Page 32

Oh, she was good. I could have had gin and tonic in the cup I was holding. Divine had no idea what it was, but I passed it to her anyway.

“Yeah. Ginger ale and light ice.”

“Thank you so much. I need something to settle my stomach. I think my cycle is starting early. I had terrible stomach cramps this morning. It feels like they’re coming back with a vengeance.”

“Can I get you anything? I’m sure I have something around here that might help,” Zane offered.

Punk ass.

“I’m good. I’m just gonna sip on this for a minute to see if it helps,” she said, taking a swig from the cup. “I’m mostly worried about getting in the water. I don’t want any surprises.”

“Damn, I was just about to take you over and introduce you to a couple of people. Maybe we should take a raincheck, though. I would hate for something crazy to happen. We don’t need anything embarrassing us during this launch.”

Divine shook her head slowly. “Tell me about it.”

“How about you head out, and we can reconvene at another time?” Zane offered.

That shit was too easy.

“No. I don’t want to ruin your plans. How about I do a lap with you and meet your friends first? During the introductions, you can let everyone know that I’m not feeling well and have to leave.”

He nodded his head in agreement. “That actually sounds good. You ready?” he asked, raising his elbow for her to hold on to.

Turning to me with apologetic eyes, Divine spoke. “Can you hold this, Liam? I think I’m going to leave in a few minutes. Will you let Oneal know that I’m about to leave soon?”

“Um, sure,” I said, taking the cup from her.

My jaw clenched when she turned and looped her arm through his. I had no idea how the hell this shit was going to work. I was pulling restraint from places I didn’t know I had it. There was no way in a normal world that I would be OK with my lady being so cozy with another man, especially not an asshole like Whitmore.

Instead of focusing on beheading Divine’s boy toy, I walked over to the nearest trash can and got rid of the ginger ale. Divine’s daytime escort Oneal was posted up directly in my line of vision, so I made my way over to him.

“What’s up? Welcome back,” Oneal greeted, pushing off the pole where he had been leaning to extend his hand to me.

“It’s good to be back.” I shook his hand.

“I heard the news, man. Sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.”

“So, how you holding up?” he asked.

“I’m good. I actually came over here because Divine wanted me to let you know that she’s not feeling good. She’s not gonna be here too much longer.”

“She good? I heard there was something going around.”

“Oh yeah? She must have caught it. She’s all right, though. She said she just doesn’t feel all that comfortable being in a crowded place when she’s under the weather.”

“OK cool. I feel her on that. I guess my day is cut short.”

“Sounds like it,” I agreed.

“Hey, since you’re here, do you mind escorting her home? I have a detour I want to make.”

“Not at all. I’m back on duty anyway.” I shrugged.

“Thanks, man. Tell her to rest up and drink plenty of fluids.”

“I will,” I confirmed.