itch to touch it. His trimmed beard defines his clenched jaw, making him look dangerous.

Bloody hell. I should not be so turned on by the man who just dragged me into a dark hall.

“It’s also a bad idea mouthing off to your attacker, but that’s not stopping you.” The left side of his lip tilts up, making my knickers instantly wet. “It might get you more than spanked this time.”

I’m not sure what comes over me, but something about him flips a switch inside me. He makes me feisty and way more forward than I usually am. “Maybe that’s what I’m hoping for.”

Dark chocolate eyes settle on me as he dips his head, his lips hovering dangerously close. “Careful, Izzy… keep talking like that and I’m going to stop being patient.”

I don’t get a chance to keep talking. His lips slam into mine, the kiss brutal and demanding. It draws a soft purr from my throat, giving me a taste of how different a night with him might be.

I’m on the verge of suggesting we take this back to his place when the shrill of an alarm cuts through the moment; red lights flash overhead.